The anticipated revision to the Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines was recently released, which brings about some big changes but also leaves some of the same questions hanging around that the prior guidelines did not clearly address. The initiation of new guidelines always brings about an advanced level of confusion as the written word gets put into action within court orders, so here’s our attempt to help Read More
5 Myths About Prenups You Shouldn’t Believe
Prenuptial agreements may seem like preparation for the worst case scenario, but you should think of them more like a premarital insurance policy. A prenuptial agreement is meant to give you peace of mind before marriage and make sure both parties are on the same page financially before making those ‘for better or worse’ vows. These legal documents, also called “prenups” for short, can define how you and your spouse Read More
Massachusetts Divorce: Understanding the “Nisi Period”
If you are interested in filing for divorce in Massachusetts, you may be surprised to know that there is a mandatory waiting period between the time when your divorce is granted and when it is final. The time between when a judge grants your divorce and when the divorce is final is known as the “Nisi period.” The Nisi period lasts 90 days. If you filed a joint petition, there is a 30-day waiting period before the Read More
A Step-by-Step Guide to the Property Valuation Process in Massachusetts
One of the main worries of divorcing couples is how their property will be valued and distributed after the divorce. Your family home, car, and other assets must first be assigned a value before they can be distributed. It is important to get an accurate and fair valuation of your assets to ensure that you receive you fair share. You and your spouse can either agree on the value of your assets or, if an agreement Read More
Alimony in Massachusetts: How Courts Calculate Your Post-Divorce Payments
One of the ways that an individual can recover from the financial burden of a divorce is by being awarded alimony and utilizing the money to start a new life. Alimony allows an individual to make positive changes such as preparing for a career or relocating, or being reimbursed for support they provided their ex-spouse during the marriage. It can also help provide the financial stability needed for a lower-earning Read More
Help! My Children Are Being Turned Against Me!
Even in the most amicable divorce, shared custody can be difficult at times. Normal difficulties become something much more sinister when one parent attempts to sabotage the relationship of their child with the co-parent. The parent on the receiving end of such manipulation is often hurt, confused, angry, and unsure of their legal options. By learning to identify signs of parental alienation and utilizing simple tips Read More
What Massachusetts Couples Should Know About Cohabitation Agreements
You may be looking forward to moving in with your significant other, but have you thought about the legal implications of doing so? While Common law marriage is recognized in the state of Rhode Island—which we will discuss in a future blog—it is not recognized in Massachusetts. Thus, those living with a partner in MA may need to make separate legal arrangements for various elements inherent in cohabitation, such as Read More
