Alimony in Massachusetts Explained: Who Pays, How Much, and for How Long

Alimony—also known as spousal support—can be one of the most confusing and emotionally charged aspects of divorce. Whether you're concerned about receiving enough support to maintain financial stability or worried about how much you'll be ordered to pay, understanding how alimony works in Massachusetts is essential.

At Krispin Law, we help individuals across Massachusetts navigate alimony issues with clarity, strategy, and fairness—whether you're negotiating, modifying, or litigating spousal support.

What Is Alimony?

Alimony is court-ordered financial support paid by one spouse to the other after a divorce. It's meant to help the lower-earning spouse maintain a standard of living similar to what they had during the marriage—at least temporarily.

Massachusetts law recognizes several types of alimony:

1. General Term Alimony – Support for a spouse who is financially dependent on the other.
2. Rehabilitative Alimony – Short-term support to help a spouse become self-sufficient (e.g., completing education or job training).
3. Reimbursement Alimony – Compensation for one spouse who supported the other through school or career development.
4. Transitional Alimony – Helps a spouse adjust to a new lifestyle or location after divorce.

How Is Alimony Calculated in Massachusetts?

Alimony is not automatic—it depends on the specifics of your case. The court considers several factors, including:

• Length of the marriage
• Age and health of both spouses
• Income, employment, and financial resources
• Lifestyle during the marriage
• Contributions to the marriage (financial and non-financial)
• Ability of the paying spouse to support themselves while paying

Amount: The Massachusetts Alimony Reform Act (ARA), which officially became law in 2012, set the presumptive maximum alimony at 30-35% of the difference in gross (pre-tax) income between the parties. However, due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), alimony is no longer tax deductible to the payor spouse. Therefore, while the 30-35% figure remains the law in Massachusetts, many cases now result in amounts that fall between 20-25% of the difference in gross incomes of the spouses. However, as previously discussed, the amount of alimony is based on many different factors.

Duration: Based on the length of the marriage. For example:

• Under 5 years → Alimony can last up to 50% of the marriage length.
• 5–10 years → Up to 60%
• 10–15 years → Up to 70%
• 15–20 years → Up to 80%
• 20+ years → The court has discretion to order indefinite alimony.

Can Alimony Be Modified or Ended?

Yes. Alimony may be modified or terminated depending on various factors or situations. Alimony is commonly modified or terminated when:

• The receiving spouse remarries or cohabitates
• There is a significant change in financial circumstances
• The paying spouse retires

Krispin Law regularly handles modification requests, whether you're seeking to reduce or extend support based on real-life changes.

How Krispin Law Can Help During Your Alimony Process

At Krispin Law, we understand that alimony isn’t just a financial issue—it’s a deeply personal one that impacts your daily life and long-term stability. Whether you're being asked to pay or hoping to receive fair support, we advocate for results that reflect your actual circumstances and needs.

Here’s how we help:

• Clear explanation of your rights and risks so you can make informed decisions.
• Accurate calculation and negotiation of alimony based on Massachusetts guidelines and real-world finances.
• Strategic litigation or settlement planning to secure a fair and sustainable outcome.
• Support with alimony modifications when life circumstances shift unexpectedly.

We’re not just looking at numbers—we’re looking at your future. And we’re here to protect it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all divorces involve alimony?

No. Alimony is only awarded when one spouse needs support and the other has the ability to pay. It’s case-by-case.

Can we agree to waive alimony?

Yes. In many uncontested divorces, parties agree to waive alimony—especially when both are financially independent.

What if I lost my job and can’t afford to pay alimony?

You may qualify for a modification. Krispin Law can help you petition the court and document your change in circumstances.

Can alimony be paid in a lump sum?

In some cases, yes—especially if both parties agree. It’s important to assess the tax and financial implications.

Need Help With Alimony in Your Divorce?

Whether you're negotiating alimony for the first time or seeking to change an existing order, Krispin Law is here to help you understand your rights and protect your financial future.
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Let’s find a fair, realistic solution—together.