Barbara J. Katzenberg, Attorney at Law Worcester Family Law Lawyer | Shrewsbury Divorce And Mediation Attorney 2026-05-06T21:05:05Z https://www.bjkatzenberg.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1204638/2026/02/cropped-favicon-barb-katz-x-1-32x32.jpg On Behalf of Barbara J. Katzenberg, Attorney at Law <![CDATA[Data on child support payments and custodial parents]]> https://www.bjkatzenberg.com/?p=48570 2023-03-16T16:29:29Z 2023-03-16T16:29:29Z Statistics on custodial parents The U.S. Census Bureau says that in 2018, approximately 21.9 million kids under 21 did not live with at least one parent (26.5% of all kids under 21). Additionally, 49.4% of custodial parents had child support orders set up, including court orders and informal agreements. Data shows that many of these custodial parents did not receive the full amount of child support owed.

Statistics on child support

In 2017, 69.8% of custodial parents received some child support, but only 45.9% received the full amount due. Furthermore, 58% of custodial parents received non-cash support from non-custodial parents. On average, custodial parents received $3,431 in child support over the course of 2017. Unpaid child support could leave you with serious financial hurdles as a custodial parent. Likewise, you could face devastating consequences if you do not abide by the terms of a custody order or fulfill your child support obligations as a non-custodial parent. This underlines the importance of addressing child support and child custody matters swiftly and appropriately.]]> On Behalf of Barbara J. Katzenberg, Attorney at Law <![CDATA[Safeguarding your retirement plans during a divorce]]> https://www.bjkatzenberg.com/?p=48569 2023-03-01T19:38:23Z 2023-03-01T19:38:23Z Know the value of your assets At the onset of your divorce, make it a priority to learn the value of your assets. This is particularly important if your spouse takes sole responsibility for financial management. Identify where your assets are and the net worth of each one. Have a basic understanding of property division laws so you can advocate for a fair settlement.

Realign your goals for the future

Even if you already have a solid financial plan, consider how your split could change the trajectory of your future. Realign your personal goals with your updated plan. Make concrete, realistic goals and begin working toward them immediately. A proactive approach to protecting what you have could make a big difference in your ability to mitigate the negative repercussions of a divorce. You may need to live life a bit more conservatively while you rebuild your finances. According to U.S. News, divorce could require you to update your lifestyle. Value resourcefulness and savings. Even if you can only contribute a little right now, consistency and responsibility will enable you to gradually rebuild what you previously had. With the right steps, your divorce does not have to have any control over your future.]]> On Behalf of Barbara J. Katzenberg, Attorney at Law <![CDATA[How will you divide art in a divorce?]]> https://www.bjkatzenberg.com/?p=48568 2023-02-15T21:44:39Z 2023-02-15T21:44:39Z divide these assets. There are a few considerations to make and then a process to follow to determine what happens with the art.

Ownership rights and the law

You first must consider for each piece of art who owns it. It could be something you own together, but if you can prove it is a separate asset, then it will make the process easier because you will be able to keep all your separate property without having to divide it. It might be separate if you bought it prior to the marriage or if it was part of an inheritance. However, if you bought it during the marriage and it was not a gift or inheritance, then it is marital property that you must divide.

Division factors

Once you determine a piece is something you both have equal claim to, you should get a valuation. It may be costly to go through this process, but it is necessary for the fair division of assets.

Final decisions

You and your spouse would be best off if you can agree on the division of all art. You may decide to each keep certain pieces of comparable value. You can also sell pieces and split the profits.]]> On Behalf of Barbara J. Katzenberg, Attorney at Law <![CDATA[How can I avoid conflict with a co-parent over vacation plans?]]> https://www.bjkatzenberg.com/?p=48567 2023-01-27T20:26:28Z 2023-02-01T20:26:18Z explains how to minimize the chance that your co-parent will object to your planned winter vacation.

Check for court approval

Your parenting agreement probably has a lot to say about approving family vacations. One requirement may involve the courts. Some agreements allow parents to work out vacation plans by mutual agreement. However, your parenting plan might also have a clause requiring a court to grant permission for a vacation.

Check methods for making plans

Parenting agreements take many forms, so there is no set way to have co-parents work out a vacation or holiday schedule. Sometimes a plan just requires parents to agree to a vacation through texts or emails. However, other parenting agreements necessitate that both parents sign a document. In some cases, parents must have their documents notarized.

Get documented consent

Generally, it is good to write out your vacation plans and send them to your co-parent to receive approval. If your ex accepts, be sure that you get the approval in a form approved by your parenting agreement. You want to have proof that you had previously worked out plans with your co-parent if he or she later withdraws approval. In general, these steps may help you plan a family vacation for any time of the year. You should not have to worry that your co-parent will have problems with you taking your children on a fun trip.]]> On Behalf of Barbara J. Katzenberg, Attorney at Law <![CDATA[How mediation can facilitate compromise on these divorce issues]]> https://www.bjkatzenberg.com/?p=48566 2023-01-27T19:32:18Z 2023-01-31T19:31:07Z Asset division Massachusetts divorce law outlines a process of equitable division of marital assets. Following the established asset division process will likely result in a fair outcome, but mediation allows each party to voice their claim for specific items, such as retirement accounts or the family home.

Child custody

Child custody is often a central point of contention in a divorce, but one that a judge will ultimately rule on in pursuit of the child's best interests. By discussing custody amicably with your co-parent through mediation, however, you can keep matters regarding your child's upbringing within the family.

Business interest

If you or your soon-to-be ex-spouse are business owners, then the enterprise is probably a large contributor to your livelihoods. When seeking a compromise on this matter, both parties can work together to decide if one person should remain in charge of the business after the divorce or if it is best to liquidate the company. Divorce mediation allows both parties to have their say without interference from the court on sensitive issues. Reaching an agreeable compromise also helps ensure a healthy family dynamic even after a potentially contentious split.]]> On Behalf of Barbara J. Katzenberg, Attorney at Law <![CDATA[Should I buy a new house during my divorce?]]> https://www.bjkatzenberg.com/?p=48565 2023-01-13T16:54:58Z 2023-01-18T16:54:06Z involves certain considerations. You should be aware of whether you can finance a new house and if your marital relationship will complicate your efforts.

The state of your finances

Purchasing a new home involves the same homebuying steps of making a down payment and qualifying for a mortgage. Given that your divorce will divide your marital assets, you should determine if your diminished financial situation will be enough to make regular mortgage payments. Also, your credit score should be in good shape. This will help you qualify for a mortgage and get the best terms possible. However, if you still share the debt of your spouse through your marriage, your credit score might take a hit until your divorce separates the debt of your ex from your own.

Your relationship with your spouse

Buying a new home before your divorce is complete could mean your wife or husband will retain an ownership interest in whatever residence you purchase. You might avoid this problem by having your spouse sign a quitclaim deed. This will transfer full ownership of the new home to you. However, it is possible your spouse will refuse to sign over any ownership interest. If so, you might have to wait for the completion of your divorce before getting a new place to live. Weigh your options carefully to avoid potential complications from buying a new house too soon.]]> On Behalf of Barbara J. Katzenberg, Attorney at Law <![CDATA[How should I deal with my joint accounts in divorce?]]> https://www.bjkatzenberg.com/?p=48564 2022-12-28T22:30:35Z 2023-01-04T22:30:25Z how to secure your assets so your spouse does not retain some sort of access.

Uncouple joint accounts

You may have linked to your bank accounts through automatic payment or withdrawal provisions. When you create your new accounts, you should not forget to redirect your connections to these accounts. You will also need new checks to go along with your new bank accounts.

Check listed beneficiaries

It is likely that you listed your spouse as a beneficiary on some assets. Some spouses want to keep an ex as a beneficiary even after a divorce, but if you do not, you should check any account that could have a beneficiary designation. Common examples include IRAs, 401(k)s or other retirement accounts, as well as insurance policies.

Check transfer on death provisions

It is possible to designate someone to take over an account after you die through a transfer-on-death provision. You may have set up your spouse through one of these provisions. Following your divorce, you should change your designations as you see fit so a child or another family member takes over your accounts after your death. These steps are especially important if you have not built up your own credit. Maintaining your own accounts and not being responsible for the debts of your ex can help you secure loans for important purchases such as a new home following your divorce.]]> On Behalf of Barbara J. Katzenberg, Attorney at Law <![CDATA[How does a pre-mediation contract define a mediation?]]> https://www.bjkatzenberg.com/?p=48563 2022-12-17T03:51:19Z 2022-12-21T03:50:12Z sets conditions for the mediation. This is a good stage to help guide your mediation going forward.

The nature of the mediation

A major benefit of mediation is that you do not expose your personal information through a court proceeding. A pre-mediation contract can help ensure that your mediation is as confidential as you want it to be. The contract will also establish that the mediator will not hand down a binding resolution. You and your spouse must agree to it first.

Conditions of the mediator

You and your spouse must choose the individual who will mediate your divorce. Through your contract, you will establish who the mediator is and how you will pay for the mediation. Usually, both spouses divide the cost evenly.

Termination of the mediation

Pre-mediation contracts can make sure the mediation does not go on for too long by creating a time limit. Many people complete mediation in half a day or a full day, but some mediations may go longer. However, your contract may describe how to end the mediation if you and your spouse agree that your negotiations are not going anywhere. Pre-mediation contracts will vary by the people who draft them. Still, the basic conditions are important to know so you feel confident that the mediation will work to your benefit.]]> On Behalf of Barbara J. Katzenberg, Attorney at Law <![CDATA[How should you handle child custody in a domestic violence situation?]]> https://www.bjkatzenberg.com/?p=48561 2022-12-02T21:05:34Z 2022-12-06T21:04:41Z decisions about child custody.

Consideration

The court will look at past issues when determining temporary and permanent child custody orders. The abuse does not have to occur to the child directly. The court will consider violence between parents. It does not have to be physical either. The court will consider intimidation or threats as an issue.

Pattern

The court will look for a pattern of abuse or considerable evidence of a problem. The law sides with the child in the situation, assuming being with or around a parent prone to violence is not in the child's best interests. The court may rule one parent gets full custody and limit the contact with the abusive parent or require only supervised contact.

Safety

Above all else, when making a decision, the court will always consider the safety of the children. The court will determine, through careful investigation, how safe the children will be with a parent accused of or shown to be violent. There are several ways the court could ensure the safety of the children, including requiring a bond paid by the parent when he or she has the children to guarantee their return to the other parent, supervised visitation, investigations into the abuse accusations and preventing overnight visits. The bottom line is when domestic violence accusations occur during a custody situation, the court takes them seriously and will conduct a full investigation to keep the children safe.]]> On Behalf of Barbara J. Katzenberg, Attorney at Law <![CDATA[Divorce 101 for men]]> https://www.bjkatzenberg.com/?p=48559 2022-11-30T20:33:11Z 2022-11-30T20:33:11Z Get advice While you do not have to have legal representation during your divorce in Massachusetts, the matter is usually pretty complex. Trying to navigate the process alone can leave you with unfavorable terms, so you should consider getting legal advice.

Have an initial consultation

Get your advice at an initial consultation with a family law professional. They can help you better understand the divorce process and your circumstances.

File for divorce

When you are sure you are ready to end your marriage, it is time to file for divorce with the Massachusetts courts. It can be beneficial to file first in some situations, while it does not matter in others.

Prepare for the costs

Another big thing that people worry about when considering a divorce is the total cost. However, this is not something you can predict ahead of time, so you must prepare for any potential fees.

Gather essential documents

You will need to present a lot of financial documentation during this process. You will need to give as much information as possible on your assets and debts. When you provide excessive documentation, your outcome will be better. One of the most important things you can do to help yourself during a divorce is to understand the process and know what to expect. Then, you can take the necessary steps to ensure you get through this process smoothly.]]>