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Divorces can be complicated and emotional, especially when finances and alimony are involved.  As Matt Galka tells us, Florida lawmakers are backing a bill that could put an end to permanent alimony in the state.

The days of paying an ex-spouse for life could be numbered if the Florida House gets their way.  Representative Colleen Burton’s (R-Lakeland) bill would effectively put an end to the permanent payments.

“This is a bill that, across our state, provides a framework that provides wherever you live in the state, you walk in and can ensure you’ll receive equal treatment no matter where you are,” said Rep. Burton.

The bill gives judges a formula to determine limited alimony. Tampa Family law attorney Joseph Hunt says the bill would give uniformity to a complicated issue.

“We have seven family law judges in Tampa I can have the same set of fact and receive 7 different outcomes for alimony, is that fair to the people of Florida?” said Hunt.

Alimony is typically looked at as an ex-husband paying an ex-wife. But Tarie MacMillan says her ex lives off 65 percent of her income.

“No adult should live off another adult is my basic feeling. I mean once my children are 18 they’re responsible for themselves, but if you marry someone and you decide not to be married you can be responsible for paying the rest of their lives or the rest of your life,” said MacMillan, the Vice President of Family Law Reform group.

Stay at home moms are worried the bill could cripple them. Shelly Moxon Lehman says she was a cheated on and a victim of domestic violence before she got a divorce.

“It was not good for our children to be in that but nowadays if there’s no protection for full time mothers, women are going to stay in those relationships, knowing they’re not going to survive,” said Moxon Lehman.

Governor Rick Scott vetoed a 2013 bill that would have ended permanent alimony because it was retroactive.

The bill Is ready for a full vote from the House but has yet to be heard in the Senate