Massachusetts Continues to Award Lifetime Alimony

Many residents in the state of Massachusetts are disappointed after a legislative session closed without any changes being made to alimony laws.  Now, Massachusetts still remains one of the few states in the U.S. that awards lifetime alimony.

Residents have been pushing for durational limits and some say they would prefer that alimony is granted for particular events or with time limits. According to a report from the Joint Massachusetts Bar Association/Boston Bar Association Alimony Task Force, there should be clear time limits and guidance for awarding alimony.  In its report, guidelines are listed that take into account the duration of a marriage.

For example, if a marriage lasted less than five years, the report says alimony should be provided for no more than 50% of the length of marriage.  However, if the marriage lasted more than 20 years, the report says alimony should be indefinite and that payments would terminate upon the retirement of the spouse who is making spousal support payments.

Have concerns related to alimony?  Contact us to get help from a Jacksonville family lawyer.