QUESTION – AM I ELIGIBLE FOR ALIMONY

Alimony is determined by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 208, § 34 which lists the factors a judge must consider in awarding alimony. There are approximately fourteen mandatory factors and four optional factors that can be considered.  Alimony is not appropriate in every case but here are some of the instances where it may be deemed appropriate:

Example 1 – One spouse can’t support themselves due to health or handicap      issues.

Example 2 – The marriage was not short term and there is a significant difference in income between the spouses.

Example 3 – One spouse has excess income over their needs and the difference in net income between the spouses is very large.

Alimony may also be appropriate as a way to reduce taxes when child support is awarded. Since alimony is deducted from income taxes of the payor parent and included as income for taxes to the recipient parent.  Often times, it may be advantageous to treat child support as alimony.

If you have questions regarding alimony please feel free to contact us directly at (855) 645-3782.