Andover Alimony Lawyer

At Turco Legal, our Andover alimony attorney has the professional skills and legal knowledge that you can rely on in a complex alimony case. Our goal is to help clients find the solutions that work best for their specific situations. If you have any questions about spousal support, we are here as a legal resource. To arrange a strictly confidential alimony case consultation with a top Massachusetts divorce attorney, please call us at (978) 225-9030 or send us a direct message. 

What Is Alimony? 

Alimony (also known as spousal support or spousal maintenance) may be paid by one spouse to the other during the divorce process or after the finalization of a divorce. There are several different types of alimony in Massachusetts. The form, amount, and duration of alimony are always determined on a case-by-case basis in the Commonwealth. Indeed, alimony is not guaranteed in a divorce case. It will only be awarded if the judge deems that it is warranted given the specific circumstances of the marriage and divorce. 

Four Types of Alimony in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, there are four different types of spousal support that can be awarded. Which type of spousal support (if any) will be granted in your Andover divorce depends on a number of different factors. Here is a brief overview of the four types of alimony in Massachusetts—

• General Term Alimony: General term spousal support is the type of alimony that most people think about. It consists of ongoing payments made by the financially-advantaged party to their former spouse. The amount and duration of general term alimony depends on the length of the marriage, the specific financial circumstances, and other material factors. 

• Rehabilitative Alimony: Rehabilitative alimony is a specialized type of spousal support designed to help a person get back to financial independence after a divorce. Most often, rehabilitative alimony is used to help a person return to school or obtain job skills. 

• Reimbursement Alimony: Reimbursement alimony is designed to repay a spouse for costs that they incurred in order to help the other spouse. As an example, imagine that one partner worked full-time while the other attended law school. The spouse who worked may be entitled to reimbursement alimony for their contributions. 

• Transitional Alimony: Transitional alimony is designed to help the financially-vulnerable spouse transition into their new life after a divorce. It could cover things like moving expenses and initial rent payments. 

Massachusetts Guidelines for General Term Alimony

Under Massachusetts law (MGL c.208, § 49(b)), there are specific guidelines in place to help courts determine the proper duration of general term spousal support. Here is an overview of the Massachusetts guidelines for the length of general term alimony—

• Length of marriage is 5 years or less: Maximum duration is half the length of the marriage. 

• Length of marriage is more than 5 years, but 10 years or less: Maximum duration 60 percent of the length of the marriage. 
• Length of marriage is more than 10 years, but 15 years or less: Maximum duration 70 percent of the length of the marriage. 
• Length of marriage is more than 15 years, but 20 years or less: Maximum duration 80 percent of the length of the marriage.
• Marriage is longer than 20 years: No maximum duration (indefinite alimony can be awarded.)

An Overview of Factors Courts Use to Determine Alimony

Spousal support is always awarded on a case-by-case basis with close attention to the financial circumstances of the parties. Specific factors that could be considered when determining an award of spousal support include:

• The duration of the marriage; 
• Current and future financial prospects of each spouse; 
• Contributions/sacrifices made for the marriage and/or family; and,
• Any marital misconduct that led to the divorce. 

Why Rely on the Andover Divorce Attorneys at Turco Legal for Your Alimony Case

Spousal support cases can be complicated. At Turco Legal, we know that it is never easy to go through a divorce—especially if you need to resolve complex financial matters, such as alimony. Our family law team is ready to begin working on your alimony case right away. Among other things, our Andover divorce lawyers will:

• Listen to your story and explain your rights/responsibilities under Massachusetts law;
• Organize all of the financial documents, records, and information needed to proceed with your case; 
• Represent you in divorce settlement negotiations, including alimony negotiations; and,
• Craft a customized legal strategy designed to help you secure your future.

Schedule a Confidential Consultation with an Andover Family Law Attorney

At Turco Legal, our Andover alimony attorneys are standing by, ready to devise a strategy that will effectively protect your rights. If you have questions about spousal maintenance in Massachusetts, we can help. Give us a call at (978) 225-9030 or connect with us online to arrange your confidential initial consultation. We provide family law representation in Andover and throughout Essex County, including in Salem, Marblehead, Gloucester, and Beverly.