Unlike child support, there is no formula in Minnesota to determine alimony. In some cases, divorcing couples may choose to forego alimony payments altogether, but there may be cases when a judge requires permanent alimony payments.

Whatever the case may be, issues can come up. Some people may feel that they are paying too much alimony, while others may feel that they are receiving too little. Recently, there has been a push in a number of different states across the country to change alimony laws by creating guidelines for judges to follow.

One woman is in favor of changing alimony laws. Her 72-year-old husband suffers from Alzheimer's, but is still required to pay $25,200 to his ex-wife that he divorced 15 years ago. She finds it difficult to understand how a man who cannot take care of himself should be required to pay a woman who is working full-time.

Last fall, Massachusetts was the first state to change alimony laws. Under the new laws, there will be differing types of alimony depending on how long the couple was married and their incomes. Alimony can also be modified if a recipient begins living with a different partner or when the person paying the alimony reaches retirement.

Other states are also joining the trend. Bills have been introduced to the legislatures in Florida and New Jersey.

Those who are in favor of the change say alimony laws are outdated, especially since more women are in the workforce, and since many women have higher incomes than in past decades.

However, those who are opposed say that changes to the laws would limit judge's discretion, and could end up putting some people in a tough position if they are not given the kind of financial support they need.

So far there have been no changes to alimony laws in Minnesota, but as more states take it into consideration, lawmakers in the state could have a decision to make.

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