The Four Types of Alimony in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has four forms of alimony: general term for an economically dependent spouse, rehabilitative for up to 5 years, and reimbursement and transitional alimony after marriages of 5 years or less, with transitional alimony limited to 3 years and neither of the last two modifiable.
General term alimony
“General term alimony” is the periodic payment of support to a recipient spouse who is economically dependent. Alimony generally means support from a spouse who has the ability to pay to a spouse in need of support for a reasonable length of time (M.G.L. c. 208, § 48). It ends on the recipient’s remarriage, either spouse’s death or the payor’s full retirement age.
Rehabilitative alimony
Periodic support to a spouse expected to become economically self-sufficient by a predicted time, such as reemployment, completion of job training or receipt of a sum owed by the payor. It lasts no more than 5 years, and can be extended on compelling circumstances if unforeseen events keep the recipient from self-support, the recipient tried to become self-supporting and the payor can pay without undue burden (§ 50).
Reimbursement alimony
A periodic or one-time payment after a marriage of 5 years or less to compensate the recipient for economic or noneconomic contributions to the payor’s financial resources, such as helping the payor finish an education or training. It ends at the recipient’s death or a date certain and cannot be modified (§ 51), and the income guideline does not apply to it.
Transitional alimony
A periodic or one-time payment after a marriage of 5 years or less to transition the recipient to an adjusted lifestyle or location. It ends at the recipient’s death or a date certain no more than 3 years from the divorce and can be neither modified nor extended (§ 52).
Length of the marriage
The length is the number of months from the date of legal marriage to the date of service of the divorce complaint, and the court may add months if the economic partnership began during premarital cohabitation (§ 48).
Questions to bring to an attorney
Ask which form fits your facts and how the length of your marriage is counted.
Next steps
See the amount and duration for the guideline and the limits, and test your numbers in the Massachusetts alimony calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What types of alimony does Massachusetts have?
General term, rehabilitative, reimbursement and transitional alimony.
How long can rehabilitative alimony last in Massachusetts?
No more than 5 years, with an extension only on compelling circumstances.
Can transitional alimony be extended in Massachusetts?
No. It ends by a date certain within 3 years of the divorce and cannot be modified or extended.
Who can get reimbursement alimony in Massachusetts?
A recipient after a marriage of 5 years or less who contributed to the payor's financial resources, such as helping with an education.
How is the length of a Massachusetts marriage measured?
From the date of legal marriage to the date of service of the divorce complaint, possibly extended for premarital cohabitation with an economic partnership.
Official sources
- M.G.L. c. 208, § 48: definitions
- M.G.L. c. 208, § 49: general term alimony
- M.G.L. c. 208, § 50: rehabilitative alimony
- M.G.L. c. 208, § 51: reimbursement alimony
- M.G.L. c. 208, § 52: transitional alimony
- M.G.L. c. 208, § 53: form, amount and duration
A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Massachusetts statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Massachusetts attorney.