A New Jersey Republican state senator has sponsored legislation that would change the way New Jersey's spousal support laws function, especially regarding lifetime alimony payments. The senator introduced the bill partially on behalf of New Jersey Alimony Reform, an advocacy group that wants the state to update what it sees as outdated alimony laws that unfairly punish individuals ordered to pay spousal support.

The founder and president of the group argue that, "Lifetime alimony and the family court system in New Jersey are driving real people to the brink." He asserts that because the state's alimony laws were established in the 1940s and 1950s, they assume that men are mostly income earners, while most women are stay-at-home mothers.

Now, the senator has introduced the bill to the state senate, hoping to establish a committee that would study and analyze the implications of potential alimony reforms. Under current New Jersey law, a spouse that goes through divorce after at least 10 years of marriage may be ordered to make lifetime alimony payments to his or her former partner, regardless of any future change in employment or income. Critics of the law say that it does not sufficiently take into account financial irresponsibility by the receiver of spousal support, debt, credit card abuse or a refusal to work.

The senator contends that it is unfair that a New Jersey resident could be forced to make alimony payments for several decades after a divorce, even if he or she has difficulty paying. He explained, "The existing law doesn't set adequate limits on the length and amount of alimony payments or provide for adjustments as a result of changed life circumstances." He also complained that many judges refuse to revisit and modify old alimony judgments.

Source: Fox News, "New Jersey lawmaker looks to update alimony rules after advocacy group claims lifetime punishment," Lead Krakinowski, Jan. 11, 2012