Danvers Alimony Lawyers

Comprehensive Legal Representation in Essex County & Greater Boston

Alimony, or spousal support, is a legal obligation for one spouse to provide financial payment to the other during or after a divorce. The purpose of alimony is to help maintain a similar standard of living for both parties as they transition to a single life. This is particularly important when one spouse may have been financially dependent on the other during the marriage. Understanding the nuances of alimony is crucial, as it can significantly impact your financial future.

At Broderick & Mastrapasqua, LLC, our legal team can represent you in seeking or contesting alimony in a pending divorce or modifications of alimony in post-divorce cases. We can provide comprehensive legal support in cases involving even the most complex financial pictures, such as in high net worth cases, business ownership, or other complicated income source situations. 

Contact a Danvers Alimony Attorney for a Free Consultation at Broderick & Mastrapasqua, LLC by phone at (978) 721-8861. You can also reach us via our online contact form.

Who Qualifies for Alimony in Massachusetts Divorces?

Either spouse can be awarded alimony, depending on the circumstances. Factors influencing this decision include the marriage’s length, the requesting spouse’s financial needs, and the other spouse’s ability to pay. Alimony is not guaranteed, and outcomes can vary based on individual cases.

Under Title III Chapter 208 Section 53 of Massachusetts law, alimony generally does “not exceed the recipient’s need or 30 to 35 percent of the difference between parties’ gross incomes established at the time of the order.”

Understanding the Different Types of Alimony in Massachusetts

Under Massachusetts law, several types of alimony are recognized.

General Term Alimony: Usually awarded for a specific duration, this type helps support a spouse as they work toward financial independence. The duration generally depends on the length of the marriage: 

• Marriages of 5 years or less: Alimony can be awarded for up to 50% of the length of the marriage.
• Marriages between 5 to 10 years: Alimony can be awarded for up to 60% of the length of the marriage.
• Marriages between 10 to 15 years: Alimony can be awarded for up to 70% of the length of the marriage.
• Marriages between 15 to 20 years: Alimony can be awarded for up to 80% of the length of the marriage.
• Marriages over 20 years: Alimony can be indefinite.

General term alimony generally ends if either party dies, the recipient remarries, or the paying spouse reaches full retirement age.

Rehabilitative Alimony is intended to provide temporary financial support to a spouse, expecting the recipient to become self-sufficient by a specified time. This type of alimony is typically short-term and may last until the recipient completes education or job training, secures employment, or achieves another similar or related milestone.

Reimbursement Alimony compensates a spouse for economic contributions made during the marriage, such as supporting the other spouse through education or training. This form of alimony usually involves a fixed sum rather than ongoing payments. Since reimbursement alimony is often paid as a lump sum, it terminates once the payment is made. 

Transitional Alimony is designed to help a spouse adjust to the financial changes brought about by divorce. This is usually short-term and is intended to assist the recipient in transitioning to a new lifestyle or location. 

Transitional alimony is primarily awarded in cases involving shorter marriages (less than five years). The specific amount and payment structure are determined based on the recipient’s needs and the paying spouse’s ability to provide support within this short timeframe; it typically ends within three years.