Who Gets the House in a Massachusetts Divorce?
In a Massachusetts divorce, the court will typically distribute the marital home equitably, considering various factors, including each spouse’s financial contributions, childcare responsibilities, and individual circumstances. It’s not an automatic 50/50 split; the outcome varies case by case. The Marital Home The family home, full of memories of holidays, birthdays and all those ordinary days […]
Does My Husband Have to Pay the Bills Until We Are Divorced in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, your husband may be required to continue paying bills during divorce proceedings. This is typically decided through temporary orders by the court, which address financial responsibilities until the final divorce decree.https://youtu.be/JlkPiBZMsdI?rel=0 Bill Payments Until Divorce Finalization in Massachusetts Embarking on a divorce process brings many uncertainties, especially regarding financial obligations. One of the […]
Can You Divorce After 50 Years of Marriage in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, it is possible to divorce after any duration of marriage, including after 50 years. The process and considerations for what is known as a “gray divorce” (divorcing after the age of 50) involve specific challenges, particularly regarding the division of retirement accounts, pensions, and other assets accumulated over a long marriage. Massachusetts is […]
Who Usually Initiates Divorce in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, it is reported that women initiate divorce much more often than men. According to research cited by Psychology Today, almost 70% of divorces are initiated by women. This is consistent with national trends where women more frequently initiate divorce proceedings compared to men. A variety of factors may influence this, including societal expectations, […]
What Happens if Spouse Doesn’t Respond to Divorce in Massachusetts?
If a spouse doesn’t respond to a divorce petition in Massachusetts, the court may grant a default judgment. This means the court presumes the non-responding spouse agrees to the terms proposed by the petitioning spouse, which could include property division, child custody, and spousal support. If the petitioning spouse can show they have properly served […]
What is the First Step When You Decide to Divorce in Massachusetts?
The first step when deciding to divorce in Massachusetts is determining whether you are filing a contested or uncontested divorce, and whether the divorce will be fault or no-fault. In a contested divorce, the spouses have not come to full agreement on the terms, whereas in an uncontested divorce, both parties agree on all issues […]
What is Separate Support in Massachusetts?
For individuals not yet pursuing divorce but looking for support, Massachusetts offers a legal action known as “separate support.” This is not a divorce, but a lawsuit to get support for oneself or one’s family, which can also protect personal freedom without putting limitations by the spouse. It is suitable for married individuals whose spouse […]
Why Moving Out is the Biggest Mistake in a Divorce in Massachusetts?
Moving out during a divorce in Massachusetts can risk your custody rights, financial stability, and property claims. It may set a new status quo, potentially reducing your time with children, doubling living expenses, and weakening your property rights. Stay unless there’s domestic violence or a court order. Think Before You Pack Divorce is hard, and […]
Who is Responsible for Credit Card Debt in Divorce in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, credit card debt incurred during the marriage is usually split equitably in a divorce, not necessarily equally, regardless of who’s name is on the debt. Debt incurred by one spouse before the marriage typically remains that person’s sole responsibility, but not necessarily. A judge can still order one spouse to pay the debts […]
What is the Cheapest You Can Get a Divorce for in Massachusetts?
The minimum cost for filing for divorce in Massachusetts is $215, which is the fee to file the initial divorce paperwork with the court as of 2023. The total cost of a divorce can vary greatly depending on whether it’s contested or uncontested, the involvement of attorneys, mediation, child custody evaluations, and division of marital […]