Some states are deciding on proposals to end alimony. Alimony has always protected the spouse who stays at home and takes care of the children and creates a home for the family.

Most married mothers with children at home either don’t work or work less than full time. So if they get divorced, alimony is the way to lessen the sacrifice they are making. When a spouse takes time from the working world to raise a family, it is more difficult to re-enter that world at the same level, if at all. Alimony is the closest thing they have to a safety net. The question is how to measure and compensate for the sacrifice. If alimony is cut back significantly, then the “stay-at-home” mom is at extreme risk of being left high and dry—without many options. Ending alimony would be a terrible mistake.

For years, financial counselors like Suzie Orman have warned women that they should prepare for the worst outcome in their marriage—by keeping assets in their own names and having an individual emergency fund. If you’re less likely to receive alimony, then you’ve got more reason to pursue this strategy. “The Divorce Survival Guide to Women” @www.preparefordivorce.com is very important in helping you.