Every state has its own alimony rules. In Massachusetts, alimony is based upon the ‘need’ of the payee (the receiver) and the ‘ability to pay’ of the payor. In March 1, 2012, a new alimony law went into effect. Here’s the basics of the new law:
- The longer the duration of the marriage, the longer the length of alimony payments
- The amount of alimony (generally) is no more than 30 – 35% of the difference in incomes between both parties.
- Alimony now terminates. It usually will occur upon retirement of payor