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How can I avoid alimony in Massachusetts?
The only way to completely avoid the possibility of alimony in MA is to never get married in the first place. A prenuptial agreement also provides some protection and can substantially reduce your risk. However, if you’re married without a prenuptial agreement, alimony is a possibility.
How does wife get alimony?
Your spouse can be ordered to pay you alimony if the judge finds that you were financially dependent on your spouse during the marriage. you relied on your spouse for financial support, you don’t have sufficient property (including marital property) to provide for your needs, and.
What is the average alimony payment in Massachusetts?
Legal Practice Tools: Massachusetts Family Law Under the new law, the amount of alimony can be between 30-35\% of the payor’s income. The duration of the alimony obligation depends on the length of the marriage (see table below).
What are the rules for alimony in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts laws
Length of marriage | Length of general term alimony |
---|---|
5 up to 10 years | No more than 60\% of the number of months of the marriage |
10 up to 15 years | No more than 70\% of the number of months of the marriage |
15 up to 20 years | No more than 80\% of the number of months of the marriage |
20 or more years | Indefinite |
When do you have to pay alimony in a divorce?
A spouse who is ordered to pay alimony in a divorce may wonder “when do you have to pay alimony?” The answer is whenever it is due. Alimony begins as soon as a divorce order requiring it is signed by the judge. A spouse who refuses to make the required alimony payments can be held in contempt of court.
What is the difference between alimony and spousal support?
Whichever alimony definition your state uses, alimony involves payments made by one spouse to the other. A spousal support award can be temporary while a divorce is pending, or it may be a permanent award that’s part of a divorce decree. Alimony payments are designed to equalize the financial resources of a divorcing couple.
Does alimony make sense when you have two spouses?
They each make about $50,000 a year. In this case, alimony doesn’t make sense. That’s because they’re financial equals. Sure, their standard of living will drop a bit when they go from one household to two. But each spouse will get affected in roughly the same way.
What happens to alimony when a spouse retires?
a significant event occurs (like a paying spouse’s retirement or a supported spouse’s new high-paying job) a judge determines that alimony is no longer necessary. As with most issues in your divorce, you and your spouse can reach an agreement about the amount and length of time alimony will be paid.