Alimony Cases in Plymouth County, MA

Who can ask for alimony?

Either party may request alimony at the time of divorce or for the first time after the final judgment is determined. Alimony is determined by the length of your marriage, marital assets, and the ability of your ex-spouse to pay. The general purpose of the amount awarded is to maintain the lifestyle the ex-spouse had during the marriage. Having a knowledgeable lawyer to evaluate assets during a marriage can make a difference to the amount awarded. At Sawin Law, P.C., we can help you gather necessary information on critical factors that a judge takes into consideration, such as:

• The length of the marriage
• Each person’s needs based on the standard of living they had during the marriage
• What each person pays or can pay to keep the standard of living they had during the marriage
• Contributions of the parties, both economic and non-economic in nature
• Income, employment, and employability of the parties
• Economic opportunities lost because of the marriage
• Other factors the court considers relevant

How long does alimony last?

In Massachusetts, the duration of payments is determined by the length of the marriage. For example, marriages of less than five years may not require more than 50% of the number of months of your marriage. In the case of marriages lasting over 20 years, the judge may decide to continue it indefinitely.

Can alimony payments stop?

Yes, alimony payments can stop if decided by a court.

• If the ex-spouse remarries or lives with a partner for more than three months
• Either ex-spouse passes away
• If the payor reaches retirement ages

These material changes are circumstances in which modifications to the current alimony plan may be necessary. Sawin Law, P.C. provides representation protecting our clients’ rights to fair and equitable payment arrangements.
Alimony payments may be changed or modified in situations such as:

• New job/loss of job
• Raise or reduction in pay
• Sudden illness

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