Chelmsford Alimony Lawyer

Understanding Massachusetts Alimony Reform

Alimony, also known as spousal support, is a major issue in many divorce cases. This is especially true when one spouse was a stay-at-home parent while the other worked full time. When the marriage ends, the non-working spouse can be at a significant disadvantage because he or she has not worked for many years. Alimony is intended to give that spouse the means to pay bills and have a reasonable standard of living.

A new Massachusetts law that went into effect on March 1, 2012, sets clear limits on the amount of spousal support that a spouse can receive in divorce. The law also eliminates lifetime alimony. It is very important that your attorney clearly understands the new law. Whether you are seeking or paying alimony, your rights must be protected.

I am Chelmsford alimony attorney Kevin P. Broderick, and I have nearly 20 years of experience handling divorce cases in Massachusetts. I always stay up to date on changes in our state's family law, and that includes alimony reform. Whether you will be paying support or receiving it, I can help you understand your rights and obligations and make sure you are protected throughout the divorce process.

The New Framework for Alimony in Massachusetts

For the first time, the new law makes alimony easier to understand and predict. There are no longer complications caused by terms like "temporary alimony" or "permanent alimony." Instead, there are clear guidelines for how long spousal support must be paid, based on length of marriage:

Five years or less: Alimony continues no longer than half the length of the marriage.
6-10 years: Alimony lasts no longer than 60 percent of the length of the marriage.
11-15 years: Alimony lasts no longer than 70 percent of the length of the marriage.
16-20 years: Alimony lasts no longer than 80 percent of the length of the marriage.
Over 20 years: The court has discretion to award alimony for an indefinite period.

As a skilled family lawyer, I can help ensure that alimony payments are incorporated fairly into your divorce settlement agreement.

What if You Are Already Paying Alimony?

If you got divorced before the new law took effect, you can petition the court for modification based on the new law. However, modification cannot occur until:

March 1, 2013, for those were married five years or less
March 1, 2014, for those married 6-10 years
March 1, 2015, for those married 11-15 years
Sept. 1, 2015, for those married more than 15 years

Contact an Andover Spousal Support Attorney About Cohabitation and Alimony Issues

Whether you are seeking spousal support or are obligated to pay, I can help protect your rights. To arrange a free initial consultation, please call 978-674-7146 or contact my law firm online. I represent clients in Middlesex County, Andover, Westford, Concord, and throughout the state of Massachusetts.

Bold labels are required.

Contact Information Name

E-mail Address Please enter a valid e-mail address.

Phone Please enter a valid phone number. You may use 0-9, spaces and the ( ) - + characters.

Brief description of your legal issue

Please verify that you have read the disclaimer. I have read the disclaimer. disclaimer.

The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.

Phone 978-674-7146, 978-459-3085
Toll Free 877-454-3989
Fax 978-459-1792
Lowell Law Office | E-mail Us

Spanish Language Services Available
Se Habla Español

Major Credit Cards Accepted

Real Estate Bar Association
(REBA) of Massachusetts

New Hampshire Bar
Association Member

Massachusetts Bar
Association

Greater Lowell
Bar Association

Attorney Kevin P. Broderick is located in Lowell and serves people from the Lowell area, Merrimack Valley, Carlisle, Westford, Dracut, Lawrence, Woburn, Burlington, Chelmsford, Ayer, Groton, Billerica, Concord, Dunstable, Haverhill, Methuen, Bellerica, Tewksbury, Medford, Lynn, Saugus, North Andover, Danvers, Peabody, Bedford, Cambridge, Orange, Littleton, Newton, Boston and the greater Boston area in Massachusetts, as well as Middlesex County and Essex County. I also take clients from the Nashua, New Hampshire, area.