In any case involving children, Massachusetts courts always consider what is in the child’s best interest. While it is generally presumed a child’s happiness and welfare are best preserved when a relationship is maintained with both parents, there is no presumption in favor of shared custody. Joint custody refers to a situation where both parents share the rights and obligations
When divorce is not something both parties want, it is not unusual for a spouse to act resentful or even retaliate against their partner. Many divorcing couples face stressful disputes during the process of separation. For some, these disputes can turn from emotional arguments to criminal crimes, such as stalking. Stalking is a serious, illegal offense. Whether committed physically (in-person)
A fair divorce settlement leaves both parties with what they need to start over. Before negotiations begin, you should discuss your options with your divorce attorney. To help guide your negotiations and avoid surprises, you should create a list of your nonnegotiables, the things you’re willing to be flexible on, and the things you’re willing to live without. Below is
Individuals who are married, living together, have a child together, or have been in a substantive dating or engagement relationship can request an a 209A Order in Massachusetts, also known as the abuse prevention law which allows victims to ask for a court order to protect them. This is sometimes also referred to as an abuse prevention order, restraining order,
Not Just a Drive Across Town Change can be hard on children, especially children of parents going through a divorce. The goal of the courts, as well as parents, is typically to see to the child’s best interest and try to provide as stable and consistent a lifestyle as possible. However, when parents live a significant distance from each other,
While every divorce is as different as every marriage, one thing is for sure—when getting divorced, you will be taking a deep dive into your marital finances. In addition to valuing assets and debts, determining the value of property and retirement benefits, you will also learn if one spouse will be entitled to financial support. Whether you will be the
While weddings can bring out the best in people, divorce can do the opposite. With financial issues noted as one of the leading causes of divorce, it’s no surprise that a spouse may attempt to conceal assets. Whether or not you’re facing a high-stakes divorce, many spouses attempt to keep funds shielded from the property division process. This is not
As part of the divorce process, both parties are required to complete a financial disclosure. This ensures both parties have a complete picture regarding finances. The financial disclosure includes details about all assets and compensation, including and Restricted Stock Units (RSU) grants. Before understanding how RSUs are divided in a divorce, let’s review a few basics. Restricted Stock Units
Under Massachusetts law, both parents have a duty to support their child. Typically, following a separation or divorce, only one parent is considered the custodial parent. This is the parent who lives with and has primary care of the child. The support provided by the custodial parent is offered in the time and care given to the child. When families
No matter your reason for divorce, one of the most contentious issues that arise in any divorce is the subject of alimony. Alimony payments—also known in some states as “spousal support” or “maintenance” is the legal obligation that a supporting spouse pay to the supported spouse. Massachusetts courts generally award alimony to the lower-earning spouse so that spouse can maintain
In any case involving children, Massachusetts courts always consider what is in the child’s best interest. While it is generally presumed a child’s happiness and welfare are best preserved when a relationship is maintained with both parents, there is no presumption in favor of shared custody. Joint custody refers to a situation where both parents share the rights and obligations
When divorce is not something both parties want, it is not unusual for a spouse to act resentful or even retaliate against their partner. Many divorcing couples face stressful disputes during the process of separation. For some, these disputes can turn from emotional arguments to criminal crimes, such as stalking. Stalking is a serious, illegal offense. Whether committed physically (in-person)
A fair divorce settlement leaves both parties with what they need to start over. Before negotiations begin, you should discuss your options with your divorce attorney. To help guide your negotiations and avoid surprises, you should create a list of your nonnegotiables, the things you’re willing to be flexible on, and the things you’re willing to live without. Below is
Individuals who are married, living together, have a child together, or have been in a substantive dating or engagement relationship can request an a 209A Order in Massachusetts, also known as the abuse prevention law which allows victims to ask for a court order to protect them. This is sometimes also referred to as an abuse prevention order, restraining order,
Not Just a Drive Across Town Change can be hard on children, especially children of parents going through a divorce. The goal of the courts, as well as parents, is typically to see to the child’s best interest and try to provide as stable and consistent a lifestyle as possible. However, when parents live a significant distance from each other,
While every divorce is as different as every marriage, one thing is for sure—when getting divorced, you will be taking a deep dive into your marital finances. In addition to valuing assets and debts, determining the value of property and retirement benefits, you will also learn if one spouse will be entitled to financial support. Whether you will be the
While weddings can bring out the best in people, divorce can do the opposite. With financial issues noted as one of the leading causes of divorce, it’s no surprise that a spouse may attempt to conceal assets. Whether or not you’re facing a high-stakes divorce, many spouses attempt to keep funds shielded from the property division process. This is not
As part of the divorce process, both parties are required to complete a financial disclosure. This ensures both parties have a complete picture regarding finances. The financial disclosure includes details about all assets and compensation, including and Restricted Stock Units (RSU) grants. Before understanding how RSUs are divided in a divorce, let’s review a few basics. Restricted Stock Units
Under Massachusetts law, both parents have a duty to support their child. Typically, following a separation or divorce, only one parent is considered the custodial parent. This is the parent who lives with and has primary care of the child. The support provided by the custodial parent is offered in the time and care given to the child. When families
No matter your reason for divorce, one of the most contentious issues that arise in any divorce is the subject of alimony. Alimony payments—also known in some states as “spousal support” or “maintenance” is the legal obligation that a supporting spouse pay to the supported spouse. Massachusetts courts generally award alimony to the lower-earning spouse so that spouse can maintain
