Leaving the state of Massachusetts
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Leaving the state of Massachusetts
I am currently paying alimony and would like to move
to another state. I may not have a job when I leave.
Can I retire early and not have to pay alimony?
Asked on November 3, 2016 under Family Law, Massachusetts
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
No. The law does not let you voluntarily take an action to reduce your income and then reduce your alimony based on that: if you voluntarily retire early, you will still be held to the same alimony. If you retire at the "normal" time, that is different; or if you are laid off and can't get a new job, that is not your fault; in those two cases, you could apply to the court for an alimony reduction with a reasonable chance of success. But again, you can't voluntarily, of your own free will, do something to reduce your ability to pay alimony and then have your obligation reduced.
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