Does Divorce Affect Retirement Benefits?
One of the most important steps that divorcing couples must take is to divide their marital property. While marital property includes many tangible items like real estate, it also includes intangible assets like retirement benefits that are subject to an equitable distribution. Understanding the impact of divorce, and how to protect...
Common Financial Mistakes to Avoid in a Divorce
Divorce brings major upheaval in the lives of both spouses, no matter how simple or amicable it is. The decisions that the husband or wife make during the divorce process could affect their well-being for years into the future. This is especially the case with respect to financial matters. If a...
Essential Steps for a Smooth and Cost-effective Uncontested Divorce
Spouses who are able to agree on the issues arising out of the end of their marriage may be able to obtain an uncontested divorce. The path from separating and announcing one’s intent to divorce, to actually obtaining the divorce itself, is fraught with potential legal hurdles. But there are steps...
Relocation with Children in Massachusetts: What Parents Need to Know
After a child custody order has been entered, life moves on for both parents and the child. At some point, a parent may feel the need or desire to move somewhere else. If the move is within the same state and relatively close by and doesn’t affect the existing custody order...
Know Your Paternity Rights: Commonly Asked Questions for Massachusetts Fathers
“Paternity” refers to the legal relationship between a child and his or her father. Although in some cases paternity is presumed, in others it has to be affirmatively proven. If you are the father but are also unmarried to the mother of the child, you especially need to understand your paternity rights....
Top 10 Reasons to Contact a Family Law Attorney
If you and your spouse or the parent of your child separate, the time has come to seriously consider hiring a family law attorney. Parents and spouses who split up may initially be on good terms, but even in a relatively amicable environment the need for counsel cannot be overlooked. Countless...
High-Conflict Custody Battles in Massachusetts: Strategies for Success
Child custody is one of the most contentious issues in all of family law. Unfortunately, high-conflict custody fights can affect not only the parents’ peace of mind but also the child’s well-being. Everyone knows that these battles do nobody any good, but avoiding them is easier said than done. The family...
Legal vs. Physical Custody – What is the Difference?
Child custody is one of the most contentious aspects of family law. If you’ve never been a party to a custody matter before, you may not know that there are actually two distinct types of custody: legal and physical. Understanding the differences is critical to making your strongest case for a...
Can I Lose Custody of My Kids If I Miss Too Many Visitations?
When a parent works to establish a parenting plan, the objective is to develop a schedule that he or she can live up to. Over time, however, the terms of the plan (and the court order enforcing it) could become obsolete. Due to work or other obligations, a parent may start missing...
From “I Do” to “I Don’t”: Navigating Spousal Support during Divorce in Middlesex
Spousal support, also called alimony, is one of several items that divorcing spouses must resolve. They can either do so on their own through mediation or can allow the judge to make a decision. Regardless, both spouses want to make sure they get the best possible outcome. Having a seasoned family...