Your Guide Through The Changing Alimony Laws
In September of 2011, the Massachusetts governor signed into law a set of limits on alimony. During the transition from the old law to the new law, there may be some confusion among both judges and attorneys as they seek to determine exactly how the new law should be interpreted. Some of the languages of the new law is unclear or vague, and even the simplest phrases can mean vastly different things, depending on each situation.
This means divorced and divorcing couples need an experienced Northborough alimony law firm, like the Law Office of Leila J. Wons, P.C., to help them sort through the new law. In general, the new law tends to be more favorable toward the alimony payer, rather than the recipient.
It is not just state law that changed. Under a new federal tax law, alimony can no longer be claimed as a deductible on the federal level and a recipient cannot claim it as income. This new law is for any divorce or separation that took effect after Dec. 31, 2018. Attorney Wons can explain how these new federal laws may impact your ability to claim alimony payments.
Let Us Help With All Stages Of Alimony
Prior to alimony reform, the alimony or spousal support calculation was interwoven with the child support determination. The child support was determined first and then alimony could be used to create a better balance for the children and between the spouses, at least in the short term.
Now, there are guidelines restricting judges from issuing alimony indefinitely or even as long as a child support order is in effect. This is true even in situations where there is a gross disparity in income between the two parents. For the stay-at-home parent, this means that reintroduction into the workforce may come earlier than planned.
At the Law Office of Leila J. Wons, P.C., we help both men and women with alimony or alimony modifications. Please contact us for help with any of the following situations:
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- Alimony modifications – either increases or decreases due to changes in job situations or other factors
- Alimony determinations during divorce proceedings
- Alimony modifications for pre-retirees or retirees
- Alimony determinations for same-sex couples
Attorney Wons knows how the modification process works and will fight for fair alimony payment.
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New laws can impact your alimony proceedings, but the Law Office of Leila J. Wons can help guide you through this process. Email us or call 508-986-9406 to schedule an appointment and learn more.