In the case of Heins v. Ledis, the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts addressed issues related to alimony and the division of marital property in divorce proceedings. Cheryl Heins filed for divorce from Alan Ledis, and the Probate and Family Court initially awarded her alimony partly to reimburse her for investments in her husband’s business. However, the court did not adequately assess her financial need or potential earning capacity. The Supreme Judicial Court emphasized the importance of distinguishing between alimony, which is based on financial need, and property division, which considers the joint contributions of spouses. The case was remanded for further consideration of the alimony award, highlighting the necessity of clear findings to support such decisions.