The controversy over alimony law in New Jersey has been ongoing for some time now as advocates for reform continue to argue that the state’s allowance of lifetime alimony is unfair. Lawmakers are being prompted to consider more restrictive legislation, while opponents to suggested reforms say that the current spousal support practices work just fine.

Under current law, courts may take wide discretion in attempting to come up with a fair alimony award – sometimes this results in lifetime alimony. Should an alimony award later become inappropriate, it is possible to ask a court for a modification. In a very high-profile case out of state, actor Brendan Fraser has recently asked a court to reduce his alimony payments.

Fraser was ordered to pay his ex-wife $50,000 a month in alimony after the couple’s 2009 divorce. This winter, he asked the court to lower his spousal support obligations because he is no longer getting enough acting roles to sustain the payments.

His ex-wife, however, has fought back in court, accusing Fraser of hiding assets. She has argued that he has a net worth of about $25 million and that he brings in at least $3 million annually.

The movie star continues to maintain that his income is not what it was when the alimony arrangement was initiated, as medical and other issues have affected his earnings.

Whether a court will be in favor of modifying the existing alimony arrangement remains to be seen. This very public case is an example, nonetheless, of the legal process that is available to those in need of modifying their alimony orders.

Modifications to alimony arrangements can be requested if there is a substantial change in the financial circumstances of either party – this might be an increase or decrease in income, an inheritance, or increased medical expenses. When an alimony arrangement becomes unfeasible or inappropriate for either party, it is important to seek legal counsel.

Source: Daily Mail, “Stand Off: Brendan Fraser’s ex-wife accuses the star of hiding his earnings in attempt to reduce $50,000 monthly alimony payments,” Aug. 19, 2013