How is Alimony determined in Massachusetts?
The Alimony Reform Act of 2011, Massachusetts General Laws §§48-55, provides new guidelines for alimony in Massachusetts. The new alimony law goes in to effect March 1, 2012. The Act provides guidelines for alimony amount and duration. The new law will promote consistency in alimony orders and flexibility in the types of alimony ordered, while reserving judicial discretion for special circumstances.
Under the Alimony Reform Act of 2011, there are several types of alimony: General Alimony, Rehabilitative Alimony, Reimbursement Alimony and Transitional Alimony. The new alimony guidelines create a structure for determinations of alimony. The various types of alimony provide for increased flexibility in making alimony orders, while specific guidelines promote consistency in alimony orders. And because there are always special circumstances the New Alimony Act preserves judicial discretion in creating fair and equitable alimony orders.
Contact an experienced divorce attorney mediator to learn how the Alimony Reform Act of 2011 may affect you. If you are contemplating divorce, if you are currently receiving alimony, if you are paying alimony, or if you are a stay-at-home parent, you need to understand the impact of the new alimony laws. Contact us at 508 795 0200 to learn more.
Massachusetts Mediator Larri Tonelli Parker specializes in family and divorce mediation and has over twenty five years experience helping families and couples resolve their differences amicably. Call us to learn how divorce mediation can save you time and money.