When couples in Massachusetts get divorced, one of the matters that may have to be addressed is alimony. Alimony is when one former spouse pays the other former spouse to allow them to maintain the same quality of life they once had before the divorce. Sometimes, alimony allows the less monied spouse to attend school or other career training that can help them advance their earning capacity in the working world.
In 2011, Massachusetts passed An Act Reforming Alimony In The Commonwealth, that would ultimately go into effect in 2012. The reason that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts unanimously passed an act to reform alimony is because before the reform act, alimony obligations could last for the rest of an individual’s life. In addition, the amount that the person was obligated to pay would be determined by the judge handling their case. This meant that some people were paying through the roof and simply could not afford to make alimony payments.
The Act Reforming Alimony made a few significant changes. First, it made it so the obligation would be terminated or significantly reduced if the recipient began living with another partner. In addition, alimony would be terminated once the individual receiving payments reached the age of retirement. Finally, the Commonwealth made it so the courts heavily considered the length of the marriage when determining the alimony obligation.
If you have questions about alimony in Massachusetts, contact our firm today.
If you require compassionate and knowledgeable legal guidance for a matter of divorce, family or estate law, please contact the experienced attorneys at the Law Offices of Cynthia L. Hanley today.
