Divorce Considerations for Same-Sex Couples in Massachusetts: Protecting Your Rights and Future

David M. Gabriel & Associates

When Massachusetts legalized same-sex marriage in 2004, it became the first state in the country to extend full marital rights and protections to LGBTQ+ couples. In the years since, many same-sex spouses have built long and meaningful relationships—sharing homes, raising children, and accumulating assets together. However, when a same-sex marriage comes to an end, unique questions can arise regarding property division, parental rights, and financial support. At Attorney David Gabriel & Associates, we understand that every family dynamic is different. Our firm helps same-sex spouses navigate the divorce process with the knowledge, compassion, and strategic planning needed to achieve a fair and secure outcome. Dividing Property and Assets Fairly Under Massachusetts law, marital property is divided through a process known as equitable distribution, which means the court divides assets fairly but not necessarily equally. For same-sex couples, determining what counts as “marital property” can be more complicated—especially for those who shared a household and financial responsibilities before same-sex marriage was legally recognized. Courts generally consider assets and debts acquired after the marriage to be marital property, but judges can also take into account contributions made during years of cohabitation prior to marriage. This consideration may be particularly relevant for long-term couples who built financial lives together before 2004. To ensure a fair division, it’s important to document each spouse’s contributions—financial or otherwise—to the marriage. Complex assets such as retirement accounts, investment portfolios, real estate, and family businesses require careful review and accurate valuation. Having an experienced Massachusetts divorce attorney can

What If My Name Is Not on the Deed in a Massachusetts Divorce?

David M. Gabriel & Associates

Understanding Property Rights A common misconception in divorce is that if your name is not on the deed to the marital home, you have no rights to it. In Massachusetts, that is not the case. Property ownership during divorce is determined by state law, which treats the marital home as part of the marital estate, regardless of whose name is on the title. Equitable Distribution Rules Massachusetts law requires the equitable distribution of assets, which means the court will divide property fairly, though not necessarily equally. All property acquired during the marriage is considered part of the marital estate. This includes real estate, bank accounts, retirement accounts, and other assets. The fact that a deed lists only one spouse does not eliminate the other spouse’s rights to the property’s value. Contributions Beyond Income Courts recognize both financial and non-financial contributions to the marriage. A spouse who stayed home to raise children, managed household responsibilities, or supported the family in other ways is considered to have made valuable contributions. These contributions carry weight in determining how property, including the marital home, should be divided. Property Owned Before Marriage Even if one spouse owned the home before the marriage, the court may treat some or all of the property as marital. If marital funds were used to pay the mortgage, make renovations, or maintain the home, the non-titled spouse may be entitled to a portion of its increased value. Courts will evaluate whether the home became integrated into the marital estate during the

Life After Divorce: When and How to Modify Custody, Support, or Alimony in Massachusetts

David M. Gabriel & Associates

Divorce decrees and separation agreements are designed to reflect the realities of life at the time they are made. But as time passes, those circumstances may change significantly. Massachusetts law allows individuals to request modifications to child custody, child support, or alimony orders when a substantial change occurs. Common Reasons for Seeking a Modification While the reasons for seeking a modification are varied, some of the most common include: A parent gets a new job or loses their job A child’s medical or educational needs increase One parent relocates or travels frequently for work An ex-spouse remarries or begins cohabitating with a new partner A child wishes to spend more time with one parent Each of these scenarios can warrant a re-evaluation of a court order, particularly when the current arrangement no longer serves the best interest of the child or reflects the parties’ financial situations. Understanding the Legal Standard Massachusetts courts apply a “material and substantial change in circumstances” standard to determine whether a modification is appropriate. For custody cases, the court must also consider whether the change serves the best interests of the child. For alimony, Massachusetts law also allows modification when the recipient’s financial need changes or when the payer retires. Courts will not revisit an order just because one party is dissatisfied. There must be evidence that the current terms are no longer appropriate or equitable. Filing for a Modification The legal process starts by filing a Complaint for Modification with the Probate and Family Court.

Can I Afford to Get Divorced? Legal Options for Financially Dependent Spouses in Massachusetts

David M. Gabriel & Associates

Ending a marriage is difficult under any circumstances, but it becomes even more daunting for those who rely on their spouse for financial support. Many people—especially stay-at-home parents—dedicate years to managing the household and raising children, often sacrificing career advancement or income. When divorce becomes inevitable, the fear of losing financial security can be paralyzing. Fortunately, Massachusetts law offers protections for spouses in this situation. When a Spouse Controls the Finances It’s not uncommon for one spouse to control all the household finances while the other lacks access to income or bank accounts. In some cases, the higher-earning spouse may attempt to intimidate or pressure the other by threatening to cut off funds, stop paying bills, or refuse to pay for housing or groceries. This is often a form of financial intimidation, and it can be used to delay or discourage the dependent spouse from filing for divorce. However, Massachusetts courts are well aware of this tactic. Judges are prepared to step in to ensure that one spouse does not unfairly use money as leverage during the divorce process. Understanding Your Rights Under Massachusetts Law Massachusetts treats most assets and income acquired during the marriage as marital property, regardless of whose name is on the paycheck or account. This means both spouses have a claim to the financial resources accumulated during the marriage. Here are key legal protections available to financially dependent spouses: Temporary Support Orders: After filing for divorce, a dependent spouse can ask the court for temporary spousal support (alimony) or temporary child

Navigating Divorce After Decades: A Guide for Empty Nesters in Massachusetts

David M. Gabriel & Associates

For couples who have shared a life together for 20, 30, or even 40 years, the decision to divorce can be both emotionally and financially complex. Often referred to as “gray divorce” or “empty nester divorce,” these separations frequently occur after children have grown and left home, revealing divergent paths and interests between spouses. In Massachusetts, understanding how the law addresses long-term marriages is crucial for those considering this life transition. Understanding Equitable Distribution in Massachusetts Massachusetts follows the principle of “equitable distribution” when dividing marital property during a divorce. This means that assets are divided fairly, though not necessarily equally. In long-term marriages, courts often lean toward an equal split, but several factors influence the final decision: Length of the marriage Age and health of each spouse Income, employability, and vocational skills Contributions to the marriage, including homemaking and child-rearing Conduct during the marriage Future financial needs and opportunities Notably, Massachusetts courts have the authority to consider all property owned by either spouse, regardless of when or how it was acquired. This includes assets obtained before the marriage, gifts, and inheritances, especially if they were commingled with marital property or used for the benefit of the marriage. Key Considerations for Empty Nester Divorces Divorces later in life come with unique challenges and considerations: Division of Retirement Accounts Retirement savings are often among the most significant assets in a long-term marriage. In Massachusetts, these accounts are typically considered marital property and subject to division. The court may issue a Qualified

Massachusetts Child Support for Unmarried Parents

David M. Gabriel & Associates

Ensuring that a child receives financial support is essential, regardless of the parents’ marital status. In Massachusetts, both parents have a legal obligation to contribute to their child’s financial needs, whether they were married or not. For unmarried parents, obtaining child support can be a complex process that involves establishing paternity, calculating support obligations, and enforcing court orders when necessary. Understanding the legal process can help custodial parents secure the financial assistance their child is entitled to. Establishing Paternity: The First Step Before child support can be ordered, paternity must be legally established. Massachusetts law provides multiple ways for unmarried parents to confirm paternity. The most straightforward method is signing a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (VAP) at the hospital when the child is born or at a later time through the Registry of Vital Records. This document legally recognizes the father and grants him rights and responsibilities toward the child. If there is any dispute about paternity, either parent can file a petition with the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court to request a court-ordered DNA test. Establishing paternity not only allows a custodial parent to seek child support but also ensures the child can benefit from parental health insurance, inheritance rights, and other legal protections. How Child Support is Calculated in Massachusetts Massachusetts follows the Child Support Guidelines, which provide a framework for calculating support based on both parents’ incomes and other financial circumstances. Factors considered in the calculation include: The gross income of both parents. The number of children requiring support. The amount of parenting time each parent spends

Division of Marital Assets in Massachusetts: Protecting Your Financial Interests

David M. Gabriel & Associates

One of the most critical aspects of divorce proceedings is the division of marital assets. In this article, we provide helpful and informative content on how Massachusetts law handles the division of marital assets and how you can protect your financial interests during this process. Understanding Marital Assets Before we delve into the division process, it’s essential to understand what constitutes marital assets. In Massachusetts, marital assets are generally considered to be any property or debts acquired during the course of the marriage. This includes real estate, bank accounts, retirement funds, investments, businesses, vehicles, and personal belongings, among others. However, it’s crucial to note that not all assets are automatically considered marital. Assets obtained before the marriage, inheritances, and gifts specifically given to one spouse are typically considered separate property and may not be subject to division. Nevertheless, commingling of separate and marital assets can complicate matters, making it crucial to seek professional advice to distinguish between the two. Equitable Distribution in Massachusetts Massachusetts follows the principle of “equitable distribution” when dividing marital assets. This means that assets are not necessarily divided 50/50 but in a manner deemed fair and just by the court. In determining what is equitable, the court considers various factors, including: Length of the Marriage: The duration of the marriage can influence how assets are divided. Longer marriages may result in a more even distribution. Contribution to the Marriage: The court assesses the financial and non-financial contributions of each spouse to the marriage. Contributions can include

Massachusetts SJC Changes Alimony and Child Support Calculations

David M. Gabriel & Associates

The Supreme Judicial Court’s recent decision in the case of Cavanaugh v. Cavanaugh has had a major impact on how alimony and child support are calculated in Massachusetts family court cases. The court’s decision, which was issued in June 2022, has revised the way in which income is considered when determining support payments, and has introduced a new approach to calculating alimony and child support in cases where both elements of support are involved. One of the key changes brought about by the Cavanaugh decision is the inclusion of employer contributions to retirement as income when determining support payments. This decision has significant implications for those who are going through a divorce, as it will impact the amount of support that is paid. Those who are seeking support payments, or who are going through a divorce, should understand the implications of this decision and be prepared to consider the impact of employer contributions on their support payments. Calculating Alimony and Child Support Another important aspect of the Cavanaugh decision is the introduction of a new approach to calculating alimony and child support in cases where both elements of support are involved. Previously, child support was calculated first, which often made an alimony calculation unnecessary. However, under the Cavanaugh decision, alimony should be calculated first. This new approach involves adding the alimony payment to the payee’s income and subtracting it from the payor’s income, and then using these new incomes to run the Child Support Guidelines. In September 2022, the SJC

Divorce

Divorce Considerations for Same-Sex Couples in Massachusetts: Protecting Your Rights and Future

What If My Name Is Not on the Deed in a Massachusetts Divorce?

Life After Divorce: When and How to Modify Custody, Support, or Alimony in Massachusetts

Can I Afford to Get Divorced? Legal Options for Financially Dependent Spouses in Massachusetts

Navigating Divorce After Decades: A Guide for Empty Nesters in Massachusetts

Massachusetts Child Support for Unmarried Parents

Division of Marital Assets in Massachusetts: Protecting Your Financial Interests

Massachusetts SJC Changes Alimony and Child Support Calculations

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