Adulthood and Divorce

We are born as helpless infants.  For the next 18 years we grow and mature and on our 18th birthday, we are adults.  At that point, our parents can pack our bags, wish us well, show us the door, and never be held legally or financially responsible for us.  Our 18-year-old selves on our own to fend for ourselves.  We can’t go back to court and ask that our parents be forced to house, feed, and clothe us.

So why is it that in most states, Florida being one, after 18 years of marriage, one adult can be legally forced to house, feed, and clothe the other adult? How can that be?

Is the older adult less capable of caring for him or herself than an 18-year-old?  What hogwash have politicians bought into?