An Act relative to the collateral consequences of alimony

This bill (SD 1998) amends Massachusetts law to change how alimony payments are calculated in divorce cases. It adds specific rules: if alimony is federally tax deductible, it remains based on income; if not, it must be set based on the recipient’s need or 23-28% of the difference between the spouses’ gross incomes. The bill directly affects divorcing couples in Massachusetts whose alimony is being determined or modified. It provides clearer, concrete guidelines for courts to use when setting alimony amounts.