Some in North Carolina may be looking to change current alimony laws. This trend has been sweeping the nation after one state permanently changed their alimony laws last fall.

Unlike child support, there is often no formula for determining alimony when a couple is going through a divorce. Often, alimony is determined on a case-by-case basis and at a judge's discretion. However, those who believe current alimony laws should be changed are looking for more strict guidelines for judges to follow.

Under the new guidelines, alimony payments would be determined by the length of the marriage and each spouse's income. Additionally, payments would be terminated if the recipient begins living with another person or when the person paying alimony reaches retirement.

Last fall, Massachusetts became the first state to change alimony laws. Now, legislators in Florida and New Jersey are considering changes. Advocates in Connecticut, Virginia, Arkansas, South Carolina and North Carolina are also pushing for change.

One woman is particularly is in favor of changing current alimony laws. Her 72-year-old husband suffers from Alzheimer's. His disease is so advanced that he can no longer get out of bed, yet is still required to pay $25,200 each year to his ex-wife that he divorced in 1997.

Those in favor of the changes believe alimony laws are outdated and may leave some people stuck with inappropriate payments. However, those who oppose these types of changes say that state legislatures shouldn't be controlling judge's individual decisions. Additionally, the changes could leave some people in a difficult situation if they are not receiving the proper financial help.

Although it is unclear what will happen in the future, could North Carolina be the next state to adopt these changes? Only time will tell.

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