Seeking Alimony
Representation for spouses who may need support to maintain financial stability after divorce.
Hingham Alimony Lawyer
Clear guidance on alimony, whether you may pay or receive it.
Alimony can shape your financial future long after a divorce is final. Caldeira Law, P.C. helps clients in Hingham, across the South Shore, and throughout Massachusetts understand, negotiate, and litigate alimony issues.
More than 25 years of family law experience. Practical advice. Careful preparation. Personal representation.
25+ Years ExperienceFormer SJC Law ClerkGuardian ad LitemAdjunct Professor
Understanding alimony
Alimony depends on the marriage, the finances, and the law.
Massachusetts alimony is governed by the Alimony Reform Act of 2011, which recognizes four types of alimony: general term, rehabilitative, reimbursement, and transitional. Each serves a different purpose and has different rules about how long it can last.
For general term alimony, the length of the marriage plays a central role in how long payments may continue. Other factors include each spouse's income, earning capacity, age, health, and contributions to the marriage.
Because alimony can last for years, decisions made during the divorce can have long-term consequences.
Start with clarity
A consultation can help you understand:
- Whether alimony may be appropriate
- Which type of alimony may apply
- How the length of the marriage may affect duration
- How alimony interacts with child support
- Issues to consider before agreeing to terms
Alimony representation
Alimony matters Caldeira Law handles.
Alimony questions arise during divorce and, frequently, years afterward.
Contesting Alimony
Representation for spouses asked to pay alimony, including disputes over need, amount, and duration.
Income Analysis
Review of salaries, business income, bonuses, and earning capacity that affect alimony.
Modification
Requests to change alimony when circumstances materially change.
Retirement & Termination
Issues involving retirement age, cohabitation, remarriage, and when alimony may end.
Agreements
Careful drafting so that alimony terms are clear and anticipate future changes.
Questions about alimony?
Understand your position before you negotiate.
A consultation can help you understand how Massachusetts alimony law may apply to your marriage and finances.
Experience matters
More than 25 years of family law experience.
Attorney Charlene A. Caldeira brings more than 25 years of experience representing clients in Massachusetts family law matters. Her background includes service as a law clerk to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, court-appointed work, teaching, and continuing legal education.
That depth of experience informs how Caldeira Law approaches alimony: understanding the law, identifying practical solutions, and preparing carefully for every stage of the matter.
Meet Charlene CaldeiraThe process
How an alimony matter may proceed.
Every case is different. Understanding the general stages can make an unfamiliar process more manageable.
Review
Understanding the marriage, each spouse's circumstances, and any existing orders or agreements.
Financial Analysis
Analyzing income, expenses, earning capacity, and the overall financial picture.
Negotiation
Seeking terms that are workable and clearly written, often alongside property division and child support.
Court When Necessary
Presenting your position to the court when agreement cannot be reached.
Hingham & the South Shore
Representation close to home.
Caldeira Law is based in Hingham and represents family law clients throughout the South Shore and Massachusetts, including individuals from Cohasset, Scituate, Norwell, Hanover, Weymouth, Quincy, Braintree, Milton, Hull, Marshfield, Duxbury, Pembroke, and surrounding communities.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions.
What types of alimony exist in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts recognizes general term, rehabilitative, reimbursement, and transitional alimony. Each serves a different purpose and has its own rules about duration.
How long does alimony last in Massachusetts?
It depends on the type of alimony and the circumstances. For general term alimony, the length of the marriage is central to how long payments may continue, and different limits apply to marriages of different lengths.
Does alimony end at retirement?
General term alimony often ends when the paying spouse reaches full retirement age, but there are exceptions, and the specific facts and the terms of any agreement matter.
Can alimony change if my ex-spouse lives with a new partner?
Cohabitation can be grounds to suspend, reduce, or end general term alimony in some circumstances. The facts of the living arrangement matter.
Can alimony be modified?
In many cases, alimony can be modified when there has been a material change in circumstances. Some agreements limit or prevent modification, so the terms of your judgment are important.
This information is general and is not legal advice. Every situation is different.
Your next step
Start with a conversation.
Whether you may pay or receive alimony, or need an existing order reviewed, a conversation can help you understand your options and what may come next.
Caldeira Law, P.C. · 99 Derby Street, Suite 200 · Hingham, MA 02043