Adapting 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 Way of Life The first […]
Read MoreBrowse our law blog for Massachusetts-specific family law and divorce topics
4 Ways Parents Can Get Sole Custody in Massachusetts
Courts in Massachusetts generally presume the happiness and welfare of children is best preserved when they maintain a relationship with both parents. However, that does not mean courts favor joint custody arrangements. In fact, Mass. Gen. Law ch. 208, §31 specifically states that there is no presumption in favor of shared custody. If you know that your […]
Read MoreIs My Inheritance at Risk During Divorce?
If you live in the state of Massachusetts, it is reasonable to ask if your inheritance is at risk during a divorce. Massachusetts law provides the court with the power to divide all the assets in a fair and equitable manner. There are a couple of things to keep in mind when it comes to […]
Read MoreHow are Marital Debts Treated in a Divorce?
In 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 debt between divorcing partners. Marital […]
Read MoreQualified Retirement Plans Require Special Handling in Divorce
Retirement 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 factors add to the complexity […]
Read MoreWhat Happens at a Divorce Hearing in Massachusetts?
The 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 not the same as a […]
Read MoreDivorce Guide for Stay-at-Home Parents
Divorce is never easy, especially for stay-at-home parents. While the job of a stay-at-home–protecting and caring for children–is an invaluable service, unfortunately, the job does not pay money. And a divorce is often quite costly. To assist, we offer a divorce guide for stay-at-home parents in Massachusetts to help you navigate these difficult times and […]
Read MoreUnderstanding the Difference Between Alimony and Child Support
At first glance, alimony and child support seem quite distinct. Child support goes to support children, while alimony supports a former spouse. However, when you consider that the former spouse is the one accepting and using the child support payments, the differences start to blur quickly. The reasons for granting support, the support amounts, and […]
Read MoreValentine’s Day Proposals — Why You Should Consider a Prenup
After the feelings of elation that come with a Valentine’s Day proposal subside, you will eventually come back down to earth. Then it is time to discuss a potentially uncomfortable topic—the prenuptial agreement. These agreements get a bad rap, but they are like placing an insurance policy on a marriage–they provide a solid foundation. It […]
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