Todd D. Beauregard, P.C. is an experienced alimony lawyer licensed to practice in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Having an attorney who is experienced in both states can have a great advantage. With offices conveniently located in Lowell MA, North Andover MA, Boston MA, Concord MA & Nashua NH.
Alimony or Spousal Support are payments that a person makes to their ex-spouse. This was traditionally called alimony however due to the negativity of this word many states including Massachusetts and NH now refer it to spousal support.
In a Divorce the Spousal Support Laws in Massachusetts states the court may assign any part of the estate if any, to either husband or wife, including but not limited to, all vested and nonvested benefits, rights and funds accrued during the marriage. This may include retirement benefits, military retirement benefits if qualified under and to the extent provided by federal law, pension, any profit-sharing, annuity, deferred compensation and insurance and more.
The Law Offices of Todd D. Beauregard, P.C. takes a compassionate and confidential approach to their clients. They will listen and work hard to reduce your stress and anxiety that occurs in these types of cases.
For more information on Spousal Support Laws in MA go to: Spousal Support Laws in MA
Alimony / Spousal Support Laws for New Hampshire are similar however do have some slight differences. For example if you work in MA but live in NH then that can affect the legal situation of your case and can determine the amount you will have to pay.
For more information on Spousal Support Laws in NH go to: Spousal Support Laws in NH
How Much Alimony Will I Have To Pay?
There are many factors that need to be considered before the amount of alimony/support will be paid and to whom. In determining the amount of alimony, if any, to be paid the court, after hearing the witnesses of each party, will factor in the length of the marriage, the conduct of the parties during the marriage, health and age, occupation, amount of income and the source. If children are involved they will also consider their needs.
Benefits of Hiring an Alimony/Spousal Support Lawyer
It would be a great asset to have an experienced alimony/support attorney on your side fighting for your rights so you have a fair trial and are not over paying or not being under paid for your support case. These are complex cases and we have handled hundreds of these types of cases.
The Law Offices of Todd D. Beauregard, P.C. will help you gather the critical information regarding the issues related to spousal support. Only when the facts are known, can we suggest the options so our clients can evaluate and decide how the best results can be achieved. This process requires trained professionals who are skilled to work with the other spouse, so that all mandatory disclosures are made.
What Is The Difference Between General Term, Rehabilitative, And Transitional Alimony?
These new labels generally reflect the purpose for the spousal support need, and they speak to the duration of the alimony term.
Does The New Massachusetts Alimony Reform Act Mean I Do Not Have To Pay?
One common view that may apply to your circumstance is the balance between establishing a proven need for spousal support, and the payor’s ability to pay. Every situation is different. The new law attempts to make the issue of alimony more formulaic, meaning more mathematical, than older ways in which spousal support was decided.
What Is The Calculation, So Called Alimony-Formula?
Balanced by the payor’s ability to pay, and the payee’s need, other factors are considered such as the length of the marriage, the purpose of the alimony. The formula subtracts the gross income of the spouse making less, from the gross income of the spouse making more, and then multiplies this difference by 30 to 35%. While this may sound simple, every case and circumstance has its complications that may justify a departure from this answer.
Can I Negotiate A Better Deal?
Parties to a divorce may, and in fact, are encouraged to try to negotiate a fair and equitable agreement prior a time when a judge is forced to make such a decision.
What happens if my spouse refuses to pay, after a Court order?
Absent exigent/justifiable circumstances, and speaking only generally, a person who fails to perform per a court order is considered to be in civil contempt of court.
Tax Consequences?
Subject to your tax advisors’ expertise, and subject to IRS rules and regulations, and other circumstances, parties find that payors (the person paying the alimony) may enjoy some form of a tax deduction related to the amount they pay as alimony, while alimony recipients are, generally, likely to find this to be a taxable event to them.
Health Care Coverage?
Another important consideration in hiring a law firm experienced in alimony law is to be able to explore what options might be available for continued health care coverage.
We’d love to give your case the individualized attention it deserves.
For a Free Consultation Call – 978-275-1919.