Family attorneys and parents awaited Florida Gov. Rick Scott's decision on a bill that would end permanent alimony in the state.
The Florida House on Thursday passed a bill (SB 718) that sets limits on the amount of alimony and how long someone would receive financial support from an ex-spouse.
Judges still will have latitude to make adjustment. The bill already passed the Senate.
"Everything I've heard gives me an indication that this bill is going to become law starting tomorrow," said family law attorney Danny Kaplan with Rosenthal, Rasco, and Kaplan.
It would make it harder to get alimony in short-term marriages and would generally prevent alimony payments from lasting longer than one-half of the length of the marriage.
If you have children and are in the process of getting a divorce, expect a judge to award both parents an equal share of time with the kids unless there is a history of abuse, one parent is in jail, or one parent doesn't want their share of time.
If you're arguing over alimony, gone will be the days where the primary bread winner supports an ex-spouse indefinitely.
There will be restrictions limiting alimony depending on the length of the marriage and the salaries of the couple. Any marriage that is shorter than 11 years will be considered short term.
"They are creating a presumption against any alimony during a short-term marriage," said Kaplan.
"I don't think the needs of senior women who were in long-term marriages is addressed at all," said Nancy Rich.
Rich is in her late 50s, has been married most of her life, and opted not to have a big career so that she could raise her kids. Her husband recently filed for divorce.
"I've applied to 36 different jobs, and I've been on eight interviews and all I've been able to cobble together is part-time work," said Rich, who is hoping alimony will keep her afloat.
If you're already divorced, however, a change in the law will not automatically affect your settlement.
You have to go back to court in order to alter agreements, and Kaplan said that will open a flood gate in the court system.
"My phone's been ringing off the hook for people who are obligated to pay alimony looking to reduce or eliminate their obligation," he said.