The Alimony Reform Act of 2011 was signed by Gov. Deval Patrick
on Sept. 26, enacting fair and equitable alimony in Massachusetts,
including long-sought time limits on parties' obligation to make
payments.
"This sweeping alimony reform will lead to some predictability
that is lacking in alimony orders. Having suggested durational
limits will enable families to do long-range planning, which will
help them move forward with their lives," said Denise
Squillante,
immediate past president of the Massachusetts Bar Association. "The
act also, importantly, maintains judicial
discretion. Judges will
now be able
to consider the facts of each case in determining
alimony orders."
Squillante sat on the Legislative Task Force on Alimony Reform
appointed by the Joint Committee on the Judiciary. She was also
co-chair of an earlier committee of MBA and Boston Bar Association
leaders that issued a report on alimony reform in the spring of
2009.
The MBA's House of Delegates voted unanimously to support The
Alimony Reform Act of 2011 in January. The MBA's Family Law Section
has closely monitored the topic of alimony since the early 1990s,
and has in the past filed a series of bills to improve alimony
laws.
Look for full coverage in the November issue.