Alimony [ Spousal Support ]

Alimony [ Spousal Support ]

Alimony, or spousal support, is money a judge orders one spouse to pay the other after a divorce to support the recipient spouse. In Massachusetts, a judge orders alimony when one spouse needs support and the other spouse can afford to pay it.

It does not matter who filed for divorce. Alimony goes to whichever spouse needs the support. Massachusetts recognizes four types of alimony:

• General Term Alimony: for a spouse who is economically dependent.
• Rehabilitative Alimony: to support a spouse until they can support themselves financially.
• Reimbursement Alimony: to pay a spouse back for contributing to the payor spouse’s financial well-being.
• Transitional Alimony: to help a spouse adjust to a lifestyle that divorce has changed.

Several factors determine the type and conditions of alimony you pay or receive: the length of the marriage, how long the alimony will last, what can end it, whether a court can change it, each party’s income, and each party’s health, among others. Because so many factors come into play, you should hire a family law attorney whenever alimony may be a consideration in your case.

For more information on representation regarding alimony, or to schedule a free consultation, please contact Hera Law Group by phone 978-637-2048 or email office@heralawgroup.com.