Alimony & Distribution Of Marital Assets

The historical purpose of alimony is to provide financial support to a former wife that has been dependent on her former husband for economic security. Alimony has been viewed historically as the duty of the husband to provide for his former wife after divorce due to their inequality in earnings potential, and professional skills and training. On the other hand, division of the marital “estate” (or marital property) is based on the joint contribution of the spouses to the marital enterprise.

The concept of alimony has changed radically in the past several years. Many wives have higher earning potential and more advanced professional skills than husbands. This has led to a backlash against what are viewed as excessive alimony obligations. Women are being ordered to pay alimony to their former husbands. And, effective March 1, 2012, a new alimony law (the “Alimony Reform Law”) will take effect in Massachusetts.

Spouses fighting to obtain, or prevent, the payment of alimony and that are seeking to obtain their fair share of the marital property need the services of an attorney that is tenacious, relentless, and experienced. Attorney Karp is that attorney. Contact him today for a free initial telephone consultation.