Family law is always evolving. As laws react to shifts in societal expectations, economic realities, and legal precedent, staying up to date is essential—both for clients and for those of us fighting for our clients’ rights. Below are some of the most important recent changes and emerging issues in family law that may impact divorces, child custody, support, and related matters.

Key Recent Changes

  1. Alimony / Spousal Support Reform in Florida

    • As of July 1, 2023, the Florida legislature enacted Senate Bill 1416, which eliminated permanent (lifelong) alimony in cases filed after that date.

    • New forms available include bridge‑the‑gap, rehabilitative, and durational alimony.

    • Durational alimony amounts and duration are now more clearly defined (for example, tied to the length of marriage), and courts have caps (e.g. durational alimony may not exceed a certain percentage of the income difference between the spouses).

    • Retirement is now recognized as a valid basis to seek modification or termination of alimony.

  2. Georgia Child Support Law Changes (Effective Jan. 1, 2026)

    • A significant shift is coming in how child support is calculated in Georgia: any court‑ordered parenting time for the noncustodial parent—even a single overnight—will mandatorily reduce their child support obligation. This is sometimes called the “anything above zero” rule.

    • This change means parenting time/visitation schedules and custody motions may have more financial implications than before, and parents should anticipate this when negotiating custody/visitation.

  3. Expanding Rights of Non‑Parents for Visitation

    • In Kansas, for instance, a version of the Uniform Nonparent Custody Visitation Act (UNCVA) has been adopted. It broadens who can seek visitation (beyond just grandparents or formal guardians), looking at individuals who have had a substantial relationship or have acted like a parent. Courts may grant visitation rights if denying it would harm the child. American Bar Association

  4. Domestic Violence Definitions and Custody/Court Evaluator Standards (California Example)

    • In some states (e.g., California), there have been updates to what qualifies as domestic violence in custody cases. The definition is expanding beyond physical violence to include emotional abuse, coercive control, financial abuse, and more.

    • Increased requirements for custody evaluators, including trauma‑informed practices and training, are also being introduced to ensure the courts especially consider the impact of abuse when deciding custody or visitation.

Emerging & Ongoing Issues

  • Predictability vs. Flexibility: Many of the reforms (especially alimony law changes) are meant to make outcomes more predictable. But clients still need flexibility in certain situations (e.g. health changes, retirement, significant income shifts). Ensuring petitions for modification are supported and that laws permit needed adjustments remains a vital concern.

  • Parental Time & Financial Rights: As seen in Georgia’s ruling for child support, there’s increasing recognition of parenting time and how even small increments of visitation should affect support obligations. Negotiations for parenting plans are likely to become more complex, since custody/visitation schedules now have stronger financial consequences.

  • Non‑Parent Rights & “Best Interest” Standard: There’s growing debate about how far non‑parents (like grandparents, step‑parents, or others who have strong ties to a child) should be allowed to seek visitation or guardianship. Courts are balancing this with parental rights and what is in the child’s best interest.

  • Domestic Violence and Trauma in Custody Decisions: Courts are increasingly requiring better evidence, better evaluator training, and more nuanced definitions of what constitutes abuse. This shifts how custody orders are challenged and defended, particularly in cases where the abusive behavior is non‑physical but still harmful.

  • “Change of Circumstances” for Modifications: Many recent laws (e.g., in Florida) have relaxed or clarified what qualifies as a “substantial and material change of circumstances” for modifying alimony, child support, parenting time. This makes modification more feasible in some cases.

What This Means for Clients

If you’re facing a family law case (divorce, custody, child support, alimony, etc.), here are some important takeaways:

  • Review any support or alimony agreements/outcomes in light of the new laws. If your case falls under a jurisdiction with new reform, what was once available (like permanent alimony) may no longer be.

  • Reexamine custody or visitation arrangements, especially if you have or plan even limited visitation. These may affect financial obligations under updated child support formulas.

  • Document all significant life changes (health, income, retirement, abuse or safety concerns) — these will be central if you seek modifications.

  • If you are not the parent but have played a parenting role (step‑parent, grandparent, caregiver), you may have new or expanding rights to seek visitation, depending on state law.

  • When domestic violence (physical or otherwise) or abuse is part of the situation, it is critical to present clear evidence and work with professionals familiar with trauma and custody safety norms.

We’re closely monitoring these changes to ensure our clients are protected under the current laws—and to anticipate how evolving legal standards might affect you. If you have questions about any change, want to see how your existing orders might be affected, or need help with navigating a family law issue under the new rules, we’d be honored to help.