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Lawmakers consider controversial alimony, custody changes

FLORIDA — Big changes could be in store for couples who divorce under legislation now being considered by Florida lawmakers.

Measures to end permanent alimony and to push judges toward 50-50 time sharing between parents are generating emotional arguments in legislative committee hearings.

An alimony reform bill passed its second committee in the House last week, and is ready for a vote on the House floor.

"A lot of people feel like nobody should win the lottery by getting married," said Steven Kramer of Kramer Law Firm.

A child custody bill has passed one committee in the Senate. Backers say alimony reform is needed to provide consistency and end injustices to a spouse ordered to pay alimony for life.

However, opponents including the National Organization for Women contend the changes would be unfair to women who give up careers to be stay-at-home home mothers.

"So, now I'm 71 years old and I'm working three part time jobs to supplement my Social Security and my alimony," said Ann Dwyer, against alimony bill. "It's just unconscionable that this should happen."