Alimony

Alimony is spousal support or maintenance which one spouse pays to the other. In Massachusetts, the Court may award alimony to either party. Alimony is tax-deductible to the payor spouse, and the recipient spouse must report alimony payments as income. Alimony can be granted during the pendency of the divorce litigation or upon the issuance of a judgment by the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court. Alimony granted during the pendency of an action is known as "temporary alimony" and remains in place only until the case is closed and a judgment on the matter is entered. A final award of alimony may be modified in the future under certain circumstances unless the parties provide in their separation agreement that alimony is not modifiable. In addition to traditional alimony, it is possible to bring a complaint for separate support if the plaintiff and defendant spouses are living apart but choose not to divorce.

The Law Offices of Miriam G. Altman, P.C. has a great deal of experience in representing both payor and recipient spouses in litigation involving alimony. We assist recipient spouses seeking to obtain support and to enforce existing support obligations, whether temporary or final. We also assist in defending against claims for alimony where appropriate and in advocating the payor spouse's interests, abilities and needs. We represent both payors and recipients in litigation involving alimony, whether it be an ongoing divorce matter, a contempt, or a modification of alimony payments.