Massachusetts General Laws chapter 208 sections 48-55 (MGL c. 208 §§ 48 -55) address the issue of alimony or spousal support. Alimony is money paid from one spouse to the other, pursuant to a divorce or complaint for separate support based on the recipient spouse’s need and the payor spouse’s ability to pay.
If your case provides for alimony, the number of months you will receive or pay alimony is based on the number of months you were married. These are called the durational limits. The durational limits are currently an area of development in the law. Recent cases (Holmes and George) have determined that alimony durational limits can be extended in the interest of justice. Most recently, the George case provided a framework for determining what exactly is meant by “the interest of justice.” If you are looking to extend your alimony order, we will review your separation agreement and advise you of your rights in this area.