Category Archives: Divorce

The $199.00 Massachusetts Divorce…or Not!

Didn’t your parents always tell you…?  “You get what you pay for!”  There’s nothing worse than scoring a seemingly great deal, only to have something fall apart 20 minutes after you bought it.  When it comes to professional services, nothing could be more accurate.  I recently helped a couple mediate their divorce after the Judge REFUSED to accept their divorce separation agreement they purchased online.  Their court financial statements were not completed properly and were not allowed by the court.  This was an educated couple with good jobs and income.  Some of us appear in court for a living, but [...]

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Massachusetts Postnuptial Agreements Get a Power Boost

Postnuptial (or marital) agreements  - frequently referred to as a “post-nup” – are most often made by couples contemplating divorce, but still trying to work on their marriage. These couples are not yet ready to call it quits – and hopefully will not. Through a postnuptial agreement, a married couple is able to decide how assets will be divided, make a parenting plan for their children, and agree on support amounts in case of a divorce in the future. These agreements can also help couples work out issues they are struggling with, such as setting a budget for household expenses [...]

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Child Support in Massachusetts – Don’t Be On the Naughty List

Massachusetts divorce and child support lawyer Colleen Cunnally was quoted in an article about collecting child support by Jennifer King on the Lawyers.com website today.   The article discusses the case of a mother from West Virginia and her efforts to have the court enforce her child support order against her ex-husband.  The article also highlights some of the challenges involved with collecting child support or alimony and public and private enforcement options. Click here to read the article. Are you owed back child support or alimony in Massachusetts?  If so, then the payor is in arrears and definitely on the [...]

Posted in Child Support, Divorce, Divorce and Kids, Family and Divorce Financials, News & Updates, Post-divorce Issues | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Everybody Wants Some! Social Security & Divorce in Massachusetts

Like most government assistance programs, Social Security is confusing, especially when it comes to the topic of divorce.  In hopes of clearing up some of that confusion, here are some common questions and answers frequently asked by our Massachusetts divorce clients – with some classic 80s and 90s tunes thrown in for no particular reason.  Remember that Social Security is a federal system, and is thus regulated by federal statutes.   Your divorce agreement cannot alter the federal regulations. Q:  I stayed home with the kids while my spouse was able to work and pay into Social Security for years. [...]

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Getting Divorced? Selecting Your Team – Part 2

If you are going through a Massachusetts divorce, chances are you are worried about your finances.  Clearly, people want to maintain their lifestyle as much as possible post-divorce; but running two households consumes more of the budget, or perhaps your spouse was laid off from his or her job. When going through a divorce, you will first and foremost need information.  Without information – good information from a trusted source – how will you know how to make the best decisions for yourself and your children?  Well, you won’t.  Your first move should be to meet with a Massachusetts divorce [...]

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Massachusetts Alimony Reform Act Signed by the Governor

On Monday, September 26, 2011, Governor Patrick signed the Massachusetts Alimony Reform Act of 2011.  The new law will go into effect on March 1, 2012, so we are in a bit of a transition period for a few more months. For more detailed analysis of the MA Alimony Reform Act, please click here to go to our alimony page of our website.  Another resource worth checking out is the website of the Massachusetts Alimony Reform Group.  This group was instrumental in bringing about the changes to the Massachusetts alimony laws. If you are paying alimony now in Massachusetts, make [...]

Posted in Divorce, Divorce Legal Information, Family and Divorce Financials, Massachusetts Alimony, News & Updates, Post-divorce Issues, Spousal Support | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Your Massachusetts Divorce Support Team – Tips to Find the Right Therapist

While the thought of trying to choose a psychotherapist might seem intimidating or even overwhelming, it is not as difficult as you think. If you have ever picked a date for the prom, a baby sitter for your children, or a car to purchase, then you already know you are able to make choices. That’s good news at least.  If you are considering a Massachusetts divorce or are in the middle of one, then you may want to consider adding a mental health professional to your support team.   If you do not think you would benefit from therapy, well according [...]

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The Age of Over-sharing…Massachusetts Divorce and Social Media

It is hard to find someone these days who does not have a Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or Myspace account, or one of each. Actually, does anyone still use Myspace? Social media accounts are great for communicating with friends, reconnecting with old friends, and meeting new people. In fact, they are sometimes a little too effective..! Maybe you or your spouse did a little too much reconnecting? What you may not realize is that your Facebook page or Twitter account could be the evidence that is used AGAINST you in your own Massachusetts divorce.    The Age of Oversharing We share [...]

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Not Making It in Massachusetts? Removal in Massachusetts Divorce Cases

After your Massachusetts divorce, maybe you want to move on with your life, maybe try living in a new place?   Perhaps you  have a job offer in another state, or your new spouse lives in Michigan (or hopefully somewhere warm)!  Perhaps you are sick and tired of New England winters or hurricane Irene has convinced you to run for higher ground.   Before you start packing those boxes, you need to know what is required under Massachusetts state law if you want to move away with your children. M.G.L. c. 208, Sec. 30 states that a minor child of [...]

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Massachusetts Divorce & Limited Assistance Representation

Are you thinking about a Massachusetts divorce or do you have a post-divorce issue, such as a child support case before the probate and family court? Are you asking yourself these questions:  Do I really need an Attorney?  Can’t I represent myself? The short answer is, technically you are allowed to represent yourself.    Technically, you could also remove your own tonsils.   Alas, consider this quote… “A man who represents himself has a fool for a client.”  Abraham Lincoln Abe Lincoln was a wise man and of course a lawyer too!  Arguably, things have not changed much since 1865, [...]

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