March 1, 2013:

Beginning March 1, 2013 ex-spouses paying alimony who were married five years or less may be eligible to file a Complaint for Modification seeking to eliminate their alimony obligation. This is part of the comprehensive alimony reform passed last year. Effective March 1, 2012, the Massachusetts Legislature reformed the existing alimony laws by providing limits to the amount and the duration of alimony awards. Beginning today, previously divorced couples who were married less than 5 years can modify their judgments to comply with law’s new requirements. The Law Offices of Joshua N. Garick, P.C. can guide you through this process and let you know if you are eligible to eliminate this financial burden.

For those married longer than five years, you will get your chance to modify your alimony orders, but not quite yet. The new law established the following timetable for when you become eligible for a modification:

• March 1, 2013 for those who were married for 5 years or less.
• March 1, 2014 for those married 5-10 years.
• March 1, 2015 for those married 10-15 years.
• September 1, 2015 for those married 15-20 years.

If you have questions concerning the newly reformed alimony laws, or if you believe you are eligible for a modification and want to petition the Probate and Family Court, please do not hesitate to contact us for a consultation.