Understanding the different types of alimony that are available in Massachusetts can assist your discussion during divorce mediation. I’m Quincy divorce mediator Carolan Hardy. I work with couples to arrive at peaceful, respectful solutions to the unresolved issues of their divorce, including the question of whether one party will receive alimony and for how long.
I am not only a divorce mediator; I am also a family law attorney. I can explain the different types of alimony and answer any questions you may have during our mediation session. Whether you waive alimony, or set an alimony amount as part of your separation agreement when you use mediation, the choice belongs to you, not the court. As your mediator, I can help facilitate a decision for your agreement.
- Term alimony is for a specific number of years, usually based on the number of years between the date of marriage or cohabitation and the date the complaint for divorce was filed. Term alimony usually has an end date.
- For marriages of five years or less, one-half the number of months of the marriage;
For marriages of more than five years but less than 10 years, 60 percent of the number of months of the marriage; - For marriages of more than 10 years but less than 15 years, 70 percent of the number of months of the marriage; and
- For marriages of more than 15 years but less than 20 years, 80 percent of the number of months of the marriage.
- For marriages of more than 20 years, indefinite or the discretion of the court if the parties do not agree.
Reimbursement alimony is a one-time payment to compensate a spouse for economic or noneconomic contributions he or she made to assist a spouse in a marriage that lasted not more than five years. For example, this may be ordered when a spouse helped the other spouse become an attorney, physician or other professional.
Rehabilitative alimony is intended to help a dependent spouse become self-sufficient.
Transitional alimony is intended to help a spouse adjust to a new lifestyle or to relocate as a result of the divorce. For example, if one spouse wants to return to his or her home state or country after the divorce.
Learn more about how mediation can be used to make decisions about the payment of alimony as part of a separation agreement. Contact me to schedule a free initial consultation at my Quincy or Hingham law office. Call 617-750-9709.