A Short Introduction to Massachusetts Alimony Calculators
The Alimony Reform Act of 2011 completely changed the scape of alimony laws in the state of Massachusetts. It changed the duration during which alimony may be charged as well as the reasons it may be charged. Perhaps most importantly, it set the stage for the Massachusetts alimony calculator.
A Massachusetts alimony calculator relies upon a fixed formula to estimate what your maximum alimony payment will be. The judge in your case still has ultimate jurisdiction to decide alimony, but a Massachusetts alimony calculator can still be a great help.
Using a Massachusetts Alimony Calculator
A Massachusetts alimony calculator can be accessed at this site. However, additional research can help you to understand the simply formula underlying the site.
1. Calculate the gross incomes of both spouses. Gross income does not include capital gains income, dividends, or interest income, nor does it include any income from a second job if the first job is full-time.
2. Calculate the difference between the two gross incomes.
3. Multiply the difference by .35. This is the maximum amount of alimony that you will have to pay according to the Massachusetts alimony calculator.
To make sure you understand, consider the example of a couple wherein one spouse earns $80,000 in gross income and the other $30,000. The difference in their incomes is $50,000. Multiply that by .35 and you find that no more than $17,500 may be ordered as annual alimony payment.
Duration Under a Massachusetts Alimony Calculator
You can also use a separate alimony calculator for Massachusetts in order to determine how long the judge’s alimony order can last. The formula is as follows:
• If the marriage lasted for 6 years or less, alimony may be ordered to be paid for no longer than 50% of the time of the marriage.
• If the marriage lasted 6-10 years, alimony may be ordered to be paid for no longer than 60% of the time of the marriage.
• If the marriage lasted 11-15 years, alimony may be ordered to be paid for no longer than 70% of the time of the marriage.
• If the marriage lasted 16-20 years, alimony may be ordered to be paid for no longer than 80% of the time of the marriage.
• If the marriage last 20 years of more, the alimony order may be extended indefinitely.
That said, the law still offers two possible endpoints for the alimony payments, even if they come before the maximum endpoints outline above. They are:
• when the recipient spouse engages in cohabitation with a potential sexual or romantic partner for three months; OR
• when the recipient spouse reaches retirement age and becomes eligible for all benefits associated with that age, including Old-Age, Disability, and Social Security benefits.
More Information
If you’d like to learn more about the Massachusetts Alimony Reform Bill and the possibilities it creates for alimony calculators in Massachusetts, it is available online here:
