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Family Law FAQs
- April 12, 2024
- Family Law
The divorce process can be confusing, challenging, and full of back-and-forths over who gets what and who did what. Navigating the legal system can also often prove time-consuming and costly. Depending on the length of the union, the finances of the couple involved, and whether there are children, contentious issues can drag on and on. If you are contemplating divorce, already in the process, or have been served papers in or around Salem, Massachusetts, conta[ ... ]
Divorce Lawyers Who Protect Your Best Interests
- March 23, 2024
- Family Law
If you are thinking of filing for divorce or are already a party to a divorce proceeding, you need an experienced lawyer to protect your rights. A divorce can involve financial as well as emotional challenges, especially in today’s troubling economic times. You need an attorney who will help you understand all your options so that you can make informed decisions that are in your best interests. Over 20 Years of Trial and Courtroom Experience[ ... ]
When Mediation May Be Your Best Option In Divorce
- February 14, 2024
- Family Law
Divorce, while never easy, does not have to be an ordeal. For couples who wish to amicably end their marriages, there are a number of processes available that do not involve a combative mindset and are designed to minimize conflict in favor of compromise. One of the most common processes that aim for a more cooperative dissolution of a marriage is mediation. Mediation is the non-adversarial divorce process most familiar to the general public. In mediation, a[ ... ]
Divorce and The Holidays
- June 4, 2020
- Family Law
The holiday season can be difficult during a “normal” year but add in a pandemic and marital discord and the recipe is ripe for an extremely stressful and emotionally challenging holiday season. However, you do not need to “just get through” this holiday season and then figure things out. By taking charge of your life and making decisions as to how you want to move forward in your marriage, you can make the holiday season certainly less stressful and depressi[ ... ]
Is Massachusetts A 50/50 State When It Comes To The Division Of Assets In A Divorce?
- June 4, 2020
- Family Law
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is not a 50/50 state. When a court is needed to rule on the allocation of assets, they are not necessarily divided equally between the two parties. While some states mandate a 50/50 split, Massachusetts is an equitable division state. Commonwealth laws dictate that the courts can decide on a fair division of assets regardless of who actually owned it. A court could declare that the division is 60/40, or 70/30, etc. Any assets[ ... ]
Missteps To Avoid In A High Net Worth Divorce
- June 4, 2020
- Family Law
While divorce is prevalent across the country, each case is different. Real estate, business ownership, and significant financial interests can put you in high-asset divorce territory. Couples experiencing a high-asset divorce are prone to a number of common mistakes, all of which can be avoided. Like other marriages, high net worth couples don’t divorce without reason. From addictions to infidelity, extreme differences in parenting styles and growing a[ ... ]
What Factors Do Courts Consider When Determining Child Custody?
- June 4, 2020
- Family Law
Courts primarily base their decision on what is in the child’s best interest, using the Child’s Best Interest Standard. Factors vary from state to state, but the overall goal is to make a decision that promotes the health and wellbeing of the child. Parents are encouraged to come to an agreement on matters of child custody and parenting time to submit to the court. However, if the judge finds the settlement agreement is not in the child’s be[ ... ]
Avoid Costly Mistakes: What You Need to Know About Property Division in a Massachusetts Divorce
- June 4, 2020
- Family Law
Many people fail to realize divorce requires more than simply signing a few documents. If you’re divorcing in Massachusetts, don’t be blindsided by the many decisions you’re about to face regarding the division of your marital property. Not all property is valued or taxed in the same way; therefore, the process can be long and confusing without the help of a knowledgeable attorney at your side. It’s important to consider that even thou[ ... ]
Protecting Assets In A Divorce
- June 4, 2020
- Family Law
Divorce is as much a financial blow as it is an emotional one. Alimony and child support may take a large, even unreasonable amount out of your monthly paycheck. Conversely, if your income is much smaller than your soon-to-be-ex-spouse’s, or if you stayed at home to look after the family, you might find yourself in dire financial straits if you are not awarded a just settlement. You deserve a divorce settlement that takes into account your circumstances[ ... ]
Do I Need To Follow Divorce Proceedings To Dissolve A Civil Union In Massachusetts?
- June 4, 2020
- Family Law
Massachusetts was the first state in the nation to declare that same-sex couples have a fundamental right to marry. Marriage is more than just a declaration of love and commitment; it’s a legal status. Generally speaking, marriage is desirable because it provides several unique rights, protections, and obligations at both the state and federal levels for both spouses, including tax and property ownership benefits. While many states now recognize[ ... ]
