Alimony and Spousal Support

Prominent Boston, Massachusetts, Alimony Law Firm

Laws about spousal support, often still called alimony, are very specific in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Spousal support may either be ordered by a family law judge as part of the final divorce settlement or it may be included in a negotiated settlement agreement between spouses. In recent years, there has been a general tendency to disallow alimony in settlements where there isn't sufficient income to award both alimony and child support payments. If the custodial parent can show need and sufficient reason to receive maintenance, however, it may still be ordered, if there is the ability to pay. Alimony is typically based on a variety of factors that take into account the need and financial circumstances of both spouses.

The divorce and family law attorneys at Bishop & Reidy, P.C. can explain how spousal maintenance laws might apply in your pending divorce. Contact our offices in Quincy, Massachusetts, to discuss your pending divorce needs.

Factors for alimony include such things as:

  • The length of the marriage. Long-term marriages of twenty years or more, as well as the contributions of the non-earning spouse, may be significant factors.
  • The vocational skills and earning capacity of the dependent spouse.
  • The age of the spouses
  • The health of the spouses and whether health insurance is available
  • The station or lifestyle enjoyed by the parties during the marriage

An experienced divorce attorney can help

If you are considering divorce, spousal support may be an important concern. If you have spent the majority of your marriage taking care of the needs of the home and family, receiving alimony is a valid settlement option. The experienced attorneys at Bishop & Reidy, P.C. have helped many of our clients receive the spousal maintenance settlement they need for security.

If you are currently obliged to pay spousal maintenance, and your financial situation has changed, we can help. We provide experienced representation for people who need to apply for judgment modifications because circumstances have changed in their lives.

Contact us to schedule a consultation about your divorce and alimony needs. We can help you get the settlement that is right for your future and your family.