There are many divorce-related issues couples will need to resolve during their divorce but if you are seeking alimony, you may wonder how you can get it. There are different types of alimony and understanding what those are can help divorcing spouses determine if alimony will be granted.
While divorcing couples are sorting out divorce-related issues such as property division, child custody and child support, they will also need to resolve any request for alimony. If one spouse makes a request for alimony, the spouses can either agree or the family court may determine if alimony will be granted. One consideration if alimony is granted is how long it will be granted. The duration of alimony is based on the length of the marriage.
There are generally four broad categories of alimony including general term alimony, rehabilitative alimony, reimbursement alimony and transitional alimony. General term alimony is awarded in circumstances when one spouse is financially dependent on the other spouse; rehabilitative alimony is awarded for a period of time to allow the other spouse to become self-supporting; reimbursement alimony allows the recipient spouse to obtain an education or job training to become self-sufficient; and transitional alimony helps with the transition occasioned by the divorce.
It is helpful to understand alimony laws in Massachusetts if you are going through the divorce process in Massachusetts and are either seeking alimony or your spouse is. There are also certain circumstances under which alimony ends so it is also helpful to know what those are and to be generally familiar with the rules surrounding alimony awards.
