Alimony is a court-ordered payment made by one spouse to the other after a divorce. It is intended to provide financial support to the spouse who earns less or has no income. In Massachusetts, alimony can be modified under certain circumstances. In this article, we will discuss the steps to modify alimony orders in Massachusetts.
Before you can modify an alimony order, you need to understand the types of alimony in Massachusetts. There are four types of alimony:
General Term Alimony: This is the most common type of alimony. It is paid for a specific period of time and is based on the length of the marriage.
Rehabilitative Alimony: This type of alimony is paid for a specific period of time to help the recipient spouse become self-sufficient.
Reimbursement Alimony: This type of alimony is paid to reimburse the recipient spouse for expenses incurred during the marriage, such as education or training.
Transitional Alimony: This type of alimony is paid for a short period of time to help the recipient spouse transition to a new lifestyle.
In Massachusetts, alimony can be modified if there has been a material change in circumstances. This means that there has been a significant change in the financial situation of either spouse. Some examples of material changes in circumstances include:
If you believe that there has been a material change in circumstances, you may be eligible to modify your alimony order.
To modify your alimony order, you need to file a Complaint for Modification with the court. This is a legal document that explains why you believe the alimony order should be modified. You will need to provide evidence to support your claim, such as financial statements, tax returns, and medical records.
After you file a Complaint for Modification, the court will schedule a hearing. At the hearing, both parties will have the opportunity to present evidence and argue their case. The judge will then make a decision on whether to modify the alimony order.
If the court decides to modify the alimony order, you must follow the new order. Failure to comply with the court's order can result in legal consequences.
Modifying an alimony order in Massachusetts can be a complex process. It is important to understand the types of alimony, eligibility requirements, and the steps involved in filing a Complaint for Modification. If you are considering modifying your alimony order, it is recommended that you consult with an experienced divorce lawyer who can guide you through the process.