Massachusetts Family Lawyer’s Guide to Terminating Post-Divorce Alimony: Strategies, Claims, and Practical Advice
Understanding Alimony Termination in Massachusetts 🔹 Massachusetts Alimony Reform Act (ARA) – The Massachusetts Alimony Reform Act of 2011 established guidelines for modifying or terminating spousal support. Under this law, alimony can be terminated due to retirement, cohabitation, remarriage, or a material change in circumstances. 🔹 Types of Alimony – The law recognizes different types of alimony, including general term, rehabilitative, reimbursement, and transitional alimony. Each has distinct rules regarding termination. General term alimony is the most common type that can often be modified or terminated based on specific conditions. Grounds for Terminating Alimony 💡 Retirement of the Payor – If the paying spouse reaches full retirement age as defined by the Social Security Administration, they can file for termination of alimony. Courts typically consider whether the retirement is in good faith and assess the recipient’s financial need. 💡 Cohabitation by the Recipient – Alimon...