Debate is picking up across the country as to whether state legislatures should revise existing laws governing alimony payments. In many cases, states have alimony laws that were put into place decades ago. Proponents of reform efforts say that it is time for spousal support guidelines to be modernized. Those in Georgia considering divorce may be subject to different alimony laws if the state congress decides to adopt changes to existing laws.

One man's case has become reform advocates' prime example of problems with current alimony laws in many states. The man, now 72-years-old, split with his wife in 1997 and was ordered to pay over $25,000 annually to his ex-wife for the rest of his life. Now, the man is suffering from advanced Alzheimer's disease and requires full-time care from his current wife. The man has tried, and failed, five times to end or reduce his alimony payments.

Many state alimony laws were put into effect when few women were in the workforce and alimony laws subsequently reflect the nature of families at the time they were adopted. Of course, family dynamics have changed significantly over the last 30 years. Since 1979, the amount of women in the workforce has jumped nearly 10 percent, from 50.9 to 59 percent. In other words, not as many women are dependent on their husband's income anymore.

Reform advocates argue that judges should not have extensive authority to determine alimony payments. Rather, there should be a consistent set of standards to determine how much someone pays in alimony.

On the other hand, reform opponents argue that stripping power from judges will only remove their ability to determine what is best for individual divorce cases. Additionally, opponents believe that reform may lead to spouses not receiving enough money to support their livelihood.

The man responsible for leading the effort to reform alimony laws in Massachusetts, which have become law, imagines that a trend will develop nationwide and change will occur in several states. Whether or not the Georgia Legislature decides to join in the movement, it is still important to look at how family law can be improved for those going through divorce. Divorce is a tough process and laws should be designed to help families through their difficulty.

Source: USA Today, "Should alimony laws be changed?" Yamiche Alcindor, Jan. 19, 2012