Bell v. Bell

393 Mass. 20, 468 N.E.2d 859 (1984)

Facts

H and W were divorced, but the decree read that H was to pay W substantial alimony payments until her death, her remarriage, or her cohabitation with the opposite sex giving the outward appearance of marriage at any time prior to 1981. W filed an action for contempt against H for his refusal to continue payment of alimony. Based on the judge's findings in that hearing, it was concluded that W had lived with a member of the opposite sex prior to the deadline date and that there was an outward appearance of marriage. The judge dismissed the contempt complaint. The Court of Appeals reversed.