The Supreme Judicial Court’s recent decision in the case of Cavanaugh v. Cavanaugh has had a major impact on how alimony and child support are calculated in Massachusetts family court cases. The court’s decision, which was issued in June 2022, has revised the way in which income is considered when determining support payments, and has introduced a new approach to
When it comes to dividing assets in a divorce case, the value of a small business can be one of the most challenging assets to appraise. In Massachusetts, the value of a small business is determined by the court based on a variety of factors including the income generated by the business, the assets of the business, and the market
In any case involving children, Massachusetts courts always consider what is in the child’s best interest. While it is generally presumed a child’s happiness and welfare are best preserved when a relationship is maintained with both parents, there is no presumption in favor of shared custody. Joint custody refers to a situation where both parents share the rights and obligations
When divorce is not something both parties want, it is not unusual for a spouse to act resentful or even retaliate against their partner. Many divorcing couples face stressful disputes during the process of separation. For some, these disputes can turn from emotional arguments to criminal crimes, such as stalking. Stalking is a serious, illegal offense. Whether committed physically (in-person)
A fair divorce settlement leaves both parties with what they need to start over. Before negotiations begin, you should discuss your options with your divorce attorney. To help guide your negotiations and avoid surprises, you should create a list of your nonnegotiables, the things you’re willing to be flexible on, and the things you’re willing to live without. Below is
When considering divorce, there is a lot at stake. Many people are overwhelmed by the legal aspects of divorce, so this article will outline some common questions individuals ask during a Massachusetts Divorce. How much does a Massachusetts divorce cost? Wanting to know the cost of divorce is understandable. Unfortunately, the answer differs for every case as each couple faces
Individuals who are married, living together, have a child together, or have been in a substantive dating or engagement relationship can request an a 209A Order in Massachusetts, also known as the abuse prevention law which allows victims to ask for a court order to protect them. This is sometimes also referred to as an abuse prevention order, restraining order,
Not Just a Drive Across Town Change can be hard on children, especially children of parents going through a divorce. The goal of the courts, as well as parents, is typically to see to the child’s best interest and try to provide as stable and consistent a lifestyle as possible. However, when parents live a significant distance from each other,
While every divorce is as different as every marriage, one thing is for sure—when getting divorced, you will be taking a deep dive into your marital finances. In addition to valuing assets and debts, determining the value of property and retirement benefits, you will also learn if one spouse will be entitled to financial support. Whether you will be the
Thinking about relocating the kids during a divorce? Think again. Massachusetts has stringent laws about moving your children. As an individual, you always have a right to leave, as long as the kids aren’t going along. Whether you’re a parent wanting to relocate or a parent fighting the relocation of your children, you need to understand your rights. A
The Supreme Judicial Court’s recent decision in the case of Cavanaugh v. Cavanaugh has had a major impact on how alimony and child support are calculated in Massachusetts family court cases. The court’s decision, which was issued in June 2022, has revised the way in which income is considered when determining support payments, and has introduced a new approach to
When it comes to dividing assets in a divorce case, the value of a small business can be one of the most challenging assets to appraise. In Massachusetts, the value of a small business is determined by the court based on a variety of factors including the income generated by the business, the assets of the business, and the market
In any case involving children, Massachusetts courts always consider what is in the child’s best interest. While it is generally presumed a child’s happiness and welfare are best preserved when a relationship is maintained with both parents, there is no presumption in favor of shared custody. Joint custody refers to a situation where both parents share the rights and obligations
When divorce is not something both parties want, it is not unusual for a spouse to act resentful or even retaliate against their partner. Many divorcing couples face stressful disputes during the process of separation. For some, these disputes can turn from emotional arguments to criminal crimes, such as stalking. Stalking is a serious, illegal offense. Whether committed physically (in-person)
A fair divorce settlement leaves both parties with what they need to start over. Before negotiations begin, you should discuss your options with your divorce attorney. To help guide your negotiations and avoid surprises, you should create a list of your nonnegotiables, the things you’re willing to be flexible on, and the things you’re willing to live without. Below is
When considering divorce, there is a lot at stake. Many people are overwhelmed by the legal aspects of divorce, so this article will outline some common questions individuals ask during a Massachusetts Divorce. How much does a Massachusetts divorce cost? Wanting to know the cost of divorce is understandable. Unfortunately, the answer differs for every case as each couple faces
Individuals who are married, living together, have a child together, or have been in a substantive dating or engagement relationship can request an a 209A Order in Massachusetts, also known as the abuse prevention law which allows victims to ask for a court order to protect them. This is sometimes also referred to as an abuse prevention order, restraining order,
Not Just a Drive Across Town Change can be hard on children, especially children of parents going through a divorce. The goal of the courts, as well as parents, is typically to see to the child’s best interest and try to provide as stable and consistent a lifestyle as possible. However, when parents live a significant distance from each other,
While every divorce is as different as every marriage, one thing is for sure—when getting divorced, you will be taking a deep dive into your marital finances. In addition to valuing assets and debts, determining the value of property and retirement benefits, you will also learn if one spouse will be entitled to financial support. Whether you will be the
Thinking about relocating the kids during a divorce? Think again. Massachusetts has stringent laws about moving your children. As an individual, you always have a right to leave, as long as the kids aren’t going along. Whether you’re a parent wanting to relocate or a parent fighting the relocation of your children, you need to understand your rights. A
