Bill to Create Panel to Study Alimony Laws Moves Forward in Trenton

A shore area Assemblyman is hoping to see the state's alimony and child support award laws changed to reflect the present economic realities. 

30th District Republican Sean Kean says he's heard horror stories from constituents who've lost their good paying jobs in the recession and have no prospect of making the same wages again.

Kean says "these people are coming into to court and they're saying 'Judge, you know look I haven't worked and really don't have any prospects to getting back to where I was when I got divorced and I need some relief here' and the courts are just saying to these people, tough luck."

Kean is the prime sponsor of a bill (AJR36) that would create an 11-member Blue Ribbon Panel to gather information and testimonies on the issue.  The bill gained approval in the Assembly Judiciary Committee and is headed to the full floor for a vote.  A companion measure (SJR34) is waiting for consideration in the Senate.

Kean says the panel will be charged with coming up with recommendations that will help create legislation aimed at updating Alimony award laws.

However, according to the State Legislative website, Kean is already the prime sponsor of a bill that would modify Alimony and Child support awards for people who have been unemployed for more than six months.  Bills S1388/A685 provides for modification of child support and certain alimony payments due
to changed circumstances.  The bills were first introduced in 2010 and have been languishing in the Senate Judiciary Committee.