What is Alimony?
Alimony is a court-ordered payment made by one spouse to another following a divorce.
I am going through a divorce in Massachusetts. How much alimony will I owe?
There are no alimony guidelines in Massachusetts. It is decided on a case by case basis and depends upon the individual couple's situation. Several factors are considered such as duration of the marriage, children & earning capacity of each partner.
Generally, it would be calculated as a portion of the payor's net income. What does this mean? For example, if the husband is owing alimony, it would be calculated as a percentage or portion of his income.
Alimony can be awarded as a lump sum or as a part of the division of assets between the parties like a settlement, but it is often a regular weekly payment like child support. However, the duration of this award would depend upon the length of the marriage and most importantly the need of the recipient. If the recipient would be able within a reasonable time to receive job-related training and begin employment, the award would be short-term and rehabilitative rather than a long-term support obligation to continue to maintain the lifestyle the parties had while married.
This is not legal advice. Please seek the services of an experienced attorney if you need help with your legal situation.
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