How is alimony calculated in MA?

How is alimony calculated in MA?

Under the new law, the amount of alimony can be between 30-35% of the payor’s income….Legal Practice Tools: Massachusetts Family Law.

Length of Marriage Duration of Alimony
0 to 5 Years 50% length of marriage
6 to 10 Years 60% length of marriage
11 to 15 Years 70% length of marriage
16 to 20 Years 80% length of marriage

Is there still alimony in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts laws General term alimony shall be suspended, reduced or terminated upon the cohabitation of the recipient spouse for a continuous period of at least 3 months.

Can alimony be modified in Massachusetts?

The person paying alimony or the person receiving alimony can ask for a change in alimony, or you can both ask together. If you and your spouse both agree that you’d like to change your alimony, you should file a Joint Petition. You’ll need to file: Joint Petition/Motion to Change a Judgment/Temporary Order (CJD 124)

What is the percentage of alimony in Massachusetts?

between 30-35%
As a guideline, the law suggests that alimony be paid in an amount between 30-35% of the difference in both spouses’ incomes. However, this is just a guideline and the law recognizes that alimony should not exceed a spouse’s need for alimony.

Can a spouse decline alimony?

Parties may agree to any alimony arrangement that they wish without having to have the judge decide the issue. The parties’ agreement should be reflected in the court order. If there is not a written agreement or a court order, your spouse can stop paying alimony at any time.

Does alimony stop at retirement in Massachusetts?

Pursuant to the Act, any alimony obligations in existence prior to the Act are deemed general term alimony. With respect to retirement, the Act provides that general term alimony shall terminate upon the payor attaining full social security retirement age.

How can I avoid alimony in Massachusetts?

The only way to completely avoid the possibility of alimony in MA is to never get married in the first place. A prenuptial agreement also provides some protection and can substantially reduce your risk. However, if you’re married without a prenuptial agreement, alimony is a possibility.

Is alimony for the rest of your life?

A couple marries and when they divorce, one spouse pays the alimony for the rest of their natural life, or until their spouse’s demise—whichever comes first. Even Powerball winnings end after 20 years, while permanent alimony continues through one’s retirement—although the amount paid can be reduced by the courts.

Does alimony last forever?

Generally, for short-term marriages (under ten years), permanent alimony lasts no longer than half the length of the marriage, with “marriage” defined as the time between the date of marriage and the date of separation. So, if your marriage lasted eight years, you may expect to pay or receive alimony for four years.

What are types of alimony does Massachusetts allow?

General Term Alimony. General Term Alimony requires a regular payment from one spouse to another.

  • Other Types of Alimony. The other 3 types of alimony each have their own circumstances surrounding the payment requirements.
  • Other Determining Factors.
  • Contact our Firm.
  • How do you calculate child support in Massachusetts?

    To use the child support calculator, select or enter the appropriate information next to each statement. When you have completed the form, click on the calculate button to get an estimate of the amount of child support that the non-custodial parent will have to pay to the custodial parent in Massachusetts.

    How does alimony work in Massachusetts?

    By: Julia Rodgers . How does alimony work in MA? Alimony in Massachusetts is guided by the Alimony Reform Act of 2011. Alimony is meant to provide spousal support to a spouse that has a need for support – of course, this is dependent on whether the payor spouse is able to pay support.