For some, the notion of supporting a spouse in Ohio after a divorce is absurd. The party that is obligated to pay it may feel blighted that he or she is under a legal contract to support a former spouse. For the party that receives it, they may balk at the very idea of alimony and consider it archaic and discriminatory.

Two New Jersey groups are at battle over spousal support issues as they express their desires to completely change the laws that govern alimony. The groups are petitioning legislature to more clearly define guidelines and allow financial support payments to be made to men or women based on marriage length. The groups are fighting against an opposing bill that they allege would only be beneficial to divorce attorneys.

In defense of the opposing bill, a spokesperson stated that most groups that are in favor of spousal support reform are not generally interested in making spousal support payments period. Rather than provide nebulous guidelines that may not necessarily be advantageous for divorcees, the opposing bill seeks a more comprehensive reform.

There was a time in U.S. history when women did not have many opportunities to obtain a college education. Today, however, many women out earn their husbands. While the premise of alimony was established to help support women and families, it is a topic of controversy among both men and women today. When people have issues with spousal support, they may find it helpful to speak with an experienced attorney.

Source: Asbury Park Press, “Groups duke it out over pair of rival alimony-reform bills,” Dec. 11, 2013