Spousal Support & Alimony Lawyers in Woburn, MA
Legal Guidance in Middlesex County & Greater Boston
Spousal support, commonly referred to as alimony in Massachusetts, is financial assistance that one spouse may be required to pay the other following separation or divorce.
The purpose of alimony is to help the lower-earning spouse maintain a standard of living reasonably comparable to that enjoyed during the marriage. While “spousal support” and “alimony” are often used interchangeably, “alimony” is the official legal term under Massachusetts law.
At Schaefer Law PC, we can help you understand your rights and responsibilities regarding alimony, whether you seek support or are asked to provide it. We offer 25+ years of practical experience in resolving family law issues and have successfully resolved countless cases through negotiation, mediation, and litigation.
Reach Schaefer Law PC online or at (617) 917-3299 for a complimentary consultation with a Woburn spousal support and alimony attorney.
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Types of Alimony in Massachusetts
Massachusetts recognizes several types of alimony, each suited to different circumstances:
- General term. Ongoing support paid to a financially dependent former spouse. The duration of payments depends partially on the length of the marriage.
- Rehabilitative. Short-term support is intended to help the recipient become financially self-sufficient while completing education or training.
- Reimbursement. Awarded when one spouse supported the other’s education or career advancement during the marriage. This is typically paid in a lump sum or over a short term.
- Transitional. This limited-duration payment helps the receiving spouse adjust to a new lifestyle or location after divorce.
You can file for alimony during your divorce or any time after the divorce has been finalized.
Marriage Length in General Term Alimony
The duration of general term alimony is directly linked to the length of the marriage unless the court finds a reason to deviate. The statute provides specific guidelines for how long alimony should last based on the couple's marriage.
- Marriages of five years or less: Alimony can last up to 50% of the length of the marriage.
- More than five years but less than 10 years: Up to 60% of the length of the marriage.
- More than 10 but less than 15 years: Up to 70%.
- More than 15 but less than 20 years: Up to 80%.
- 20 years or more: The court may award alimony indefinitely.
These percentages provide a maximum duration, but the court can set a shorter term or modify it later based on substantial changes in circumstances.
The clock starts from the date of marriage to the date of service of the divorce complaint.
Spouses can reach their own alimony agreement as part of a broader divorce settlement. When both parties are willing to negotiate in good faith, out-of-court solutions such as mediation can help avoid litigation while providing legally binding outcomes.
How Alimony Is Determined in Massachusetts
Unlike child support, Massachusetts has no fixed formula for calculating alimony. Instead, the court considers several factors when deciding whether alimony should be awarded and in what amount, including:
- The length of the marriage
- Each spouse’s income and employment status
- Age and health of both parties
- Contributions to the marriage, including homemaking and child-rearing
- The lifestyle established during the marriage
- Economic and non-economic contributions by each party
- Lost economic opportunity due to the marriage
Courts may also consider other relevant circumstances that would make an alimony award fair and just.
We can advocate for fair support terms and structure agreements based on financial disclosures and earnings potential that align with legal standards. Our Woburn alimony lawyers provide strategic representation tailored to your needs and goals.
Contact us at (617) 917-3299 today to discuss your case one-on-one with one of our attorneys.
