Is Alimony (Spousal Support) awarded in long term marriages in Massachusetts?
The Courts will generally award long duration or even permanent alimony in long term marriages where one spouse earns significantly more than the other. If the combined income of both parents falls below the Massachusetts Child Support guideline of $250,000/yr (back in 2009), the courts may forego alimony in favor of child support as there may not be enough income to pay for both. When the children are emancipated and the child support burden is removed, the custodial parent may file for a modification of the divorce judgement to have the alimony initiated.
