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Tag Archives: Divorce
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 [...]
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, [...]
Selecting your Massachusetts Divorce Mediator
When selecting a Massachusetts divorce mediator, you should know the mediation process can vary quite a bit depending on the firm or mediator you select. Here are some things to consider: It surprises people to learn that Massachusetts mediators do not have to be attorneys. A non-lawyer divorce mediator is not allowed to draft your final divorce agreement. Are there some good non-attorney mediators? Sure. Do we think that is your best choice for a divorce? Nope. Some Mediation firms don’t help clients with their court financial statements, and may not collect any back-up financial documentation. We think financial [...]
Massachusetts Divorce – Does Infidelity Really Matter?
The realization that your spouse was unfaithful during your marriage is upsetting, even life-altering to some. Reactions upon learning of a spouse’s affair vary, but include feelings of sadness, betrayal, shock, anger and an intense desire to listen to country music. Some couples are unable to overcome the damage caused by an affair, with divorce oftentimes the unfortunate result. Although infidelity is certainly problematic, it is usually a sign of other troubles in a relationship. If you are facing a Massachusetts divorce and marital infidelity is an issue, you are likely wondering… What effect does an affair have on my [...]
Wondering What a Massachusetts Collaborative Divorce is Really LIke?
More couples are learning that avoiding a nasty, litigated divorce just makes sense. Besides divorce mediation, the collaborative process is another worthwhile option you should consider. Collaborative divorce is known as the “no court” divorce because the couple and their collaboratively trained lawyers pledge not to go to court until all details of the divorce are worked out. Then the parties attend a simple uncontested divorce hearing. The collaborative process is a respectful way to get divorced, where the priorities of both sides and any children can be supported in a way to reconstitute a family, not destroy it. Collaborative [...]
Welcome to The Divorce Collaborative LLC Divorce & Family Law in Massachusetts
Thanks for visiting our new “Generation II” website and blog! I would like to thanks the folks at Smartmarketing Now in Naples, Florida for their help with this project, especially my friend and owner of Smartmarketing Now, Mark Merenda. My thanks also go out to New Jersey Estate Planning Attorney Victor Medina for his support. Victor has been a great help since he is not only a friend but an Apple computer guru and the organizer of the Macs In Law Offices Conference (MILOFEST). Mark and Victor’s support and advice are priceless, which is good since I probably could [...]
Telling Your Kids About Your Divorce
By Stephen F. McDonough, Massachusetts Divorce Attorney & Mediator at The Divorce Collaborative LLC. I would also like to acknowledge two experienced and caring mental health practitioners that I frequently work with, Dr. Sandy Portnoy and Betsy Ross, LICSW, CGP. They provided insights about this topic during many divorce mediation and collaborative divorce sessions. And you thought the birds and bees talk was going to be stressful. Telling your children about your divorce is a difficult conversation that parents dread. Basically, the key to speaking to your children about your divorce is the same as if you were painting a room [...]
Divorcing in a Down Economy-Don’t Tase Me, Bro!
Breaking up is hard to do, but it can be even worse during a down economy. An August 28, 2010 article on the Wall Street Journal Personal Finance page Breaking Up Without Breaking the Bank discussed some of the challenges couples face when divorcing, and how those issues are amplified when assets have diminished in value or when one spouse is unemployed. There is also a comment from a St. Louis divorce lawyer who notes that hostility between couples is also up – so much so that she even keeps a taser within reach at her office! Although I [...]
Massachusetts Divorce Timelines…Now In 3D!
Almost everyone I meet seeking a Massachusetts divorce asks this question during their first meeting: ”How long will my divorce take?” Unfortunately, the real answer is one that lawyers love and clients don’t appreciate – “It depends….” All lawyers learn this response during law school in the first year class “How to Answer Questions Without Really Saying Anything.” Seriously, though – there are so many variables that this is a difficult question to answer with great specificity. Interestingly, the divorcing couple can have a major impact on the pace of a divorce, whether a Massachusetts contested divorce, collaborative divorce, or [...]
Divorce and Parenting – 10 Steps to Make it Successful From Your Child’s Point of View
For children – no matter what age – divorce can be a major source of distress. The article below was written by Betsy Ross, an experienced therapist and divorce coach from Sharon, Massachusetts. At The Divorce Collaborative LLC in Franklin, MA, Betsy is frequently part of the mediation process for couples that select the firm’s comprehensive fixed-fee mediation program or a collaborative divorce. Betsy wrote the article below from the child’s point of view – a point of view that should be of paramount importance for divorcing or post-divorce couples. I hope you find the article helpful, and [...]
