Norwell Alimony Lawyer

Norwell Alimony Attorney

Alimony, also known as spousal support in Massachusetts, is a complex and important area of family law. In divorce cases, the topic of alimony can become contested as emotions rise between the couple. If you are facing a divorce in Massachusetts, no matter which side you are on, the financial aspect of your case is most likely weighing heavily on your mind. Working with a Norwell alimony lawyer can ease this stress as you work toward a desired case outcome.

Whatever your income level is, a divorce can rock your finances. It is understandable to seek ways to protect your financial position. A spouse who sacrificed their own career to focus on running the marital house or supporting children may be financially dependent on the other spouse, and rather than suffer a lower standard of living, they might have the opportunity to seek alimony from the higher-earning spouse.

If you have questions regarding alimony in Norwell, Massachusetts, either as the potential paying spouse or the one hoping to receive the payments, the legal team at Farias Family Law, P.C. is here to help.

The Basics of Alimony in Norwell, Massachusetts

When you are facing a divorce in Norwell and dealing with the aspect of alimony, there are several things you should understand, including:

• Any factors that may influence the duration or amount of support payments you are entitled to or will be required to pay
• How alimony is calculated in the state of Massachusetts, including contributing factors such as income levels, assets, and the financial needs of both parties
• The possibility of either a modification or termination of alimony payments in the future
• The different types of alimony available to divorcing couples in Massachusetts

At its core, alimony is money that one spouse pays the other following a legal divorce. In some cases, the couple may be able to reach an agreement regarding alimony outside of court through mediation or negotiation. However, if they are unable to do so, the judge involved in their case will make this determination for them. There are several key basics that a divorcing couple should understand about alimony in Massachusetts, including:

• It does not matter which spouse files for divorce when seeking alimony.
• A judge can only order spousal support if the paying spouse can afford it.
• The judge has the ability to order the paying spouse to pay alimony all at once in a single lump sum or periodically, such as monthly or weekly.
• The judge can determine how long the alimony payments will last if you were married for a certain amount of time.
• If you were married for a long period of time, the judge can order that the alimony last indefinitely.
• Alimony payments can stop if either spouse dies, the paying spouse reaches retirement, or the receiving spouse remarries and lives with their new partner for a certain amount of time.
• You can seek the modification or termination of alimony under certain life changes.

Farias Family Law, P.C.: Helping You in a Spousal Support Case

When dealing with the topic of alimony in a divorce, especially in divorce cases of high-net-worth individuals, having an attorney present and on your side is of paramount importance.

At Farias Family Law, P.C., we have countless years of experience assisting clients facing a wide range of family law and divorce issues, including that of alimony. We can assist you in your case, whether you are the spouse seeking alimony or the individual paying the support.

When working on your case, we can focus our time and attention on providing you with the following services:

• Assisting in calculating alimony for individuals who earn a high income, including business owners or executives
• Working with witnesses or other professionals to determine the income amounts of both parties and present evidence for alimony purposes
• Identifying and tracing any hidden income sources
• Helping to determine the amount and duration of alimony payments

Factors That Determine Alimony Amounts in Massachusetts

When a couple goes before a judge regarding alimony in Massachusetts, the judge will take various factors into consideration to determine payment amounts and duration. These factors include:

• The length of the marriage
• The ages and health of each spouse
• The income, employment, and ability of each spouse to find new employment if needed
• The contributions of each spouse to the marriage
• The ability of each spouse to maintain their marital standard of living

FAQs

Q: What Are the Types of Alimony Available in Massachusetts?

A: In Massachusetts, there are four main types of alimony. These can include general term alimony or alimony awarded to one spouse so that they can meet their financial needs; rehabilitative alimony, which supports one of the spouses until they can support themselves; reimbursement alimony, or alimony paid to one spouse to pay them back for their contributions to the finances of the marriage, and transitional alimony to help a spouse adjust to their new life.

Q: Can Alimony Be Avoided in Massachusetts?

A: If you wish to avoid having to pay alimony in a Massachusetts divorce, you may be able to argue a case of not being able to afford to make these payments. Likewise, you and your attorney may be able to argue and demonstrate that your divorcing spouse is not actually in financial need for these payments.

Q: Can Alimony Be Modified After a Divorce Is Finalized?

A: Yes, after a divorce is finalized in Massachusetts, you could seek the modification or even termination of an alimony court order under certain life changes or circumstances. For instance, if you, as the payor of the alimony, receive an employment change that decreases your monthly income, you could pursue an alimony modification to decrease the amount you are required to pay.

Q: Does a Prenup Affect Alimony in Massachusetts?

A: Yes, if you were married with a prenuptial agreement in place that stipulates that no alimony payments will be paid in the event of a divorce, you may not be required to pay this support. However, the courts must first determine that the prenuptial agreement is fair and reasonable both at the time of its original signing and during the course of the divorce proceedings.

Speak With a Trusted Family Law Attorney Today

When facing divorce in Norwell, alimony can be an integral piece of your case. At Farias Family Law, P.C., it is our goal to provide you with the legal knowledge and resources needed to maintain your financial security. Contact our offices today for a case assessment and learn more about how we might be able to help you and your loved ones at this time.