Going through a divorce is an emotional experience and part of that stress is associated with the fear and uncertainty surrounding finances. If you have been a stay-at-home parent, you are likely concerned about having to re-enter the workforce. If you have been the sole breadwinner, you are likely concerned that all of your hard-earned money will go to your spouse. Our attorney and legal professionals understand both sides of these issues and can help you to assess your case and guide you through the process.
At The Pitman Law Offices, LLC, our legal professionals provide sound legal advice, counsel and representation on family law matters. Our founder, Don Pitman, is particularly adept at handling complex divorce matters. With the experience of 15 years and numerous awards behind him, attorney Don Pitman is known for his high-quality legal services. Located in Newburyport, we serve clients throughout eastern Massachusetts in their family law matters.
Contact a Newburyport spousal support attorney by calling 978-518-3306, toll free at
Spousal Support
Traditional spousal support tends to be ordered to assist the parent who was not working to get additional skills to enter the workforce, or back on his or her feet. Or, at times, it is ordered when one party has serious health problems or there are uneven education levels between the parties.
If you are divorcing after a long-term marriage (18 years or longer), the law will allow for long-term spousal support under certain circumstances. In these cases, typically, one parent has stayed home to raise the children and the other parent has worked to meet the family needs. Each case is unique, for more specific information on your spousal support case, contact an attorney.
Factors for Spousal Support
Under Massachusetts law, the courts are bound to make an equitable division of marital property, and this can have a significant effect on spousal support. There are number of factors that are examined when spousal support is being considered in a divorce case. The court looks to:
- Payor's ability to pay
- Recipient's need for alimony
- Length of the marriage
- Conduct of the parties during the marriage
- Age, health, station and occupations
- Vocational skills and employability of each spouse
- Whether the facts support an award of spousal support
The factors that determine spousal support are left to the discretion of the court. That means making a good, sound and persuasive legal argument can be critical in obtaining or stopping spousal support. Given the discretionary nature of this type of issue, it is important to have an experienced attorney on your side.
Contact a Salem Alimony Attorney
If you believe that you are a good candidate for spousal support (alimony) or believe you should not have to pay alimony, contact our law firm. Our lawyer will take the time to examine the facts of your situation and address your legal concerns. Contact us online or by calling 978-518-3306, toll free at
