If you currently have an alimony Judgment or Order in Massachusetts, or are contemplating divorce or separation, new changes in the law may affect how long you pay or receive alimony.

On March 1, 2012, a new era dawns in the history of alimony law. Responding to varied groups advocating, even demanding, change, long-awaited reform has made its way through years of legislative debate.

Pierce v. Pierce. The Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) of Massachusetts has rendered a decision in Pierce v. Pierce (SJC-10381, 2009), the case in which Rudolph Pierce, a former Massachusetts lawyer and judge, retired at age 65 years and 7 months and filed a complaint for modification asking the Court to permit him to stop paying alimony to his ex-wife. She was working as a fundraiser, but had recently resigned from her job when the responsibilities and travel requirements were increased.

Alimony is an emotionally charged word and concept. Just mention the word in passing and the responses are swift and diverse. Boy, was I taken; the judge swallowed her sob story hook, line, and sinker. Now I work and she stays home - the queen of the block.