Massachusetts Alimony & Spousal Support (2026)
Massachusetts is one of the few states with an actual guideline formula for alimony amount, under M.G.L. c. 208, §§ 48-55 (Alimony Reform Act of 2011). It's still advisory in most cases — a judge can deviate from it — but it gives a real, citable starting point instead of pure guesswork.
The guideline formula
Under the Alimony Reform Act (M.G.L. c. 208, § 53), general term alimony generally should not exceed the recipient's need or 30 to 35 percent of the difference between the parties' gross incomes established at the time of the order, whichever is less.
Duration for general term alimony is capped as a percentage of the marriage length (M.G.L. c. 208, § 49): 50% of the marriage length for marriages of 5 years or less, 60% for marriages of 5-10 years, 70% for marriages of 10-15 years, and 80% for marriages of 15-20 years. Only marriages longer than 20 years can result in indefinite alimony, and even then the court can still set a fixed term.
What determines alimony in Massachusetts
Under M.G.L. c. 208, §§ 48-55 (Alimony Reform Act of 2011) (Massachusetts Alimony Reform Act), a court considers:
- Length of the marriage
- Age of the parties
- Health of the parties
- Income, employment, and employability of both parties (including through reasonable diligence and training)
- Economic and non-economic contribution of both parties to the marriage
- Marital lifestyle
- Ability of each party to maintain the marital lifestyle
- Lost economic opportunity as a result of the marriage
- Any other factor the court considers relevant and material
Good to know
- Massachusetts distinguishes several types of alimony (general term, rehabilitative, reimbursement, transitional) — the formula and duration caps above describe general term alimony, the most common type for longer marriages.
- The 30-35% figure and the duration caps are the outer limits set by statute; the court still decides the actual amount and term within those limits based on the statutory factors.
Also need a child support estimate?
Alimony and child support are calculated completely separately in Massachusetts. If you also have children, use our free Massachusetts child support calculator — that one does compute a real number, based on the official guideline formula.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an alimony formula in Massachusetts?
Yes. The Alimony Reform Act of 2011 sets a real statutory cap: general term alimony generally should not exceed the recipient's need or 30 to 35 percent of the difference between the parties' gross incomes, whichever is less.
How long does alimony last in Massachusetts?
Duration is capped by marriage length: 50% of the marriage for marriages of 5 years or less, 60% for 5-10 years, 70% for 10-15 years, and 80% for 15-20 years. Marriages over 20 years can qualify for indefinite alimony, though a judge can still set a fixed end date.
Does Massachusetts alimony end if the recipient remarries?
General term alimony in Massachusetts ends automatically if the recipient remarries, and the paying spouse can also request a reduction or end to alimony upon reaching full retirement age, under the same Alimony Reform Act.
Source: Massachusetts Alimony Reform Act · Last verified 2026-07-22
Disclaimer: This page explains the general legal framework for alimony in Massachusetts and is for informational purposes only — it is not legal advice and does not predict the outcome of any specific case. Laws change; always verify with the official source above or a family law attorney licensed in Massachusetts before making decisions.