Alimony Decisions Have A Long-Term Impact
We Help You Get It Right The First Time
Decisions regarding alimony are among the most contentious issues you can face when ending a marriage. Alimony, which is also known as spousal support, is the financial assistance provided by one spouse to the other. Whether you expect to receive alimony or pay it, it is important to protect your interests in order to secure your own financial foundation going forward.
How Is Alimony Awarded?
The court considers many of the same factors used in determining how to divide marital property, including:
- The length of the marriage
- The age and health of each spouse
- Each spouse’s current income
- The employability of each spouse, including employability with additional training if necessary
- The economic and noneconomic contributions each spouse made to the marriage
- The couple’s standard of living before the relationship ended
The court also considers the need of the receiving spouse and the ability of the paying spouse to do so, particularly if that person is also paying child support.
The Alimony Reform Act, which was signed into law in 2012, made significant changes to spousal support guidelines. Those changes include a limit on the duration of alimony based on the length of the marriage.
Work With An Experienced Legal Team
It is critical to work with a lawyer who fully understands Massachusetts spousal support laws. At the Law Office of Susan Castleton Ryan, P.C., in Abington, our firm is focused on family law. We have been representing individuals in a wide range of family matters since 1993.
We welcome the opportunity to answer your questions regarding alimony and all other family law issues during a free consultation. Call 781-523-9087 or use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys.
We represent clients throughout Plymouth County and all neighboring counties on the South Shore.