SJC Clarifies Alimony Reform Act

posted Jan 30, 2015, 11:57 AM by Nicholas LaFountain [ updated Jan 30, 2015, 11:58 AM ]

In a series of decisions earlier today, the Supreme Judicial Court has clarified several provisions of the Alimony Reform Act, as they relate to alimony orders that were already final (and merged into a judgment of divorce) when the new laws went into effect. Essentially, the court said that if the judgment containing the alimony order was already final on the date the new laws went into effect, then the payor reaching full retirement age, and/or the recipient’s cohabitation, would not be sufficient reasons to terminate alimony by themselves. That said, the alimony orders predating the new laws, can still be modified by a court if the orders would exceed the new durational limits, as well as upon a showing of a material change of circumstances (the traditional basis).If you have questions regarding an existing alimony order, or divorce in general, please give us a call today to schedule a consultation.

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About the Author

Attorney Nicholas J. LaFountain has extensive experience litigating and negotiating civil disputes of many types. He has been successfully representing clients in the courtroom since 2004.