Retirement accounts are often among the largest assets in a divorce. Same-sex couples in Massachusetts may ask whether pensions, 401(k)s or Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) receive the same treatment as in other marriages. Massachusetts applies the same rules to...
How Massachusetts courts award alimony in divorce
Divorce can be a long and complex process, involving many legal steps—and it can become even more complicated when alimony is part of the picture. In Massachusetts, a court may award alimony when one spouse needs financial support and the other spouse has the ability...
Should you file for divorce first in Massachusetts?
Deciding to file for divorce is one of the most consequential decisions you may make in your life. You have to weigh both the merits and the demerits before setting foot in a Massachusetts court. Here is what you need to know. Why filing first matters In the eyes of...
Can I divorce my spouse for financial incompatibility?
Money disagreements can cause a significant strain on a marriage. Differences over spending, debt, saving or financial priorities may eventually lead some couples to consider divorce. If this is what you are currently facing, understanding the nuances of the topic...
Relocating with children after divorce
For parents, managing a move to a new location after a divorce is an emotionally complex and stressful process. When life changes require a move, you must focus entirely on your child's best interests. Success requires careful planning, early communication and...
How is debt divided in a Massachusetts divorce?
When you are going through a divorce, the financial weight often feels just as heavy as the emotional transition. You may be worried about credit card balances, the mortgage or car loans that were once shared responsibilities. It is a stressful time, but understanding...
How adultery affects divorce proceedings in Massachusetts
Discovering that a spouse was unfaithful is an emotional turning point. It often brings a wave of betrayal and questions about what comes next. In the middle of this stress, it is vital to separate the emotional hurt from the legal reality of divorce in Springfield....
Key considerations when dividing a family business in a divorce
Going through a divorce while owning a family business creates unique challenges. How can you protect your professional legacy during a personal crisis? Crucial factors in business valuation and division In Massachusetts, the court views a business you have started or...
3 ways to address the marital home in a Massachusetts divorce
When divorce becomes inevitable, the question "What happens to our house?" quickly moves to the forefront. Massachusetts couples have three primary strategies for handling the marital home. Each option has distinct financial and practical implications worth examining...
What is an automatic restraining order during divorce?
A restraining order is essentially a court order prohibiting certain behaviors. Most people are familiar with restraining orders issued to address domestic violence or stalking. People who have experienced abuse or harassment can ask the courts to protect them....
