The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) recently made a significant ruling in the case of Cavanaugh vs. Cavanaugh, which has major implications for alimony and child support in divorce cases in the state. The decision clarifies the factors that should be considered when determining whether to modify alimony and child support orders, and it also […]
Can I get a temporary restraining order against my ex?
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 […]
What Circumstances Justify Modifying Spousal Support?
Following a divorce, life moves forward. New careers begin, moves are made, new relationships may form. Looking at the changing circumstances in your and your ex-spouse’s life, you may wonder if the spousal support payments you are still making are still appropriately valued. Defining Spousal Support Spousal support is also known as alimony. If ordered […]
Understand the Difference Between Alimony and Child Support
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. […]
The Truth About Prenuptial Agreements And Who Should Have One
You may have recently entered a new relationship status—fiancée. However, the last thing on many new couples’ minds is a prenup. Couples often wonder if they need a prenuptial agreement. While some couples view a prenup as an exit strategy to a quick divorce, others view it as an insurance policy. Think of it this […]
Who is responsible for paying debt after a divorce in Massachusetts?
When couples decide to divorce, they understand the assets accumulated throughout the marriage will need to be divided. Generally, both parties seek homeownership and other real estate holdings, high-value assets, and child custody during this process. However, when it comes to debt, couples are usually slow to take responsibility. No matter who is responsible for […]
How to Enforce a Child Support Order in Massachusetts
Enforcing a Child Support Order in Massachusetts: What You Need to Know Divorce, even when done amicably and by mutual agreement, is hard. Divorce, when one party contests court orders and refuses to follow them, is even harder. Sadly, this often has negative effects on the children of the former couple. The disagreements that most […]
Property Division During Divorce When Only One Name Is On The Deed
Just like every marriage is different, the details of every divorce are different too. Couples have numerous reasons for only having one spouse’s name on the deed of their home. If this is the case for you and your spouse, this does not mean the deed holder automatically is awarded the house. Let’s review Massachusetts […]
Interstate Child Custody: Can You Move Across State Lines With Your Child?
Get the Court’s Go-Ahead Before You Go Custody of children can be one of the touchiest and most heated parts of a divorce settlement and of life after divorce. Any change to a visitation schedule, even a one-time change, is best made in writing if the situation between parents is acrimonious. Any permanent change, even […]
Do I have custody rights as a non-biological parent?
A non-biological, non-adoptive parent who has acted in a parental role may be considered a de facto parent. As defined by the Massachusetts courts, a de facto parent is “one who has no biological relation to the child but has participated in the child’s life as a member of the child’s family. The de facto […]