Support issues are difficult enough when the parties are solvent, but what happens when one of the spouses goes through bankruptcy?Can support obligations be discharged? And on the other side, can the receiving spouse still collect if he or she files for bankruptcy?If...
Month: July 2016
How to Alleviate Child Custody and Parenting Problems in Massachusetts
Although you can't predict what will happen in custody cases, the drafting of comprehensive agreements that address common problems that arise in joint legal and physical custody situations may alleviate future problems.Doing so will help align parental expectations...
Solving Stubborn Divorce Myths in Massachusetts
As a family law lawyer in Massachusetts, one of my biggest jobs is explaining the legal process to clients. This may sound easy, but with so many myths, misconceptions and piles of misinformation out there, it's actually quite hard to separate people's expectations...
Survivor Benefit Plan Changes – Transfer of Coverage Upon Death of Former Spouse
A 2016 change to the law (contained in the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act) finally allows a retiree with Survivor Benefit plan (SBP) coverage for a former spouse to transfer that coverage to his/her new spouse if the former spouse dies.Previously, the law was...
Going Back to Work After Divorce in Massachusetts
Everyone knows that divorce involves change, but for some it can mean drastic changes when it comes to employment. In order to reduce unnecessary stress once temporary support orders end and the divorce becomes final, decisions about employment should be made before...
What Does “Exclusive Possession of the Former Marital Home” Mean?
In Massachusetts, when people separate or divorce, one spouse is typically awarded "exclusive use and possession" of the marital home. This is usually implemented at a temporary hearing soon after the parties separate, but it is subject to change at the final hearing....
Divorce Advice For Physically And Financially Abused Women in Massachusetts
Women that have suffered through an abusive relationship have to do all the same things that any woman going through a divorce would need to do. The only difference is that each step is made more difficult by the looming presence of an abusive spouse.It's often the...
Family Court Litigants Should Never Accept Smartphones as Gifts
Have you ever heard the saying "beware of Greeks bearing gifts"? It originated from the Trojan War, when the Greeks left a large "Trojan Horse" at the gates of Troy. The Trojans foolishly brought it inside, thinking that the Greeks had given up (after 10 years of war)...
Special Concerns for Massachusetts Divorces Involving Kids with Special Needs
Divorce is hard for almost all children. It can be traumatic and confusing in even the best of circumstances. But for children with special needs, a divorce in can be even more difficult. And for the parents of special needs children, divorce requires strategizing to...
How to Develop a Parenting Plan in Massachusetts
For parties with children going through a separation whether they are married or not in Massachusetts, there are many things to keep in mind when preparing a parenting plan for their children. Here are a few things to consider:Be detail-oriented when preparing your...