When going through divorce, not all Massachusetts couples want to litigate the matter. Some just want to settle things through private negotiations or other alternative dissolution methods. This is completely understandable. When it comes to getting certain items included in a divorce settlement though, such as alimony, is going to court necessary?
The truth of the matter is this, if you want alimony you do not necessarily have to request it in court. It is completely possible to get it included in your divorce settlement through out-of-court negotiations. A judge will ultimately have to sign off on the settlement before it becomes active, but that does not always require a hearing.
If your spouse refuses to pay alimony or what he or she is offering is far below what you are legally allowed to collect, then you may have to go to court. Your attorney can help you file the appropriate petition with any required documentation, and if required, a court date will be set to discuss the matter. The final decision will then be left to a judge. To learn more about alimony and how and attorney can help you, please visit our firm’s website.
Alimony and other money matters are often the cause of contention in a divorce proceeding. Some couples can talk out the issues with the assistance of their attorneys, while others simply cannot come to agreeable terms and litigation becomes necessary. Massachusetts residents who wish to keep their divorces out of court can do so if they are willing to work together. This does not mean that they have to accept settlement terms that are unfair for either party just to get the process over with as swiftly as possible. Your legal counsel will work diligently to achieve a final agreement that serves your needs.
