Boston Alimony Lawyer

At Turco Legal, our Boston alimony lawyer provides comprehensive, results-driven family law representation to clients. With extensive experience in a wide array of family law matters, our firm handles all aspects of alimony cases. If you have questions about your rights or responsibilities under the spousal maintenance laws in Massachusetts, we can help. Call us at (978) 225-9030 or contact us online to request your confidential spousal support consultation with a Boston alimony attorney. 

What is Alimony?

Also called “spousal maintenance” or “spousal support”, alimony is payment made by one spouse to the other. It may be paid during the divorce process and/or after the finalization of the divorce. The precise structure and duration of alimony will always depend on the specific circumstances of the case. Massachusetts law is clear: Alimony is not guaranteed. It will only be approved by the court if deemed appropriate given the specific circumstances of the case.

Understanding the Four Types of Spousal Support in Massachusetts

It is useful to understand the different kinds of spousal support that can be granted as part of the divorce process in Boston. Each type of alimony is designed to achieve a certain goal. Here is an overview of the four types of spousal support that could be granted as part of a divorce in Boston— 

• General Term Alimony: General term alimony is paid by one party, the payor, to the other party, the recipient, who is economically dependent on the payor. If granted in a Boston divorce, the amount and duration of general term alimony will vary based on several case-specific factors. 

• Rehabilitative Alimony: Paid as either a lump sum or short series of payments, rehabilitative spousal support is meant to help the economically-dependent partner get what they need to achieve self-sufficiency and financial independence. 

• Reimbursement Alimony: In Massachusetts, reimbursement alimony is designed to help a spouse recoup certain costs that they incurred during the marriage, as well as compensate that spouse for non-economic contributions. In many cases, this type of alimony is paid to the spouse who worked full-time while their partner attended graduate school (medical school, law school, business school, etc.) and obtained skills to get a high paying job, for example. 
• Transitional Alimony: Going through a divorce can be logistically challenging. One spouse may be awarded transitional alimony (short-term spousal support) to help them get set up with their new life. It could cover moving costs, initial rent payments, and other expenses.  

What to Know About Massachusetts Guidelines for General Term Alimony

Under Massachusetts law (MGL c.208, § 49(b)), there are guidelines in place to help judges in the Suffolk County Probate and Family Court determine the proper duration of general term spousal support. The length of general term alimony is largely determined by the length of the marriage. Here are the key things to know— 

• Spouses were married for 5 years or less: Spousal support can be up to half the length of marriage. 
• Married more than 5 years, but 10 years or less: Spousal support can be up to 60 percent of the length of marriage. 
• Married more than 10 years, but 15 years or less: Spousal support can be up to 70 percent of the length of marriage. 
• Married more than 15 years, but 20 years or less: Spousal support can be up to 80 percent of the length of marriage. 
• Married longer than 20 years: No limit in the guidelines. Indefinite alimony may be awarded. 

Courts Use Many Factors to Determine Alimony

Ultimately, alimony is awarded on a case-by-case basis in Massachusetts. The specific situation always matters. Along with other factors, courts may consider the following when determining alimony obligations: 

• The length of the marriage; 
• The current income and financial resources of each spouse; 
• The likely future earning potential of each party; 
• Sacrifices made to support the family; and,
• Marital misconduct.  

Why Clients Choose the Boston Family Lawyers at Turco Legal

Alimony laws are complicated. No matter what side of the case you are on, professional guidance and support is available. At Turco Legal, we are devoted to helping our clients secure the most effective, efficient, and stress-free outcomes in their divorces. Our firm can help with questions about alimony. Among other things, our Boston spousal support attorneys are prepared to: 

• Listen to your story and explain your rights and duties under Massachusetts alimony law; 
• Organize and assemble relevant financial documents, records, and information; 
• Represent you in divorce and alimony settlement negotiations with your spouse; and,
• Put together a customized strategy designed to help you secure the best results. 

Contact Our Boston, MA Divorce Attorneys About Your Alimony Case Today

At Turco Legal, our Boston family law attorneys have the skills and experience to handle all types of alimony cases. If you have any questions or concerns about spousal support in Massachusetts, we can help. Give us a call at (978) 225-9030 or contact us online to set up your strictly private initial consultation. From our Boston law office, we handle alimony cases in Suffolk County and beyond.