Alimony is one of the most contested issues in divorce, and understandably so. However, if you are a financially dependent spouse, you most likely need these payments to help you maintain your standard of life. Please read on and speak with our experienced Massachusetts alimony attorneys to learn more about how we can help.
What are the different types of alimony available to individuals in Massachusetts?
- General term alimony: General term alimony is when a judge decides on regular alimony payments for a determinate period. The length of the marriage is usually the most important factor when calculating the duration of alimony.
- Transitional alimony: This is a support obligation that is designed to help financially independent spouses transition into their new life as a single, unmarried person. This type of alimony is generally awarded in either one lump-sum payment or regular payments. This type of alimony will only apply to marriages that lasted less than 5 years.
- Reimbursement alimony: This type of alimony is reserved for spouses who supported their spouse financially while he or she received higher education or training.
- Rehabilitative alimony: When a spouse puts his or her career goals on hold to further the goals of the other spouse, he or she may require rehabilitative alimony to receive re-education or retraining in his or her career,
How does Massachusetts calculate the duration of alimony payments?
- Marriages less than 5 years: Alimony cannot be ordered for more than 50% of the duration of the marriage.
- Marriages less than 10 years: Alimony cannot be ordered for more than 60% of the duration of the marriage.
- Marriages less than 15 years: Alimony cannot be ordered for more than 70% of the duration of the marriage.
- Marriages less than 20 years: Alimony cannot be ordered for more than 80% of the duration of the marriage.
- Marriages lasting longer than 20 years: The court will decide a fair and just obligation at the judge’s discretion.
Can alimony payments end early?
Usually, former spouses will have to make regular alimony payments until the end of the term decided by the judge. However, certain factors could warrant an early termination of alimony payments. Generally, the only factors that can terminate alimony payments are remarriage or cohabitation, a recent boost in income or the receiving of a large sum of money, or death.
Contact our experienced Massachusetts firm
For over 30 years, The Law Offices of Cynthia L. Hanley, P.C. has provided quality legal support and representation for clients in Bristol County and all of Massachusetts. Our firm’s experience eases the stress of clients while providing the legal services they deserve. If you need help through a contested divorce, contact The Law Offices of Cynthia L. Hanley, P.C. for a consultation today.
