Worcester Spousal Support Lawyer

Over a Decade of Legal Experience Fighting for Worcester Families

Spousal support and alimony refer to the same financial arrangement, and in a divorce, the question of whether support may be paid, how much, and for how long can shape both spouses’ financial futures. Kovacs Law, P.C. has helped hundreds of families through divorce and other family legal matters in Worcester, and we bring that same experience to every alimony case we handle.

Whether you’re seeking support or facing an obligation, call us today at (508) 926-8833 to speak with a Worcester alimony attorney about your situation.

Divorce can drastically alter an individual’s income situation, making financial support an immediate concern. A judge may be more likely to award spousal support where there is a significant disparity between the spouses’ incomes, but eligibility isn’t automatic. The court examines the financial circumstances of each spouse before making any determination.

Key factors judges consider for spousal support awards:

• Length of the marriage
• Health of the spouses
• Earning capacity of the spouse seeking support
• Conduct of the spouses during the marriage
• Tax consequences of spousal support
• Age of each spouse
• Lifestyle maintained during the marriage
• Financial resources and accumulated assets
• Lost economic opportunities due to the marriage
• Contributions to the marriage, both economic and non-economic

Massachusetts Alimony Types & Duration Under State Law

The Massachusetts Alimony Reform Act established four categories of alimony, each designed for different circumstances. Understanding which type applies to your situation is a key part of building or responding to a support claim.

The Four Types of Alimony

• General term alimony is ongoing support paid to a financially dependent spouse. Duration is capped based on marriage length: up to 50% of the marriage for unions of five years or less, up to 60% for marriages of five to 10 years, up to 70% for 10 to 15 years, and up to 80% for 15 to 20 years. Marriages of 20 years or more may result in indefinite support.
• Rehabilitative alimony supports a spouse while they develop the skills or education needed to re-enter the workforce.
• Reimbursement alimony compensates a spouse who supported the other’s education or career advancement during the marriage.
• Transitional alimony helps a spouse adjust to a new lifestyle or location following a short marriage.

How General Term Alimony Ends

General term alimony automatically terminates upon the recipient spouse’s remarriage or when the recipient reaches full Social Security retirement age. If the recipient cohabitates with another person for a continuous period of at least three months, the paying spouse may petition the court to have alimony suspended, reduced, or terminated.

Representing Both Sides of an Alimony Case in Worcester

We represent both the spouse seeking support and the spouse working to limit the amount owed. We understand how judges approach spousal support decisions at the Worcester Probate and Family Court, and we know how to structure agreements so they’re more likely to receive court approval. When circumstances change, such as a significant shift in either party’s income or employment, we can help you pursue a spousal support order modification. If you need an alimony lawyer in Worcester, we’re ready to help.

Contact a Worcester spousal support attorney at Kovacs Law, P.C. today at (508) 926-8833 to discuss your options and get the guidance you need.