Property division tips for Massachusetts couples

One of the most stressful aspects of a divorce is the process of dividing marital assets. This is understandable, considering that the results of the property division process will have a great deal of impact on each spouse’s financial stability in the years to come. Many Massachusetts couples struggle with property division concerns, and are unsure how to proceed once the decision has been made to end the marriage. One of the most important things to keep in mind when divorce is on the table is that the process of dissolving a marriage is, at the most basic level, a business transaction. While there is an undeniable emotional component to divorce, it is imperative that each spouse is able to focus on the decisions at hand in as objective a manner as possible. When it comes to divorce, emotions are best left out of the equation. A related issue that can lead to divorce trouble involves crumbling under pressure. There are bound to be times at which one’s grace and composure will be tested, However, losing control of one’s emotions and lashing out will only serve to weaken that individual’s position. While it can be a challenge, try to handle each situation with a calm head and an even keel. In many cases, Massachusetts spouses who experience a difficult divorce are in large measure responsible for that scenario. A wide range of property division problems can be avoided by simply removing the emotional charge from various situations surrounding a divorce.

Read More »

Emotional health a serious component of father’s rights

For men in Massachusetts who are struggling over child custody concerns, there is evidence to suggest that serious harm can come from failing to adequately address one’s emotional needs. A recently released study took a look at the physical and mental health effects that divorce can bring. The results suggest that men in particular have reason to be concerned. Those who are engaged in a fight for father’s rights should take note of this research, and make a concerted effort to get the care that they need and deserve. The study, published in the Journal of Men’s Health, found that men who have divorced or are unmarried have a mortality rate 250 times that of men who are married. In many cases, premature death was caused by heart disease, stroke or hypertension. In addition, the rate of suicide among divorced men was 39 percent higher than that of married men. Divorced men were even more likely to suffer from the common cold. These findings make a significant statement about the health effects that can come from stress. Men who are going through a divorce or child custody battle should heed the unspoken warning that these and similar statistics provide, and make every effort to care for their physical and emotional well-being. Our society projects men and fathers as being tough, strong and invincible. In reality, however, the emotional trauma of a significant life event such as divorce can harm both men and women. For Massachusetts men who are struggling with

Read More »

Many factors for Massachusetts couples considering gay marriage

Contemplating marriage can be one of the most important and life-altering decisions that someone will ever make. Same-sex couples in Massachusetts can potentially face many areas of confusion when deciding if the time is right to get married. A recent decision made by the U.S. Supreme Court struck down part of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). As a result, each individual state is able to determine some of the legal variables involved in a gay marriage. There are currently 13 states, including Massachusetts, where same sex marriage is legal. Of the 37 states which do not recognize same-sex marriage, some still offer benefits to same sex partners, while other states grant them no legal status. Tax implications vary across the country for these couples. For example, an individual living in a state that doesn’t recognize gay marriage — but was legally married in a state which does — would be required to declare his or herself as single on any state tax returns. Same-sex couples traveling abroad could face potential risks. Some countries consider any small display of public affection between same-sex partners to be a crime. The possible hurdles in the way of splitting up might be the most important consideration of all for these individuals. Currently, many same-sex couples would have to relocate to a state which recognizes the legality of their marriage — just to be able to formally divorce. The difference in the interpretation of our laws from state to state could create a lot

Read More »

Bad advice can affect marital property and divorce in general

The list of bad advice and common misconceptions that is believed when it comes to divorce is endless. The problem is that many Massachusetts residents are believing this misconceptions, and those believes can cause problems while undergoing the complexity of dividing marital property and other aspects of divorce. A quick inventory of the most popular untruths can help anyone going through divorce avoid them and thereby make their divorce go easier and smoother. For example, many people improperly believe that all divorces are the same. This idea is simply impossible when you consider that some families must make decisions on child custody, while others do not have any children at all. Another one that has been floating around is that it takes a year for each four years of marriage to emotionally heal following a split-up. Well-meaning family and friends might tell you that you should be extremely angry at your ex-spouse. They might tell you that taking anti-depressants following a divorce is something everyone does. Lastly, you might tell yourself that your split-up is a sign that you are a failure in life. None of these are true and believing these kinds of lies can actually make your divorce process more difficult. When it comes to the complicated process of dividing marital property, making decisions on child custody, and dealing with the wild mix of emotions that crop up during divorce, no Massachusetts resident can afford to entertain untruths. People who are going through a divorce and get professional

Read More »

Custody and stock options, Could this happen in Massachusetts?

Ongoing and pernicious divorce negotiations could happen to any couple with significant assets, in Massachusetts or another jurisdiction. Stock options, real estate holdings and other investments can complicate matters. One particular divorce in another state has lasted for more than a decade. There have also been more than 600 court filings. Though not quite a record, the proceedings are certainly on the extreme end of what is at stake. The divorce was originally filed on Aug. 13, 2003, and a divorce was granted nearly two years later. That part is over but other things which both parties feel are worth fighting for are still in court. Things like child visitation, supervised visits, stock options are involved. Moreover, complex financial issues such as who pays for what have been difficult for the parties to sort out. Further complications regarding possible Securities and Exchange Commission violations have also come into play. Legal moves have been made by both parties. Expert opinions regarding the character or psychological makeup of a party, if left unanswered can have damaging consequences. Nevertheless, countering such legal moves, though sometimes difficult, is achievable. It is often important to distinguish between unsupported allegations and actual proof. Most divorces, in Massachusetts or elsewhere, do not take 10 years to resolve — even with complicated child custody or financial issues like stock options or other extensive assets. When one party is fighting with everything they can possibly throw on the table, asserting one’s legal rights to reach a fair and acceptable

Read More »

Father’s rights deemed family rights by Va. Attorney General

Headliner Ken Cuccinelli has been vocal about his support for father’s rights when it comes to custodial cases. As Va. Attorney General, he no longer practices law on a regular basis, but he’s well-known for his belief that men deserve more one-on-one time with their children than they get in many custody arrangements… and that it’s up to family law attorneys as well as society to be catalysts for change. Many Massachusetts dads embroiled in bitter father’s rights cases would likely agree with his assertions. Cuccinelli reportedly believes that father’s rights should be more accurately described as "family rights". From the viewpoint of his leadership experiences with Fathers for Virginia, a male-empowerment group that fights for the rights of men who want to be a part of their children’s lives, he has seen firsthand how difficult it can be for men to be able to spend time with their offspring following a separation and/or divorce. In fact, Cuccinelli’s trajectory to his current elected position has been based on his belief that father’s rights are integral to the bringing up of children in separated households. Though Cuccinelli has his detractors, namely activists who feel his platform is against the rights of women who have been abused by the fathers of their children, he stands by his tenets. He has made such strong waves that he was recently pulled away from his attorney general responsibilities to act as private counsel for a friend who was undergoing a bitter custody dispute battle. This

Read More »

Social media could affect high net-worth divorce in Massachusetts

Massachusetts residents going through a high net-worth divorce may not realize the impact the use of social media can have on the outcome of their divorce. Most people use at least one form of social media without realizing the repercussions it could have. A recent article that discussed social media outlets and the surprising ways they can impact a divorce settlement may be of special interest to those facing a high net-worth divorce. One of the things the article pointed out is that couples typically have mutual friends that will feel forced to choose one person’s side. Therefore, anything posted on a social media outlet, such as Twitter or Facebook can easily be relayed to the other party in the divorce. This can be an issue if one person is posting pictures of expensive trips or things about their spending habits if they’re trying to hide some of their assets during the divorce process. Other forms of communication including emails and text messages could also potentially be subpoenaed in court. Therefore, a person may want to keep in mind that anything they type, send, or post can be used against them. The article suggests a person doesn’t say anything they wouldn’t announce to the entire world. If the husband has a girlfriend he is providing for financially, and there is any evidence of that, it can be used in court. A high net-worth divorce can be a complicated situation that can be made a little easier by having an understanding

Read More »

Murdoch split highlights difficulties in high net-worth divorces

Most Massachusetts couples involved in the dissolution of their marriage do not have to deal with complex property division. Most divorcing couples do not have millions in assets to consider. For those couples such as Rupert and Wendi Murdoch who are currently involved in a high net-worth divorce, the issues can become more complex and may require greater amounts of time and negotiation to resolve. Rupert Murdoch, the media mogul is ending his 14 year marriage to his wife. In spite of legal contracts drawn up prior to the marriage (pre-nuptial) and during the marriage (post-nuptial) there are still many issues that will need to be resolved. The couple had two children during the course of the marriage. Accordingly, custody and visitation will have to be determined. Family trusts that have been created may need to have new administrators selected, and marital assets outside the scope of post-nuptial agreements will need to be divided fairly. Although discussions regarding the division of property and schedules of assets are all very impersonal and business-oriented, it should be remembered that a divorce is not often just the dissolution of an economic relationship. Frequently, strong emotions play a part in the success or failure of negotiations and proposed divorce settlements. Money issues aside, it is still the deconstruction of a family and therefore should be handled with care and respect for the feelings of all those involved. Those in Massachusetts who, like the Wendy and Rupert Murdoch, are dealing with a high net-worth divorce

Read More »
Ask a question…
close slider

Life Complicated?
We Can Help

Fill out the form below and tell us your story.

Call Now Button