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Author: Attorney Jillian Cote

Author: Attorney Jillian Cote

The Discovery Process in Massachusetts Divorce

When deciding to pursue a divorce in Massachusetts, certain processes must be completed by each party in an effort to fairly divide marital assets and debts. Financial disclosure procedures play an integral part in the divorce process. The information gathered by disclosures can affect the outcome of a divorce, and according to Massachusetts law, these rules must be followed exactly

Read More »

How Long Will It Take To Finalize My Divorce in MA?

Attorney Answer: The divorce process can oftentimes prove to be a long and drawn out process especially when it is filed as a contested divorce under Massachusetts’ contested divorce statute. Delay in the process is common when there are highly contested issues regarding child custody, child support, alimony, and/or division of the marital assets etc. When parties cannot come to

Read More »

What You Need to Know about Massachusetts Child Support

Massachusetts has enacted new child support guidelines effective August 1, 2013. Child support is ordered in custody cases to ensure the child is properly cared for by both parents. The two issues are considered separately, though. Whether you are the person who is supposed to pay support or you are receiving the support, it is essential to understand how it

Read More »

Protecting Your Business Through Divorce in Massachusetts

As many business owners here in Massachusetts know, a marriage is not guaranteed to succeed. Some may last for decades before failing, others just a few years. But no matter how long the marriage existed, its demise can have a profound effect on a business – unless the business owner took steps ahead of time to minimize the impact a

Read More »

To Settle – or go to Trial

Often litigants are faced with making the decision of settling a divorce matter under their agreed upon terms or taking the case to trial to be heard and decided by the Judge. The decision is certainly not always clear, but from a practitioner’s standpoint there are numerous factors for a client to consider: Is my unwillingness to settle the case

Read More »

4 Tips For Making The Divorce Transition Easier For Children

1. Communication – Have age appropriate discussion with your children regarding any questions or concerns they are expressing. Always remember that they likely know more about the situation and what is going on than you think. Be mindful not to discuss the content of marital issues, but instead talk openly about what the living arrangements will be moving forward. This

Read More »

How Do Divorce Modifications Work In Massachusetts?

When you first go through a divorce, you will determine an appropriate order of child support, a parenting plan and an equitable division of property at the time. However, not everyone thinks ahead and creates a court order pertaining to child support and custody that will work until the children reach the age of majority. Parties often go through changes

Read More »

Can I just stop paying support to my ex-spouse?

Additional Info: I recently lost my job and can no longer pay my weekly child support obligation. Can I just stop paying support to my ex-spouse? Attorney Answer: NO! You are obligated to follow the exact terms of all Court Orders. If there has been a material change in circumstances and you are no longer able to comply with any

Read More »

What can I do to make her abide by the Court Order?

Additional Info: My wife and I are in the process of divorcing. We have gone to Court and a Temporary Order was issued regarding the care and custody of our children but she refuses to follow the order now. What can I do to make her abide by the Court Order? Attorney Answer: When one Party refuses to abide by

Read More »

Married for 22 years and contemplating divorce

Additional Info: My Husband and I have been married for 22 years. I am contemplating divorce. He says if I leave he’s keeping every thing including the house. Can he really do that? Attorney Answer: In long term marriages, typically speaking the Court’s intent is to equalize the parties. While there are a number of factors the Court will consider

Read More »

The Discovery Process in Massachusetts Divorce

When deciding to pursue a divorce in Massachusetts, certain processes must be completed by each party in an effort to fairly divide marital assets and debts. Financial disclosure procedures play an integral part in the divorce process. The information gathered by disclosures can affect the outcome of a divorce, and according to Massachusetts law, these rules must be followed exactly

Read More »

How Long Will It Take To Finalize My Divorce in MA?

Attorney Answer: The divorce process can oftentimes prove to be a long and drawn out process especially when it is filed as a contested divorce under Massachusetts’ contested divorce statute. Delay in the process is common when there are highly contested issues regarding child custody, child support, alimony, and/or division of the marital assets etc. When parties cannot come to

Read More »

What You Need to Know about Massachusetts Child Support

Massachusetts has enacted new child support guidelines effective August 1, 2013. Child support is ordered in custody cases to ensure the child is properly cared for by both parents. The two issues are considered separately, though. Whether you are the person who is supposed to pay support or you are receiving the support, it is essential to understand how it

Read More »

Protecting Your Business Through Divorce in Massachusetts

As many business owners here in Massachusetts know, a marriage is not guaranteed to succeed. Some may last for decades before failing, others just a few years. But no matter how long the marriage existed, its demise can have a profound effect on a business – unless the business owner took steps ahead of time to minimize the impact a

Read More »

To Settle – or go to Trial

Often litigants are faced with making the decision of settling a divorce matter under their agreed upon terms or taking the case to trial to be heard and decided by the Judge. The decision is certainly not always clear, but from a practitioner’s standpoint there are numerous factors for a client to consider: Is my unwillingness to settle the case

Read More »

4 Tips For Making The Divorce Transition Easier For Children

1. Communication – Have age appropriate discussion with your children regarding any questions or concerns they are expressing. Always remember that they likely know more about the situation and what is going on than you think. Be mindful not to discuss the content of marital issues, but instead talk openly about what the living arrangements will be moving forward. This

Read More »

How Do Divorce Modifications Work In Massachusetts?

When you first go through a divorce, you will determine an appropriate order of child support, a parenting plan and an equitable division of property at the time. However, not everyone thinks ahead and creates a court order pertaining to child support and custody that will work until the children reach the age of majority. Parties often go through changes

Read More »

Can I just stop paying support to my ex-spouse?

Additional Info: I recently lost my job and can no longer pay my weekly child support obligation. Can I just stop paying support to my ex-spouse? Attorney Answer: NO! You are obligated to follow the exact terms of all Court Orders. If there has been a material change in circumstances and you are no longer able to comply with any

Read More »

What can I do to make her abide by the Court Order?

Additional Info: My wife and I are in the process of divorcing. We have gone to Court and a Temporary Order was issued regarding the care and custody of our children but she refuses to follow the order now. What can I do to make her abide by the Court Order? Attorney Answer: When one Party refuses to abide by

Read More »

Married for 22 years and contemplating divorce

Additional Info: My Husband and I have been married for 22 years. I am contemplating divorce. He says if I leave he’s keeping every thing including the house. Can he really do that? Attorney Answer: In long term marriages, typically speaking the Court’s intent is to equalize the parties. While there are a number of factors the Court will consider

Read More »
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