Norfolk Alimony Lawyer

Norfolk Alimony Attorney

When a marriage ends, the financial ties between the two ex-spouses don’t immediately dissolve with the relationship. Spousal support issues often arise in divorces, especially those that have substantial assets. A skilled Norfolk alimony lawyer can help you reach fairness in alimony issues, ensuring that your future is secure.

Why Choose Us?

We at Farias Family Law, P.C., are aware that picking the appropriate lawyer can make the difference between a future filled with uncertainty and one that is stable for the long run. Honesty, open communication, and strategic advocacy are the cornerstones of our team.

We collaborate with our clients, providing them with individualized attention and innovative solutions that are suited to their objectives rather than merely processing cases. Whether you’re dealing with child custody disputes, navigating the challenges of divorce, or establishing paternity, we put forth endless effort to preserve the things that are most important to you. With a thorough understanding of Massachusetts family law, we are dedicated to achieving tangible outcomes.

What Is Alimony?

Alimony is a court-ordered payment that one spouse must pay to the other spouse after divorce or a high net worth divorce. Alimony was originally created in times when it was more common for one spouse to be working outside the home while the other worked inside the home. When they divorced and one spouse, usually the wife, did not have the work experience or skills to secure employment, alimony was available to ensure that she did not lose her standard of living.

While it is more common for both spouses to work outside the home, this does not automatically ensure that both spouses will be able to financially support themselves without the other. Courts will look at numerous details to determine if alimony is appropriate and the amount the spouse should receive.

Alimony Considerations

When considering the amount and type of alimony to award one spouse, courts will typically look at several factors.

Some of these include:

• The length of the marriage: Longer marriages may result in higher alimony payments.
• The age and health of both spouses: Older individuals, especially those needing health assistance and who are less likely to be able to secure adequate employment, may be more likely to be awarded more alimony as they do not have the means to support themselves.
• Employment: The court will look at the income that both spouses contributed to the home.
• Marital contributions: In some cases, one spouse may not have contributed as much financially as the other spouse, but they may have contributed to the marriage in other ways, such as through homemaking, child support, and supporting the other spouse’s career.
• Standard of living: The court will analyze how the couple lived during the marriage to uphold it as closely as possible.
• Financial obligations: This includes debts, expenses, and financial responsibilities.

Types of Alimony in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has seen a 32% decrease in divorce filings since 2011, but divorces still occur, and many of them have alimony issues. A study found that typical alimony payments in the U.S. range from $0 to $1,381 per month, with a median award of $465, but calculating average alimony payments can be difficult to pinpoint.

Considering the different variables that go into considering alimony payments, the court will decide the type of payment based on these factors.

Types of alimony in Norfolk include:

• Rehabilitative alimony: Rehabilitative alimony is given when the receiving spouse is expected to be able to support themselves within a set timeframe. This could include finishing education or job training.
• Reimbursement alimony: This is meant to reimburse the spouse who financially supported the other during the marriage, such as by paying for schooling. This is typically only appropriate in short-term marriages.
• Transitional alimony: This is to help one spouse transition after a divorce. This is typically aimed at marriages that only lasted a short time.
• General term alimony: This is the typical alimony when one spouse financially relies on the other. Payments are usually based on the length of the marriage as well as other factors to ensure fairness.

The Norfolk Probate and Family Court, situated in Canton, Massachusetts, is most likely to handle your case if you’re seeking or contesting alimony in Norfolk County. This court handles spousal support cases, including initial and modification orders.

FAQs

Q: What Qualifies You for Alimony in MA?

A: In Massachusetts, you may qualify for alimony if you were financially reliant on your spouse throughout your marriage and require assistance to maintain a similar standard of living after divorce. Before granting alimony, the court considers a number of variables, including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s financial situation, age, health, and contributions to the union.

Q: How Do I Avoid Paying Alimony in MA?

A: In Massachusetts, you can avoid paying alimony by proving that your spouse is self-sufficient, that your marriage was brief, or that a just distribution of assets removes the need for assistance. It can also be beneficial to have a legitimate prenuptial or postnuptial agreement that waives alimony. Fairness is given top priority by the courts. Therefore, complete transparency and knowledgeable legal counsel are essential.

Q: How Do I File a Claim for Alimony?

A: In Massachusetts, you must file either a separate Alimony Complaint or a Complaint for Divorce in Probate and Family Court to claim alimony. You must include proof of financial necessity and a request for spousal support in your file. After that, the court will assess your case using the statutory criteria to decide whether and how much alimony is necessary.

Q: Is Alimony Automatic in MA?

A: Alimony is not automatic in Massachusetts. It must be expressly requested by one spouse throughout the divorce proceedings. Before determining whether to grant alimony, the court considers the request by looking at variables such as income, length of marriage, and financial need. The court will not automatically grant spousal support in the absence of a formal request and supporting documentation.

Get in Touch with Norfolk Alimony Lawyer

Don’t risk your financial future if you’re dealing with an alimony dispute in Norfolk. Our approach and experience at Farias Family Law, P.C., can help you defend your rights and get a fair result. Contact us today to set up an assessment and take the first step toward a confident future.