Spousal Support / Alimony.
Fair Financial Transitions After Divorce.
Divorce often brings significant financial change—especially when one spouse has relied on the other for support during the marriage. In Massachusetts, spousal support, also known as alimony, may be ordered to help balance that shift and promote financial independence over time.
At Poppy Legal Group, we help clients understand their rights and responsibilities regarding alimony. Whether you're requesting support, being asked to pay it, or unsure how alimony fits into your divorce, we’re here to guide you toward a fair and sustainable outcome.
What Is Alimony?
Alimony is financial support that one spouse may be required to pay the other after divorce. It's intended to address economic disparities between spouses and support the lower-earning spouse as they adjust to financial independence.
Alimony is separate from child support and is based on a number of factors, including the length of the marriage, income and employment capacity of each spouse, and the standard of living during the marriage.
Not every divorce involves alimony, and when it does, we help determine the most appropriate type and duration—always tailored to your needs and goals.
When Is Alimony Awarded?
Massachusetts courts consider alimony when there is a meaningful difference in the spouses’ financial situations and when one spouse demonstrates a need for support. The court looks at:
Income and earning capacity
Financial needs and obligations
Contributions to the marriage (financial and non-financial)
Length of the marriage
Age and health of each party
The marital lifestyle
We’ll help you understand how these factors apply to your unique situation.
Types of Alimony in Massachusetts
There are several types of alimony in Massachusetts, depending on your circumstances:
General term alimony based on the length of the marriage
Short-term or transitional support to help one spouse adjust post-divorce
Reimbursement alimony in cases where one spouse supported the other during the marriage
Can Alimony Be Changed?
Yes. Alimony may be modified or terminated if there’s a significant change in circumstances—such as retirement, job loss, or the remarriage or cohabitation of the supported spouse.
We also assist with alimony enforcement and review past agreements to assess whether a change is possible or appropriate.
👉 Learn more about modifying court orders.
Alimony and Marital Agreements
If you and your spouse have a Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreement, it may include terms about alimony—whether to allow, limit, or waive it. These agreements can greatly influence how alimony is handled during divorce.
👉 Learn more about Prenuptial Agreements
👉 Learn more about Postnuptial Agreements
If you're planning ahead or need help understanding how an existing agreement affects your rights, we can review your options and explain what’s enforceable.
