This year changes pertaining to the current alimony laws in Massachusetts were announced. These changes could directly affect many divorced individuals in the Boston area and throughout the state who are currently paying (or receiving) alimony. The law is scheduled to take effect on March 1, 2013. The new laws apply to couples who were married 20 years or less. These changes could affect many divorced retirees who are currently paying spousal support. The result could mean that their current obligation will be reduced or even eliminated altogether. At this time, there are various forms of alimony that can be ordered during a divorce. For example, one type is known as transitional alimony. This form is for couples whose marriage did not make the five-year mark. Its intention is to provide a financial “transition” from the lifestyle the obligee (spouse receiving payment) became accustomed to during marriage to that of a single wage household. Another form of alimony is referred to as rehabilitative alimony. This form of support assists the recipient in learning new job schools either through training or education so he or she can become “economically self-sufficient.” Finally, there is reimbursement alimony. The obligor (the person paying alimony) is responsible for reimbursing the obligee for his or her contribution to the marriage through a one-time payment or a series of periodic payments. This form of spousal support is also for marriage of less than five years. There is also what is referred to as general term alimony. This