The awarding of alimony can be a complicated endeavor and depends on a number of circumstances, including a need and an ability to pay. Alimony is not automatically granted to a spouse who earns less and it is not gender specific. There are also several types of alimony in Massachusetts. During any divorce, the process can be complex and the decision to seek alimony or order to pay it can come at a very difficult time. Having legal counsel with experience in alimony issues and knowledge of the latest alimony laws is a must. Shapiro Law Group, PC has the experience, knowledge, and compassion needed to help you get through this transition and get the best possible outcome.
TYPES OF ALIMONY
There are several types of alimony. They include:
- General
- Rehabilitative
- Reimbursement
- Transitional Alimony
Transitional alimony can help one party adjust to a new lifestyle or location if they had to move. Rehabilitative alimony is ordered with the intent to help pay for job training or the educational needs of someone who has to get back out in the workforce. Reimbursement alimony can be ordered if one party paid for a spouse to get their education, or if one party financially supported the other and now has the ability to pay some of that money back.
DURATION OF GENERAL ALIMONY
General alimony is pretty straightforward. It is based on the income of the parties and the length of the marriage. New reforms in 2012 put a stop to lifetime alimony obligations that were putting a financial strain on those who had to pay. Now, the amount of months a couple was married determines the amount of time a person has to pay alimony. If a couple was married 5 years or less, alimony may be paid for 50% of the amount of months the marriage lasted. For those married less than 10 years, but more than 5 years, the payments can last a total of 60% of the months the marriage lasted. If the marriage lasted less than 15 years, but more than 10 years, alimony is paid for 70% of the number of months the marriage lasted. For a marriage lasting less than 20 years, but more than 15 years, alimony may be ordered for 80% of the months married. The court has discretion in setting a time frame for alimony payments involving marriages that lasted for more than 20 years. The new reforms also state that if a partner receiving alimony remarries or cohabitates with someone for a continuous period of at least 3 months, the alimony shall be suspended, reduced, or terminated. If the person paying alimony remarries, their new spouse’s income does not factor into alimony payments.
BENEFITS TO HIRING AN ALIMONY ATTORNEY
Anyone on either end of an alimony judgment needs comprehensive legal counsel to ensure the reforms and laws are upheld. An experienced alimony attorney from the Shapiro Law Group, PC can also help someone present his or her unique circumstances. When you have our team on your side, you can rest assured you will have aggressive and dedicated representation that will fight to protect your finances now and in the future. We provide focused and individual attention as we know each alimony case is different. Our team is the right choice for your alimony case so you can be sure you get the best possible resolution now and the ongoing support and advice you may need later on. The attorneys at Shapiro Law Group, PC, are ready to help you. Contact us today to set up your free initial consultation. (339) 298-2300.
I WOULD ABSOLUTELY HIRE SHAPIRO LAW GROUP AGAIN