It is not uncommon that as children get older, the custody and parenting schedule for the children change over time. This can include children moving in with the other parent. When these changes happen, it is also not uncommon for child support to be updated at the same time. The law requires that any changes…
Modifications
The New 2017 Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines: What’s New? What’s the Same?
The Trial Court of Massachusetts issued new Child Support Guidelines, which took effect last week on September 15th. There are many changes to the new Guidelines, but also a lot of things stayed the same. This article will explain the changes to the new Guidelines, but what also stayed the same compared to the 2013…
Can Alimony Last Past the Scheduled Termination Date?
When the Alimony Reform Act was enacted in 2011, it provided for set termination dates of General Term Alimony, which is the most common type of alimony in Massachusetts. Under the statute, M.G.L. c. 208 §49(b), General Term Alimony will terminate after a certain period of time, depending on how long a couple was married. …
Massachusetts Alimony Reform Act: When Does my Alimony Obligation Terminate?
In March 2012, the Massachusetts Alimony Reform Act became effective. Under the Alimony Reform Act, a spouse’s alimony obligation now has a termination date, whereas under previously Massachusetts alimony law, a spouse’s alimony obligation could last forever. To determine when your alimony obligation will terminate, you first must know what kind of alimony you are…
5 Reasons Why Alimony Should Be Reduced or Terminated if You’re Living With Someone
1. If you are living with someone else, your financial need has likely been reduced or eliminated, thereby reducing or eliminating your need for spousal support. 2. If you are living with someone else, accepting (or taking) spousal support is, in essence, double-dipping. 3. If you are living with someone else, while receiving spousal support,…
Massachusetts Alimony Reform Act & Durational Limits
When the Massachusetts Alimony Reform Act went into effect in 2012, it provided for a payor spouse to file a Complaint for Modification to reduce or terminate his or her alimony obligation based upon durational limits, as further explained below. Rather than allowing spouses to file all at once in 2012, modification for only durational…
Child Custody & Visitation Mediation
Child Custody & Visitation Mediation FAQ’s Do you wish there was a way to make getting a separation from your significant other or divorce from your spouse easier on your children? Mediation helps preserve and maintain whatever is left of the good part of your relationship by significantly reducing the tension of getting a divorce.…
How to Calculate Your Child Support
Under Massachusetts law, parents who are divorced or separated must continue to support their children. In Massachusetts, a parent’s child support obligation is calculated based upon the Child Support Guidelines. The Child Support Guidelines are a set of rules that dictate how to calculate a parent’s child support obligation, and what income must be included…
Streamlining the Child Support Modification Process in Massachusetts
In May 2013, the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court expanded Standing Order 3-11, which streamlines the child support modification process in Massachusetts. Through this Standing Order, parents can now complete more user-friendly forms to file for a child support modification with the Probate and Family Court, and also obtain a faster court date to obtain…
Massachusetts Alimony Reform Act: When Can I Modify My Obligation
Under the Massachusetts Alimony Reform Act, which became effective in March 2012, there are new standards and guidelines upon which a spouse may file for a modification of alimony. There are four types of alimony under the Massachusetts Alimony Reform Act: 1) General Term ; 2) Rehabilitative ; 3) Reimbursement ; and 4) Transitional. Based…
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