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PRACTICING FAMILY LAW
In Massachusetts For Over 30 Years

PRACTICING FAMILY LAW

In Massachusetts For Over 30 Years

A quick guide for preparing to modify your alimony in MA

On Behalf of | Jan 17, 2020 | mediation and collaborative law |

People move through different life changes after a divorce. One person might get into a serious relationship or remarry. Exes may change careers or start a new family. All of these may have some bearing on whether the payer can afford to keep distributing the same amount of money as they agreed to at the time of the divorce.

According to Massachusett’s state website, unless a couple has been married for 20 or more years, the alimony is not indefinite. Because of this, some people may choose to wait out the alimony period instead of seeking a modification. Here are the current alimony payment term lengths as it relates to the lengths of marriages:

  • Indefinite alimony for marriages that last for 20 years or more
  • Up to 80% of the number of months of marriage for 15 to 20 years
  • Up to 70% of the number of months of marriage for 10 to 15 years
  • Up to 60% of the number of months of marriage for five to 10 years
  • Up to half the number of months of marriage for five years or less

Even indefinite alimony might get changed and either party can make this request. Massachusett’s website states that some couples even make the request together. When spouses agree on the changes, the process tends to be a lot easier. There are several documents to file together. These include but are not limited to financial statements, child support guidelines and an affidavit.

When couples do not agree, the process is a bit trickier. This may involve filing financial statements as well as a complaint for modification of alimony. Court dates may soon follow.

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