Alimony

Boston, Massachusetts Family Law Attorney - Alimony

Unlike child support, alimony is not calculated using a set formula. It is based upon many factors, including the parties' incomes, earning capacities, and needs. At the law office of Diane W. Spears in Boston, Massachusetts, I provide my clients with information on alimony law and help them determine a fair and appropriate amount of alimony for spouses in need of financial support.

Alimony Law

Alimony is gender-neutral. While most cases involve a husband paying a wife, there are cases where the roles are reversed. Alimony is generally reserved for long-term marriages where there is a fairly large disparity between the incomes of the spouses. There is a tax advantage to the spouse who pays alimony, as it is generally deductible from income. Conversely, the spouse who receives alimony will have to claim that money as income subject to taxes.

Alimony is most often appropriate in cases where a spouse stayed home to raise the children. By deferring career aspirations, the stay-at home spouse is generally at a disadvantage in the working world. However, the contributor of the home has as much value as the primary breadwinner in making an assignment of alimony or division of assets. Talk with an experienced alimony law lawyer at the law office of Diane W. Spears. Alimony is based upon a variety of factors, including the needs of the recipient and the capacity of the payor.

For more information on alimony law or to schedule an appointment to discuss alimony with an experienced divorce attorney, please contact me.