Ending a Massachusetts marriage will never be easy, and the prospect of having one's private affairs discussed in court may be daunting. However, for couples who still have respect for each other and who are on speaking terms, there is an alternative to litigation....
A Brighter Future Is Within Your Reach
Year: 2016
Same-sex spouses and the importance of prenuptial agreements
A prenuptial agreement will not determine how long an intended Massachusetts marriage will last, nor is it signed with a future divorce in mind. A prenup can set forth everything each spouse brings into the marriage and the manner in which assets will be treated in...
Back child support remains due even after child turns 18
Trying to provide proper care for children as a single or divorced parent can be a financial challenge. Regular child support payments from the noncustodial parent can help ensure that the best interests of the child are protected. Failure to pay can lead to legal...
Same-sex family law: 50 years ago gay couples adopted each other
Years ago, marriage was a distant dream of gay couples nationwide, including in Massachusetts. While same-sex divorce is a current problem for many, as far back as the 1970s, same-sex family law and gay marriages were not even considered. However, creative ways were...
Lessons about spousal support and more from celebrity divorces
While most Massachusetts people would likely not want their private affairs to be made public during divorce proceedings, there is a lot to be learned from the divorces of celebrities where even the tiniest details are often published. When comparing two cases...
Nontraditional family breakups can be difficult to navigate
Years ago, many same-sex couples got married in Massachusetts because it was not yet legal in their own states of residence. This caused legal problems for those whose marriages broke up later. A current child custody fight involves a mother whose partner adopted a...
Amount and duration of alimony unique to each case
People in Massachusetts who are in need of financial assistance after a divorce are free to ask for it. While the alimony laws of the state are quite lenient, the court will require the applicant to justify the need. Alimony is allocated regardless of the applicant's...
Child custody and relocation after divorce can be complicated
Massachusetts parents who are separated or divorced and want to relocate may want to prepare themselves for a complicated process. When a parent with child custody wants to move to another city or state, there will be legal procedures that may even include a court...
Is divorce mediation suitable for all divorcing couples?
Nothing about a divorce is easy. However, there are ways in which the process can be made less traumatic, less costly and less time consuming. However, it will require the willingness of both spouses to communicate in a peaceful manner and even compromise when...
Single mom and dad compare child custody — inequalities prevalen
Recently, there have been multiple discussions about equal parenting after divorce in Massachusetts. Many believe joint child custody should be the norm rather than the exception; others are concerned that this may -- in the majority of the cases -- not be in the best...