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...
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Alimony
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...
Same-sex divorce and cohabitation issues can be complicated
With society evolving at the pace it does, issues related to nontraditional families are becoming more prevalent. Many couples in Massachusetts choose not to get married, and legal issues may arise when such relationships end -- especially if there are children...
Child custody: Litigation is traumatic for all concerned parties
Some divorcing couples in Massachusetts are able to reach amicable agreements on contentious issues. In many cases, this is achieved with the help of divorce mediators. However, the circumstances of families vary, and in some cases, the only option is litigation. This...
David Hasselhoff is dipping into retirement funds to pay alimony
When celebrities get divorced, their financial agreements are often aimed at allowing both parties to continue living the lifestyles to which they became accustomed during marriage. Alimony is typically based on the income of the higher-earning spouse -- among other...
What is the difference between spousal support and alimony?
When an individual in Massachusetts is considering -- or going through -- a divorce, there may be many questions related to the legal aspects of a divorce that need answers. In many cases, there is confusion about alimony and spousal support that are often believed to...
Complex finances: How valuable is free advice from friends?
Going through a divorce or the ending of a non-marital relationship is naturally a traumatic time for most people. Some Massachusetts people may experience it as a life crisis, and they find it difficult to keep emotions from taking over when important decisions have...
Legal assistance may be helpful when discussing alimony
Laws about spousal support or alimony differ from state to state, and after the Alimony Reform Act of 2011 was enacted in Massachusetts, divorcing couples may have questions about alimony and how it affects them. Under the reform act, alimony may form part of a...
Are there any circumstances that will guarantee alimony?
The answer to this question is no, but it may need some clarification. Alimony rules differ from state to state, and ordering alimony in divorce proceedings commonly requires one spouse to prove that he or she needs financial assistance. Even if alimony was...
Can you get temporary spousal support until divorce is finalized?
When Massachusetts couples decide to file for divorce, it is only the first step in a process that may take many months or longer to finalize. There are many important matters that cannot be put on ice and need to be addressed when the parties separate. The...