Divorcing couples must sort out a number of matters, including whether one will pay the other alimony and the amount of the payment. Alimony has long been a part of divorce proceedings, but a change to its very nature could be in the offing. Groups in various states have begun to push for alimony reform, and state legislatures are listening. Already other states have altered their alimony laws and others, including New Jersey, are considering making similar modifications.

The groups are upset about the potential burden that lifetime alimony payments can have on a paying ex-spouse. Current New Jersey law allows judges to require one spouse to pay the other alimony for life. The alimony reformers argue that this arrangement disadvantages the paying spouse, who may still have to make payments if the other spouse remarries and receives financial security through that new relationship.

One New Jersey Assemblyman has allied himself with the reformers and has introduced legislation that would change our alimony laws. In general, the new laws would provide ex-spouses the ability to ask for a modification of an alimony order under certain circumstances. In particular, if the paying ex-spouse experiences a drop income because of illness or disability, the amount of the alimony would reflect that drop. In addition, the legislation favors time limits for alimony payments over lifetime alimony.

The reformers do not want to do away completely with alimony, however. They recognize that alimony has significant importance and benefits to those who receive it. For example, alimony can provide the support necessary for a person to enter the job market and find employment.

Source: MyCentralJersey.com, “Assemblyman Kean proposes alimony law overhaul,” Bob Jordan, Feb. 14, 2012.