Dedham Alimony Lawyer

Dedham Alimony Attorney

Divorce can be emotionally and financially stressful. No matter if you’re seeking alimony or being asked to pay it, the outcome of your case and the long-term consequences for your financial future can be significantly impacted. The Dedham alimony lawyers of Farias Family Law, P.C., work to protect your rights and help you move forward confidently.

We hold a deep understanding of Massachusetts high net worth divorce law, paternity and alimony considerations, and are committed to helping clients settle fairly.

What Is Alimony?

Alimony, or spousal support, comprises financial payments to your spouse over time after a divorce. They’re designed to help the lower-earning spouse maintain their standard of living. In Massachusetts, alimony is not automatic. Rather, it must be ordered by the court.

Courts consider many factors when determining whether alimony is necessary. Some of these considerations include:

• Age and health of each spouse
• Contributions made within the marriage, such as income-earning or homemaking
• The length of the marriage
• The income and earning potential of each spouse
• The lifestyle maintained during marriage

Alimony and child support are not the same. Child support is for the benefit of the child, and courts follow different guidelines that work toward the child’s best interests. Alimony is intended to support the former spouse only. In some cases, a party may be responsible for paying both alimony and child support. The courts review all information to ensure fairness, but not overburden one particular party.

Massachusetts has a divorce rate of 1.4 per 1,000 individuals. Data shows that a woman’s income tends to drop after divorce, while a man’s income often increases, further demonstrating the need for spousal support in many cases. These disparities can be used to justify an increase in alimony. The state’s guidelines generally instruct alimony in the amount of 30-35% of the difference between each spouse’s income.

The team at Farias Family Law, P.C., analyzes these factors to craft your case and negotiate for a favorable agreement, whether you’re on the paying or receiving end.

Types of Alimony in Massachusetts

Under Massachusetts alimony law, there are four major types of alimony. They each serve a different purpose.

• General term alimony: This is the most common form of spousal support and generally occurs for longer marriages. It is paid periodically to a spouse who is financially dependent on the other. The duration of this form of alimony is often linked to the length of the marriage itself.
• Rehabilitative alimony: Rehabilitative alimony is temporary and helps the recipient become more self-sufficient if they were previously dependent on the other spouse. This is often used while the spouse attends school or a training program to re-enter the workforce.
• Reimbursement alimony: This is awarded when one spouse financially supports the other through their education or job training, expecting to see a financial benefit for the family. It’s typically a lump-sum or short-term payment meant to compensate for those investments.
• Transitional alimony: Transitional alimony helps a recipient spouse adjust to a new lifestyle or relocate after a divorce. This is only a short-term payment plan.

The timeline varies for each type and comes at the discretion of the courts. Our Dedham alimony lawyers of Farias Family Law, P.C. can advocate for you to receive or pay the type of alimony that better suits your situation and needs.

Modification and Termination of Alimony

Circumstances change, and that often means changes to alimony orders are also necessary. Massachusetts allows for modification of alimony when there is a material change in circumstances.

These types of changes can include:

• Job loss or promotion
• Retirement
• Serious illness or disability
• Significant change in either spouse’s income
• The recipient cohabiting with a new partner

Whether you’re seeking to reduce or terminate payments or even if you want to oppose a proposed change, Farias Family Law, P.C., can help you work toward adjustments or termination.

Enforcing Alimony Orders

When a spouse does not comply with an alimony order, efforts are taken to ensure that they follow through. The court can use several mechanisms to compel payment. This includes:

• Wage garnishment
• Liens on properties
• Contempt in proceedings
• Interception of tax refunds

No matter if you’re on the receiving or giving end of alimony, our experienced attorneys work to defend against enforcement actions or help you enforce them successfully.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Average Alimony Payment in Massachusetts?

A: The average alimony payment in Massachusetts varies. Some factors taken into consideration include the marriage length, income, and the recipient’s needs. Courts also consider ages, health statuses, employability, and the lifestyle the couple experienced during marriage. Alimony can be temporary, rehabilitative, or indefinite. If either couple’s financial situation changes, alimony can be modified.

Q: What Qualifies You for Alimony in Massachusetts?

A: In Massachusetts, alimony is based on the financial needs of the spouses. If one spouse has a greater financial need, they may qualify to receive spousal support. The courts consider each spouse’s age, earning ability, and health. They also consider each spouse’s standard of economic and non-economic contributions within the marriage, such as working or homemaking.

Q: What Is the 1/3 Rule for Alimony?

A: The ⅓ rule for alimony in Massachusetts is a basic guideline that suggests that alimony duration should equal one-third of the marriage’s length for shorter marriages. This is not a hard and fast rule but merely a point of reference for the judge’s rulings in divorce. Lengthy marriages may result in indefinite alimony. However, the court also considers income, age, health, and other contributions made to the marriage when determining alimony.

Q: Is Alimony Always Awarded in Dedham, MA?

A: No, alimony is not always awarded in Dedham, MA. Courts assess whether one spouse needs financial support and whether the other can pay. Alimony may be denied if both parties are self-sufficient or if the division of property supports the lower earner. If child support already provides adequate support, alimony may be necessary. Some couples negotiate spousal support through a separation agreement. Circumstances vary by case, however.

Contact a Dedham Alimony Lawyer

Farias Family Law, P.C., is committed to helping clients resolve their spousal support matters with integrity. Whether you’re seeking alimony, wanting to challenge a request, or facing modification issues, our team works to protect your rights and pursue a fair outcome.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation so we can discuss your situation.