Length of alimony

I've been married for 18 years, but only together for 15 of them. During the marriage I stayed home to bring up our children and when they started school, I also went back to school to get a degree. However, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis within the first year of starting my career and was forced to stop working again. I am currently in remission and am working full time in another job that is not too much on my health, but the disease I have is one that could very well progress in the future. He earns $85,000/yr and I am currently earning $22,000/yr., which alone is not enough to continue to pay my mortgage, household bills, and medical bills. He seems to think that 5 years is a reasonable length of time to pay alimony, but I don't agree considering all factors involved. Am I grasping at straws to think that I can get him to pay me $20,000 until his retirement (20 years), at which time I will be able to collect from his social security? I feel that if I add that amount to my own salary, it would be enough to pay my bills and give me a small amount left over to set aside for a little nest egg, yet still leave him with plenty for himself. (Within 2 years both children will be out of school and I'm willing to have the alimony portion reduced while he's still paying child support.) I'm not looking to bleed him, I am just concerned about my own future ... especially since I have not worked enough to have the required points necessary to go on SSDI if I ever were to become disabled. I'd appreciate any info I can get on this subject.

if you were married that long and staye home to rear the children and he makes 85,000 spousal support is warrented if not necessary all together. The amount and how long it will be paid only the courts can decide if you and your ex can`t agree. good luck