Massachusetts Divorce Specialist Sheds Light On Alimony Controversy

Attorney Susannah L. Brown weighs in on the alimony debate. She sees dramatic changes ahead for Massachusetts alimony laws. A total overhaul of the Massachusetts alimony laws is imminent. Two bills are currently being debated in the Massachusetts legislature, and the Supreme Judicial Court is expected to make a decision soon in a landmark case.

Pembroke, MA (PRWEB) October 9, 2009 -- Attorney Susannah L. Brown weighs in on the alimony debate. She sees dramatic changes ahead for Massachusetts alimony laws. A total overhaul of the Massachusetts alimony laws is imminent. Two bills are currently being debated in the Massachusetts legislature, and the Supreme Judicial Court is expected to make a decision soon in a landmark case.

The Massachusetts Alimony reform movement is heating up. This summer the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court heard arguments in a case (Pierce v. Pierce) that may change the way alimony is determined in Massachusetts. The case hinges upon the issue of whether alimony should still be required after the paying spouse retires. A decision is imminent. Similarly, the state Legislature is currently debating two different bills aimed reforming alimony.

The Senate bill 1616 does little to really change alimony. It would however enable Judges to cap the length of an alimony award. The current law does not allow Judges to cap the duration of an alimony award. Many feel this law is unfair to alimony payers who may be forced to pay their former spouses well past retirement. The so called "lifetime alimony" is very controversial.

The House bill 1785 really aims to revamp the alimony laws bringing them more in line with other states and economic realities. While most Family law experts believe reform is necessary, Alimony recipients, on the other hand feel the current law is fair. If you are an alimony recipient or an alimony payer now is the time to educate yourself as to these upcoming changes and inform your legislatures which way you want them to vote.

For questions about your case contact Attorney Susannah Brown. She has offices in Pembroke and West Dennis (Cape Cod) Massachusetts and serves the surrounding area, mainly Hingham, Norwell, Marshfield, Duxbury, Barnstable, Hanover, Cohasset, Plymouth and Scituate. Susannah L. Brown has practiced law since 1993. With a background in both civil and criminal trial work, her practice focuses primarily on Family Law and Divorce.

A graduate of Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut and Emory University School of Law in Atlanta, Georgia, Brown is admitted to practice law in both Georgia and Massachusetts. She is also a Certified Mediator. Attorney Brown also provides a variety of other legal services. She advises individuals and small business in many areas. Ms. Brown is also a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association, the Plymouth County Bar Association and the Plymouth District Bar Association.

Ms. Brown lives in Marshfield with her husband and children. She services all of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable Counties. She can be reached by telephone at 781-829-6870 or on the web at www.attorneysbrown.com

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