When families go through the process of separation or divorce, children are the most important consideration because their health and happiness come first. Children do not choose to divorce. They are innocent parties who become collateral damage in the dissolution of a marriage. In Massachusetts, like in many other states, the way the courts determine what is best for the kids is using a list of factors called “the best interests of the child.” A parent’s mental health What happens when one or both parents have a mental health condition? This is a common question because one out of every five ..read more

Divorcing couples in Massachusetts typically have valuable assets to think about. For most marriages, there’s nearly nothing more important than the future of their marital home. As you can imagine, the decision to divorce can also leave a mortgage’s future in jeopardy. Refinancing can yield unpleasant surprises Mortgage assumptions are nearly impossible, meaning one person in a marriage simply removes their former spouse’s name from this legal agreement. This situation means that refinancing a mortgage is the ideal way to take over ownership of a marital home. Whether or not refinancing is a ..read more

In the best circumstances, parenting a child with special needs can be challenging and time-consuming. Divorce Massachusetts parents who are in this situation must be even more sensitive to their child’s routine and wishes, calling for greater cooperation between them. Make flexibility a priority Developing a parenting plan during divorce negotiations should always be child-centric, but parents of special needs children must be especially aware of their children’s routines. Whether you decide to share physical custody or decide it’s best if one parent retains primary custody, it may take longe ..read more

The process of ending your marriage in Massachusetts can involve many variables. One of them may be the status of your art collection. If you are a serious collector, you want to protect your investment. There are certain tactics that you can make use of to do so. Conduct a full inventory of your collection You should always enter into a marriage with the possibility of an eventual divorce firmly in mind. This way, if such an event should occur, you and your assets will be prepared. When it comes to your art collection, it pays to think ahead. The best thing you can do to preserve it intact is ..read more

When we think of a “restraining order,” our minds usually think of an order of protection for domestic violence. However, any couple divorcing in Massachusetts will be subject to an automatic restraining order. What is an automatic restraining order? An automatic restraining order is an order issued by the court to protect the parties’ assets. It aims to prevent either party from making large purchases, taking out large sums of money, selling or hiding assets and transferring assets to third parties. Where did this restraining order originate? This order stems from Rule No. 411 of the Massachu ..read more

Divorce is often a difficult process, but it can be especially challenging for couples who own a medical practice together. Not only can dividing a business complicate the financial and legal aspects of divorce, but it can also lead to disagreements between the two parties. Thankfully, there are things you can do to make the transition easier. Discuss your goals The first step to a successful divorce is setting expectations. By discussing each party’s goals, both parties can work towards an equitable and fair settlement. For instance, if one party wants to keep the practice and the other wants ..read more

If you’re going through a divorce in Massachusetts you and your former spouse might consult a certified divorce financial analyst (CDFA). Before you start speaking with a CDFA, it’s understandable to wonder what these professionals do. Here’s more information about CDFAs and how they help couples going through divorces. What is a certified divorce financial analyst? (CDFA) A CDFA is a person who assists each person in a divorce with their future finances. While every CDFA provides the same general services, these professionals can come from slightly different backgrounds. For instance, one CDF ..read more

Divorce is a difficult process for any family. It can be especially challenging for business owners, who have to deal with the emotional stress of divorce while also trying to keep their business afloat. If you are going through a divorce, you should be familiar with the potential impact it can have on your business and how to protect your interests. The financial impact When a couple gets divorced, their marital assets are typically divided between them. This can include the family business. If you own a business with your spouse, you will need to determine how to divide the business or buy o ..read more

If you were granted supervised visitation, you may have a lot of anxieties about the situation and are wondering when you can resume normal parenting. Supervised visitation can present a lot of challenges since it must be at the convenience of your supervisor. More importantly, having another person present can make bonding with your child difficult. When Does Supervised Visitation End? There is no set time for how long supervised visitation should last. It ultimately depends on why it was ordered and if you can make the necessary improvements that will allow you to go back to regular visitati ..read more

Divorce is difficult for both spouses to endure no matter who initiated it. If you have children, this process will be even more challenging for them to cope with. For them, this will be a great time of uncertainty and they will likely feel very anxious about the future, so it is important to do what you can to minimize the impact this may have on them. Getting Your Children Through Divorce No matter what, your divorce will be challenging for your children to cope with. That said, there are ways for you to mitigate the impact it will have on them. Here are some tips for a smooth divorce: Keep ..read more