Chap. 565. AN ACT FURTHER REGULATING THE PAYMENT OF ALIMONY AND THE ASSIGNMENT OF PROPERTY IN LIBELS FOR DIVORCE.
Be it  enacted, etc., as follows:
Chapter 208 of the General Laws is hereby amended by striking out section 34, as appearing in the Tercentenary Edition, and inserting in place thereof the following section: —
Section 34. Upon a divorce or upon petition at any time after a divorce, the court may order either of the parties to pay alimony to the other. In addition to or in lieu of an order to pay alimony, the court may assign to either the husband or wife all or any part of the estate of the other. In determining the amount of alimony, if any, to be paid, or in fixing the nature and value of the property, if any, to be so assigned, the court, after hearing the witnesses, if any, of each party, shall consider the length of the marriage, the conduct of the parties during the marriage, the age, health, station, occupation, amount and sources of income, vocational skills, employability, estate, liabilities and needs of each of the parties and the opportunity of each for future acquisition of capital assets and income. The court may also consider the contribution of each of the parties in the acquisition, preservation or appreciation in value of their respective estates.
Approved July 19, 1974.