Massachusetts law has long recognized the need for alimony when a couple divorces if one spouse is likely to earn much less than the other. Alimony, also called spousal support, is aimed at helping to support the less well off spouse after divorce for a period the...
The Standard Rules of Alimony in Massachusetts
Alimony, also called spousal support, is a regular payment made after divorce by one ex spouse to the other. Normally, alimony is paid by the higher earning of the two spouses. The type of alimony that is paid, the period that it lasts and other factors are determined...
Is a Petition for Separation Required In a Divorce In Massachusetts?
The difference between a divorce and a separation In Massachusetts, a divorce legally ends a marriage. A separation is not a divorce, so if two spouses decide to separate and live separate lives, they still remain married. When one or both spouses file a petition for...
Alimony Law in Massachusetts
Alimony, also called spousal support, is a regular payment made by the better off spouse after a divorce to the less better off one. Not all divorces result in alimony being paid out. In some ways, the payment itself is a throwback to times past when many more...
Modifications to Alimony Payments in Massachusetts
Several circumstances may require a former spouse to request a modification to an alimony order. Some of them include: the reduction or cessation of the income of the paying spouse (e.g., economic difficulties or loss of job not deliberately caused by the paying...
Why is it Always Important to Leave a Mediation With a Signed Agreement in MA
Why agree to mediation? Mediation can be used in all sorts of circumstances where there is a disagreement or dispute between two parties. Mediation is rarely used for criminal cases. Examples of circumstances where mediation can be of use include: disputes between...
How Does Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Work in the Case of a Divorce in Massachusetts?
Divorces are rarely so disputed that they end in litigation. In fact, there are several ways that a disputed divorce settlement can be resolved without the very public, stressful and expensive need to go to court. Alternative dispute resolution, or ADR for short, is a...
Can I Challenge an Unfair Divorce Settlement in Massachusetts?
Divorce is by its very nature often messy, emotionally fraught and frustrating. Somehow or other an agreement has to be made about shared assets, property and child custody. The longer a couple has been together, the greater the number of children and the more...
Divorce In Massachusetts: Equitable Doesn’t Necessarily Mean 50/50
Couples getting divorced in Massachusetts must deal with three issues before they can be legally separated. These issues are related to parenting/custody, alimony, and division of property & debts. Lawful distribution of property can be a complicated process,...
When Alimony Isn’t Paid: Your Rights and Obligations in MA
When your ex-spouse fails to make his or her alimony payments to you, going back to divorce or family court should be the first step you take to remedy the situation. You when doing so, you should enlist the help of an experienced family law—divorce lawyer to advocate...
Some general facts about alimony
On behalf of Law Offices of Richard Mucci posted in Alimony on Wednesday, October 17, 2018. Massachusetts residents who decide to end their marriages may need some direction, information and guidance regarding the issues that will need resolving during the divorce....
Alimony considerations could push divorce filings up now
On behalf of Law Offices of Richard Mucci posted in Alimony on Wednesday, October 3, 2018. The last three months of the year have begun, which means that many Massachusetts residents may be trying to determine what matters they need to wrap up before the end of the...
The court’s considerations when it comes to awarding alimony
On behalf of Law Offices of Richard Mucci posted in Alimony on Tuesday, August 28, 2018. After being married for a number of years, one member of a couple may have become used to a standard of living while staying home with the kids, among other reasons. If the...