Alimony in Massachusetts
State-specific overview · Family Law
Massachusetts courts can award alimony based on a statutory formula tied to income and marriage length, with specific durational limits.
How Massachusetts treats Alimony
Massachusetts uses a formula approach: alimony equals 30–35% of the paying spouse's gross income minus 50–60% of the receiving spouse's gross income, capped at 30–35% of combined gross income. The duration depends on marriage length—marriages under 5 years typically receive alimony for 30–40% of the marriage duration, while longer marriages may receive indefinite support. Courts can deviate from these guidelines if they find them unjust or inequitable. Factors include age, health, employability, and contributions to the marriage.
The general definition of Alimony
Court-ordered payments from one spouse to another after divorce or separation.
Alimony is money that a court requires one spouse to pay to the other after they divorce or legally separate. It's designed to help the lower-earning spouse maintain a similar standard of living they had during the marriage. The amount and duration depend on factors like how long the marriage lasted, each person's income and earning ability, and their age and health. Alimony is different from child support, which is specifically for children's needs.
Read the full Alimony entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.