Some people in Florida are advocating that the Sunshine State adopt an alimony reform law, similar to the Alimony Reform Act of 2011 recently enacted in Massachusetts.

Proponents of alimony reform say the concept -- one spouse, usually but not necessarily the husband, makes payments to support the other -- is outdated and no longer a reflection of our society. But critics say that if alimony reform is too broad-sweeping, it could hurt stay-at-home moms and spouses who contributed things other than money to the relationship.

Before you come to your own conclusion about whether our idea of alimony as it stands now needs to be updated, it would be helpful to review the philosophical ideas behind alimony.

The chief concept behind alimony is that the people should have as close to the standard of living after a divorce they had during the marriage. There is also the argument that if one spouse was dependent on the other during the marriage, that spouse should be supported as he or she seeks out the education or training necessary to become self-sufficient. States also have an interest in that they do not want a freshly divorced person to become dependent on state assistance.

Now, some things about alimony have not changed for quite some time. It still is largely women who receive alimony payments, for example. But it is true that society has shifted in the past few decades. Most women now have jobs outside the home, meaning the concept we have of "dependent" may be outdated.

Do you think the concept of alimony is it exists in Florida is fine, or do you feel we should take a look at it again and see if it needs to be changed?

Source: Forbes, "Alimony Reforms Continue to Create More Uncertainty for Divorcing Women," Jeff Landers, Jan. 18, 2012