When a marriage ends, the divorcing couple must decide how to divide the marital assets. Unless otherwise outlined in a pre-or post-nuptial agreement, all assets acquired during the marriage are considered marital assets under Massachusetts divorce law. This includes money as well as personal property, stocks, real estate, debt, and business interests. The division of […]
Changes to Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines Coming in October New guidelines will make substantial alterations to how Massachusetts courts calculate how much child support is owed, effective in October. After a decade of steadily decreasing child support requirements in Massachusetts, it seems that pressure by public advocacy groups has reversed this trend. The new guidelines, […]
My ex-spouse has asked to pick up our children, of whom we share custody, at a different time from that stated in our custody agreement. I’m fine with the change. Do we need to alter the agreement, or is a verbal agreement enough? As an attorney, my answer is almost always going to be “get […]
You and your fiancé would be wise to consider a prenuptial agreement, or “prenup” as it has come to be known. In fact, most, couples would benefit from a prenuptial agreement. Objections to getting a prenuptial agreement usually come in one of two categories. The first kind asserts that there is no pressing need for […]
Collaborative Law is a process by which the parties to a potential civil action, embark upon a civil and amicable negotiation, in the combined hope that it can be resolved without the intervention of the courts. In a civil action, the Collaborative approach may be preferred because it has the potential to allow the parties […]
If you are going through a divorce and have children, child custody is arguably the most important matter you will have to deal with during the divorce proceedings. Although custody arrangements can be reviewed and modified until the child turns 18, it is not common custody to be changed from one parent to the other […]
Divorce is always a painful process. Splitting property for its cash value is often a difficult end to a relationship that did not work out. Emotions run high, even in an amicable divorce. Being prepared is the best way to ensure both parties receive their fair share of the marital assets and debts. Listing shared […]
Mediation is a popular option for couples in Massachusetts when they have decided to divorce. A couple who has agreed that their marriage has reached a point of “irretrievable breakdown” according to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 208, due to no particular fault of either party, may want to seriously consider mediation. This is a “no […]