Around the U.S. there is a push to reform alimony laws. Many people feel that the laws are out of date and unfair to the former spouses required to make alimony payments. This is a movement that affects all divorced couples past and present where spousal payment is required. Illinois couples considering divorce may want to pay attention.

The argument for alimony reform is varied, but generally centers on the basic need or ability of one party to pay the other. Many states do not allow for reassessment of alimony even if the party receiving the payment does not financially require the money or if the party required to pay can actually do so.

Some feel strongly that a reexamination of the duration of alimony and the maximum payment to be received is in order because alimony laws were often put in place at a time when divorcing wives were at an extreme disadvantage.

In Illinois, the term alimony has been replaced by the term maintenance. In Illinois by divorce decree, one party may be required to pay maintenance to the former husband or wife. Unlike in other states, maintenance can be reviewed and modified to accommodate a change in circumstances for the person with financial obligations to the ex-spouse.

If you are considering or going through a divorce an experienced attorney can help guide you through the difficult subject of divorce.

In dealing with a maintenance provision you want to be sure that everything agreed to is in the best interest of both parties and that no one side is at extreme disadvantage. An attorney can help protect your rights and assets and make sure that there are no unclear provisions in your divorce settlement.

Source: USA Today, "Should alimony laws be changed?" Yamiche Alcindor, Jan. 18, 2012