Category Archives: Divorce
What if My Spouse Wants a Divorce but I Do Not in Massachusetts?
Does your spouse want a divorce? If you want to stay married, you may be wondering what options you have available. Legally speaking, there are no tangible options to stop the divorce if they absolutely are committed. Massachusetts is a no-fault divorce state. Either party can opt to get a divorce without approval from… Read More »
How Long Does Mediation Typically Take in a Massachusetts Divorce?
Divorce litigation has the potential to be a slow, drawn out process. While only a small percentage of divorces in Massachusetts go to trial, those that do typically take a year or even multiple years. Mediation can save a lot of time. You may be wondering: How long does mediation typically last in a… Read More »
Mistakes That Can Cause Problems for Divorce Mediation in Massachusetts
Mediation can be an effective tool for divorcing couples in Massachusetts. It helps couples work towards a split in a collaborative, low-conflict manner. That can save time, money, and emotional distress. Still, mediation can be challenging. Too many divorcing couples make avoidable mistakes that undermine the process. Here, our Massachusetts divorce mediation attorney highlights… Read More »
An Overview of Financial Disclosure Requirements for a Contested Divorce in Massachusetts
Going through a divorce in Massachusetts? If you and your spouse are currently locked in a contested divorce, it is imperative that you know the Massachusetts requirements for financial disclosures. They vary based on your financial situation. Here, our Peabody divorce attorney provides a guide to the financial disclosure requirements for a contested divorce… Read More »
What Main Factors that Would Cause Unequal Distribution of Property in a Massachusetts Divorce?
Under Massachusetts law (M.G.L. c. 208, § 34), an equitable distribution standard is used for the division of marital property in a divorce. Equitable distribution means a fair distribution. A 50/50 split, while common, is not guaranteed by Commonwealth law. Here, our Massachusetts divorce attorney provides an overview of the factors that may justify… Read More »
What is the Average Number of Mediation Sessions for a Divorce?
Are you preparing for a divorce in Massachusetts? Mediation can be a very effective tool. It helps couples end their marriage in a cooperative, collaborative manner. You may be wondering: How many mediation sessions is typical for a divorce? While there is no true “average,” anywhere between one and eight mediation sessions is well… Read More »
Are there Different Styles of Divorce Mediation in Massachusetts?
As explained by the Massachusetts Court System, divorce mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) that is focused on cooperative, non-adversarial problem-solving. It is a flexible process. There are actually different styles of mediation in Massachusetts. Most people focus on facilitative divorce mediation, but others may prefer an evaluative or even transformative… Read More »
Deciding Who Gets the Marital Home in a Massachusetts Divorce
A key issue in many Massachusetts divorce cases is deciding who will get to keep the marital home. If the parties cannot reach an agreement on this issue, it is left to a judge to make a final determination as part of the overall division of marital property. Massachusetts law does not require judges… Read More »
Who Pays for a Child’s College Education Following a Massachusetts Divorce?
All parents have a legal obligation to financially support their children up to the age of 18. Even beyond that point, many Massachusetts parents will pay for their child’s college education. Of course, if the parents are in the process of getting a divorce, the question of who will pay for the child’s college… Read More »
Tax Issues That Can Affect Your Massachusetts Divorce
Divorce represents a major life change for the parties involved. There is the emotional impact of ending the marriage itself. There are the practical consequences of each party rebuilding their lives as single people. And of course, there are also the financial consequences of unwinding what was, in many respects, a legal partnership. These… Read More »