Tag Archives: massachusetts 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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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 [...]

Posted in Child Custody, Divorce, Divorce and Kids, Divorce Legal Information, Parenting, Post-divorce Issues | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

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, [...]

Posted in Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce, Divorce Legal Information, Post-divorce Issues, The Business of Law | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Massachusetts Divorce Mediation – Podcast from The Divorce Collaborative LLC

More and more couples turn to divorce mediation in Massachusetts as a less adversarial alternative to a litigated divorce.  In mediation, the couple works with a neutral mediator who helps them reach an agreement on all of the issues that is workable for both sides.   The mediator does not impose a settlement upon the parties in mediation. There are a number of other blog posts and info about divorce mediation on this website, so I won’t  rehash them here. Mediators Steve McDonough, Esq. and Betsy Ross, LICSW from The Divorce Collaborative LLC of Bedford and Franklin, MA recently recorded a [...]

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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 [...]

Posted in Collaborative Divorce, Divorce, Divorce Legal Information, Divorce Mediation, Property Division, Spousal Support | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 [...]

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