Spousal support is sometimes called alimony and it involves the payment of money from an individual to their former spouse. It can take on several different forms in Massachusetts and its duration can vary greatly from divorce to divorce. When spousal support is ordered during a divorce the paying spouse often wonders how long they will be bound to their ex through spousal support, and outside of individual support agreements and orders there are events that result in the termination of support requirements.
One event that can end a spousal support obligation is the remarriage of the recipient spouse. When a person finds a new legal partner their ex is no longer obligated to support them. Individuals who choose to cohabitate with new partners prior to or in lieu of marriage may also discover that their exes are no longer bound to provide them with financial help.
Death can also be a terminal event for a spousal support relationship. If a recipient spouse dies then their ex has no one to provide with support; when a paying spouse dies their estate may remain obligated to provide support to their ex into the future. Additional information on this and other spousal support situations can be addressed with Massachusetts family law attorneys.
Over time, individuals may wish to change or modify their spousal support orders, and to do so they may need to go back to court. Before starting this process, it can be beneficial to talk out one’s goals and needs with a knowledgeable divorce lawyer who can provide them with case-relevant information as they decide how best to address their requirements.
