In a recent case, the Massachusetts Appeals Court decided whether marital fraud--that is, fraudulently inducing another person to marry--constitutes a valid civil cause of action. Background: In the case Shea v. Cameron, the parties married in 2007, after a two-year...
Experienced family lawyers guide spouses in emotionally fraught divorce proceedings toward a resolution that terminates the marriage. A separation agreement is a crucial part of that process. A separation agreement memorializes the terms of the resolution and also...
In what ways might a part-time job or second job affect alimony or child support payments? Change in circumstances: Under Massachusetts divorce law, a spousal support award is not set in stone. Rather, one may alter it by a petition for modification to the court...
Most people have at least one social media account. There are so many forms of social media available on various platforms--Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Linkedin, among others. People facing a divorce often ask: does the use of social media have an impact on a...
Let’s set the scene: you and your spouse have already filed for divorce. As you are still friendly, you plan on getting a no-fault and are awaiting your court date. As time passes, you are thinking about what is best for the both of you, your family, and your future....
Condonation, along with connivance, collusion and recrimination, are affirmative defenses to a fault claim for divorce. These defenses were commonplace in England’s ecclesiastical courts[1]. They are infrequently asserted in Massachusetts divorce cases, however, and...
For just about every couple seeking a divorce, the separation agreement is an exhausting and time-consuming document. With the right attorney, the process can be smoother, but it is imperative that a person seeking a divorce contact an attorney experienced in these...
Suppose Grace and Will own a home and have pension plans. Now that they are divorcing, they want to know how a court would impose alimony payments. How do the respective estates of the parties factor into the court’s decision regarding alimony? What is alimony?...
For many Massachusetts families, the issue of substance abuse hits home. Parents may struggle to care for their children while working on their own substance abuse issues. At a time when substance abuse has hit a high, Massachusetts families may need extra assistance...
If your case requires an order sooner, file a motion for temporary orders. The judge can hear it early. Divorce trials usually take 12 to 15 months, but you can request temporary orders within the first few months. It is often necessary for cases involving custody,...