Bill > S1099

This bill proposes several reforms to alimony laws in Massachusetts, focusing on modifying existing alimony judgments and clarifying the conditions under which such judgments can be changed. The bill introduces provisions that allow for modification of existing alimony judgments when certain circumstances arise, such as when the durational limits of alimony are exceeded or when the recipient spouse is cohabitating with another person for at least three months. The legislation provides specific criteria for determining cohabitation, including factors like shared residence, economic interdependence, and community perception of the relationship. Additionally, the bill allows a payor (the spouse paying alimony) to seek modification when they reach full retirement age, with the court having the discretion to grant an extension for good cause. Importantly, the bill stipulates that if parties have previously agreed in writing that an alimony judgment is not modifiable, the judgment cannot be changed without mutual consent. The bill also clarifies definitions of key terms like "alimony," "general term alimony," and provides guidance on how existing alimony judgments will be treated under the new law, aiming to create more flexibility and fairness in alimony determinations.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1099