Everyone who obtains a divorce in Massachusetts will have to file a crucial document at least once in their case: a financial statement. The importance of an accurate financial statement cannot be overstated, particularly in...more
Alcohol and substance use disorders (including alcohol and controlled substances like cocaine, heroin, and opioids) are increasing in many parts of the United States, with significant impacts on those affected and their...more
Frequent readers of the Divorce Law Monitor may recall a previous post “We’re Divorcing – Who Keeps the Pet?” This follow-up post discusses an opinion handed down this month by the Appeals Court, which, while it likely will...more
Mediation or conciliation can help resolve your divorce amicably and without contested litigation in Court. For many divorcing couples, mediation or conciliation can provide numerous benefits, including...more
In many divorces, emotions run high, resulting in hurtful comments, emotional pain, and anger toward the other spouse. For spouses with young children, it can be hard to keep those emotions in check in the presence of the...more
Any divorce is fraught with emotion, but some divorcing spouses are less able to control their emotions than others and are filled with anger, frustration, bitterness, and even hatred for the person they once loved. If you...more
One of the most heartbreaking situations for any spouse is the discovery that their spouse has been carrying on an affair. Worse still is discovering that the spouse has been spending income or assets that would otherwise be...more
A prenuptial agreement is one of the most difficult issues to discuss with your intended spouse while you’re in the thick of sending out wedding invitations, tasting cake, and deciding on a venue for the ceremony. A...more
For spouses contemplating a divorce, the issue of which assets will be divided is a significant consideration. In the United States, some states are “community property” states, meaning that most property acquired during the...more
After going through a divorce, particularly a difficult one, some people plan never to remarry. For others, remarriage may feel like the fresh start they need and the chance to try again after it didn’t work out the first...more
In the second part of this two-part series, you will learn about financial pitfalls to avoid in the divorce process. Experienced divorce counsel can guide you to ensure that financial decisions don’t cost you credibility,...more
A lot of emotions and impulses can arise during a divorce, and it’s critical to avoid any behavior that you may regret– including in the courtroom. What’s at stake? Credibility, time, money, custody, and peace of mind, to...more
When summer and school vacations approach, many divorcing spouses wonder: what happens with the children and the parenting plan? Do I get to take them for vacation, and sign them up for camps? What happens if my coparent...more
Many divorcing spouses worry about the possibility of their spouse selling assets during a divorce and leaving little or nothing to be divided. It can be particularly problematic if a spouse was financially controlling or...more
Court is inevitable in divorce proceedings. Even if you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse are in full agreement on all issues, you’ll need a judge of the Probate and Family Court to approve your separation agreement and...more
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, pet populations, particularly dogs and cats, are on the rise and expected to continue to increase through at least 2030. Many people have welcomed a new pet to the...more
In Massachusetts General Hospital v. C.R. (slip opinion 4/14/20, SJC-12844), the Supreme Judicial Court recently grappled with the extensive crisis of “ED boarding,” detaining a patient at a hospital Emergency Department...more
As we face the increasing spread of COVID-19, many parents are considering the possible impact of the pandemic on our abilities to care for our children, and how best to prepare. In Massachusetts, there are several options to...more