People are always asking me how they can save money on their divorce case. The number one piece of advice that I give them is to do their homework. In a Divorce action, Supplement Probate Court Rule 410 requires that the parties AUTOMATICALLY provide the following documents to the opposing party (within 45 days from the date of service of the summons):
Today Governor Patrick signed the Alimony Reform Act into law. The new law, which will take effect in March of 2012, places much-needed duration limits upon alimony awards in Massachusetts. If you are currently paying or receiving an alimony award, the new law may have an impact on your case. Contact a local family law attorney to see how the new law may help you.
The bill hit Governor Patrick's desk today and now awaits his signature. He has 10 days to act on the bill.
After being unanimously passed by the House on July 20, 2011, the much awaited Alimony Reform Act of 2011 was unanimously passed by the Senate today, July 28, 2011. The bill now awaits Governor Patrick's signature before it becomes effective. It is expected that the new law will take effect in March of 2012. If you are currently paying or receiving an alimony award, you should consult with an experienced family law attorney to see how this new law may impact you.
When I first wrote about the potential for alimony reform in Massachusetts, it seemed as though we were about to see some changes to our antiquated alimony laws. That was more than a year ago (http://www.bostonherald.com/business/womens/general/view.bg?articleid=1235550) and, subsequently, pending legislation was stalled by intense battles over the nature of what the reform should be between activists, legislators and family law attorneys. With the filing of a new bill, the Alimony Reform Act of 2011, it now appears that we are finally about to see some real changes to our outdated and unfair alimony laws. This bill has garnered support from two groups who were previously adversaries in this debate - the Women's Bar Association and Massachusetts Alimony Reform - making it far more likely that change will finally come to fruition. If you are thinking about getting a divorce, or are currently subject to an alimony order, pay close attention to this proposed bill.
