Bill > H2852

This bill, known as the Alimony Reform Act of 2011, aims to modernize and clarify alimony laws in Massachusetts by establishing specific definitions and guidelines for different types of alimony, including General Term Alimony, Rehabilitative Alimony, Reimbursement Alimony, and Transitional Alimony. It introduces new rules for determining the duration of alimony based on the length of the marriage, with General Term Alimony generally terminating upon the recipient's remarriage, the death of either spouse, or when the payor reaches full retirement age, though courts retain discretion for marriages over twenty years or in cases of good cause shown. The bill also outlines factors courts must consider when setting alimony, such as the parties' financial situations, health, and employability, and sets limits on the amount of alimony, generally not exceeding 30-35% of the difference in gross incomes, with provisions for modification and deviation under specific circumstances, while also addressing how existing alimony orders may be modified under the new law.