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Is alimony an outdated idea?

On Behalf of | Feb 4, 2020 | Alimony

There are many people who think that alimony or spousal support is an idea that is past its expiration date. Since these laws went on the books during a time when equality was not really a thing, and men were the main breadwinners, it leads many people to say that the laws do not reflect modern couples and today’s equal rights.

The ABA Journal explains that opponents of spousal support think that the idea of someone having to pay their ex-spouse money is ludicrous when there is no longer inequality between men and women. It might be different if your spouse did not work at all during the marriage and will struggle to get back into the workplace. However, if he or she did work and earn an income, then once the marriage ends, he or she should take care of his or her own financial obligations.

Essentially, opponents think it is unfair for someone to expect to keep their lifestyle after a divorce unless he or she can provide it on his or her own. The reality is that in most cases, after a divorce, neither spouse is without a means to take care of him or herself. Both partners have the ability to make a living, and therefore, one spouse should not have to continue to take care of a partner with whom he or she no longer has a relationship.

Of course, there are cases where it may be that one spouse is unable to work. For example, if you have a disabled child that requires intensive care, then your ex-spouse may not be able to work and provide care for the child. In that case, a spousal support award would make sense. Such a situation, though, is not common, which is why alimony opponents feel there needs to be major reform.

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