Wife of Man Paying Alimony Despite Advanced Alzheimer's Among Those Pushing Reform
The wife of a 72-year-old man still paying alimony despite advanced Alzheimer’s is part of a reform movement seeking to change the laws in several states.
Linda Morgan of Lehigh Acres, Fla., says her husband, retired physician Michael Morgan, has been paying alimony since 1992 when his 36-year marriage ended, USA Today reports. As Michael Morgan’s disease progressed, the Morgans sought to change an alimony agreement reached in mediation. But judges refused their request and even ordered the Morgans to pay attorney fees.
Linda Morgan says she could have used the extra money to pay caregivers for her bedridden husband, who needs help eating and bathing himself.
Massachusetts changed its law last fall. The new measure calls for alimony over differing periods, depending on the length of the marriage and the finances of both spouses, the story says. It also calls for ending payments when an ex acquires a live-in partner, or when the person paying alimony reaches retirement age.
Other states considering changes include Florida and New Jersey. Supporters are also organizing to change the law in Connecticut, Virginia, Arkansas, South Carolina and North Carolina.
Opponents fear the changes will interfere with judicial discretion and harm older women who can’t get alimony when their husbands reach retirement age.
