Massachusetts to overhaul law on lifetime alimony

The governor of Massachusetts is expected to sign into law new legislation that would get rid of "lifetime alimony." The article states that the bill, "which has already been approved by the House and Senate, establishes guidelines for alimony payments and limits the duration of payments, ending so-called "lifetime alimony" payments ordered by some judges in divorce cases. One of the biggest changes in the bill would set limits on how long a spouse can receive alimony, based on how long the couple was married. Patrick plans to sign the bill Monday at the Statehouse. The state's current alimony laws don't set any duration limits. The bill's supporters say the new guidelines will help judges make fair decisions."

Today's Divorce = Separate Bedrooms

For many people in today's economy, the closest they can afford to come to divorce is separate bedrooms. When one spouse is unemployed, they do not want to go out on their own, and the other spouse does not want to risk having to pay maintenance (alimony). People used to sell the house and split the equity, which would make it possible for each one to start a new life. Now, people owe more than their houses are worth, they can't sell their houses, and they can't qualify for a mortgage on their own. So they stay together as roommates with separate bedrooms, biding their time until the economy turns around so they can afford to get divorced. In other words, they are miserable.