Koiles Pratt Family Law Group
Divorce
Co-authored by Jennifer Koiles Pratt and Michael I. Flores When a divorce involves a spouse employed as a higher-level executive, the financial issues involved in property division, alimony, and child support become much more complicated. The executive compensation landscape has changed and now involves much more than just an annual…
Read MoreEvery marriage is different, so it makes sense that couples divorcing in Massachusetts have several different options for bringing their marriage to a close. An experienced divorce attorney can review your situation and goals and help you make the right choices to meet your needs. Fault vs. No-Fault When researching…
Read MoreBefore the court grants a divorce in Massachusetts, each spouse is supposed to make a full financial disclosure. Depending on the level of animosity and legal delaying tactics involved, the parties may only need to exchange financial statements, but it often becomes necessary to conduct serious discovery to obtain records…
Read MoreWhile no divorce is easy, some divorces are simple. High-asset divorces are neither. And when a high-asset divorce is handled by an attorney unfamiliar with the complexities, both the divorce process and the outcome can be unnecessarily costly. Understanding the challenges can help you effectively manage a high-asset divorce in…
Read MoreRather than having a judge make all the decisions, it is important to develop your divorce agreement with an attorney. This will allow you to control the terms of your divorce and the life you will lead in the future. However, you need to be aware of some critical issues…
Read MoreAlthough the tax exemptions for dependents have been discontinued, the tax code still offers numerous tax benefits for those who can claim a child as a dependent on their tax return. So, when parents divorce, who gets to claim their child? Can they share the child for tax purposes just…
Read MoreAdapting to a new life without a person you shared many memories with can be incredibly challenging, emotional, and painful. Divorce is common, yet many people struggle to find healthy coping mechanisms to get through it. Below are some practical tips on turning the page after divorce. 1. Accept Your New…
Read MoreIn Massachusetts, all marital property and assets are split according to equitable distribution considerations. Equitable distribution means fair and reasonable, and that may not be equal. Marital debts are essentially treated the same way, which means that courts may consider many factors in determining the most “fair” means of allocating…
Read MoreRetirement accounts are often some of the most difficult assets to divide in a Massachusetts divorce—particularly qualified retirement plans. Federal laws require special treatment of the assets. In many cases, it is necessary to set up a Qualified Domestic Relations Order(QDRO) to allocate funds between divorcing spouses. While the complicating…
Read MoreThe courthouse can be a stressful place, particularly when you are coming for a matter such as a hearing, which sounds formal and momentous. But a divorce hearing is a routine process that does not require much on your behalf. It is important to remember that a divorce hearing is…
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