Massachusetts Governor Patrick to OK changes to alimony laws

BOSTON (AP) - Governor Deval Patrick is planning to sign a sweeping overhaul of the state's alimony laws.

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.