The Massachusetts Alimony Reform Act (MARA) is a state law that was enacted in 2011 to reform the state's alimony laws. The law established guidelines for the payment and duration of alimony, and it also allowed for the modification and termination of alimony in certain circumstances.
Prior to the enactment of MARA, Massachusetts did not have clear guidelines for the payment and duration of alimony. This led to many cases where one spouse was ordered to pay alimony to the other for an indefinite period of time, which often resulted in financial hardship and frustration for the paying spouse.
Under MARA, the amount and duration of alimony payments are based on the length of the marriage and the income of each spouse. For example, for marriages that lasted less than 5 years, alimony payments cannot exceed 50% of the length of the marriage, and for marriages that lasted between 10-15 years, alimony payments cannot exceed 70% of the length of the marriage. Additionally, under MARA, alimony payments can be terminated when the paying spouse reaches retirement age or if the recipient spouse remarries or cohabitates with someone else.
MARA has been praised by some for providing clearer guidelines and more predictability for alimony payments in Massachusetts. However, it has also been criticized by others for being too restrictive and not taking into account the unique circumstances of each individual case.
Working with your Massachusetts attorney you can craft your separation agreement, to make this reform act work for you. Contact me if you need assistance in Massachusetts with a family law issue.
Prior to the enactment of MARA, Massachusetts did not have clear guidelines for the payment and duration of alimony. This led to many cases where one spouse was ordered to pay alimony to the other for an indefinite period of time, which often resulted in financial hardship and frustration for the paying spouse.
Under MARA, the amount and duration of alimony payments are based on the length of the marriage and the income of each spouse. For example, for marriages that lasted less than 5 years, alimony payments cannot exceed 50% of the length of the marriage, and for marriages that lasted between 10-15 years, alimony payments cannot exceed 70% of the length of the marriage. Additionally, under MARA, alimony payments can be terminated when the paying spouse reaches retirement age or if the recipient spouse remarries or cohabitates with someone else.
MARA has been praised by some for providing clearer guidelines and more predictability for alimony payments in Massachusetts. However, it has also been criticized by others for being too restrictive and not taking into account the unique circumstances of each individual case.
Working with your Massachusetts attorney you can craft your separation agreement, to make this reform act work for you. Contact me if you need assistance in Massachusetts with a family law issue.