Massachusetts · Alimony · Updated Oct 2026

Alimony in Massachusetts

How spousal support works in a Massachusetts divorce: when a court can order it, amount and length, how it relates to dividing property and how to ask for it.

In short

Under the Alimony Reform Act, general term alimony is usually capped at 30-35% of the difference in gross incomes (or the recipient's need).

Property division
Equitable distribution
Law
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 208, sec. 48-55.

When Massachusetts courts can order alimony

Judges can deviate with written findings.

Amount, limits and length

  • Under the Alimony Reform Act, general term alimony is usually capped at 30-35% of the difference in gross incomes (or the recipient's need).
  • Duration limits: up to 50% of the months of marriage for marriages of 5 years or less, 60% for 5-10 years, 70% for 10-15 years, 80% for 15-20 years; indefinite is possible after 20 years.
  • It usually ends at the payer's full retirement age.

Law: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 208, sec. 48-55.

Alimony and property in Massachusetts

Spousal support is a separate question from dividing property and debts.

System
Equitable distribution
The rule
The court can divide all property either spouse owns, including property from before the marriage, in a way that is fair, considering factors like length of the marriage, conduct, age, health, income, needs, and contributions (including as homemaker).

How to ask for alimony in Massachusetts

  1. Ask for it in your divorce papers

    You ask for alimony in the divorce case itself, in your petition or in your response to your spouse's petition. Use the court's official divorce forms: Divorce forms (Massachusetts courts)

  2. Pay the fee or ask for a waiver

    $215 to file a complaint for divorce ($200 filing fee + $15 surcharge) (Probate and Family Court filing fees page). Can't afford it? If you can't afford the fees, file an Affidavit of Indigency to ask the court to waive fees and costs (see the court's 1B divorce page: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/get-a-no-fault-1b-divorce).

  3. Agree, or let the judge decide

    If you and your spouse agree, put it in your written agreement; if not, the judge decides. Not required, but common and encouraged; the court can refer you to court-connected dispute resolution programs.

  4. Get it in the final decree

    Spousal support is ordered in the decree. Get a certified copy and keep it.

Questions about alimony in Massachusetts

How does alimony work in Massachusetts?

Under the Alimony Reform Act, general term alimony is usually capped at 30-35% of the difference in gross incomes (or the recipient's need). Duration limits: up to 50% of the months of marriage for marriages of 5 years or less, 60% for 5-10 years, 70% for 10-15 years, 80% for 15-20 years; indefinite is possible after 20 years. It usually ends at the payer's full retirement age. Judges can deviate with written findings.

How much alimony is paid in Massachusetts, and for how long?

Under the Alimony Reform Act, general term alimony is usually capped at 30-35% of the difference in gross incomes (or the recipient's need). Duration limits: up to 50% of the months of marriage for marriages of 5 years or less, 60% for 5-10 years, 70% for 10-15 years, 80% for 15-20 years; indefinite is possible after 20 years. It usually ends at the payer's full retirement age.

Is Massachusetts a community property state?

No. Massachusetts uses equitable distribution. The court can divide all property either spouse owns, including property from before the marriage, in a way that is fair, considering factors like length of the marriage, conduct, age, health, income, needs, and contributions (including as homemaker).

More about divorce in Massachusetts

Alimony in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.