Dear Rep/Sen.________: I’m writing to urge you to support much-needed alimony reform. Connecticut’s alimony laws need to be updated for today’s social and economic conditions. The current laws need structure, guidelines and predictability so that divorces are easier to settle, and we cut down on stress and strife of divorce, especially in the lives of our children. In my own situation --- [here briefly describe the hardship that alimony laws have cost you and your family. Please limit your description to two paragraphs of the most salient facts: amount or percentage of alimony; cost of legal bills; difficulty in settling cases and/or modifying; job loss; retirement issues; stress for children; etc.]. Alimony laws with the right mixture of guidelines and judicial discretion, for unusual cases. I believe is pro-family, pro-marriage, that it protects alimony payers and alimony recipients, and that it will reduce the emotional and financial costs of divorce. Like the current Massachusetts law alimony should be used when necessary to make the transition to independence; be automatically limited when the recipient is cohabiting; allow payers a meaningful right to retire; and it remove the income and assets of new spouses in alimony modifications. I welcome the opportunity to talk to you personally about my situation and the need for reform in Connecticut, and will contact your office to set up an appointment. Thank you. Sincerely, Name Address Phone
