In Massachusetts, child support is calculated based upon the Child Support Guidelines. The Child Support Guidelines use a mathematical calculation to determine a child support obligation based upon each parent’s gross weekly income, as well as the number of children for the child support order. When these numbers are entered into the formula, a number…
Amaral and Associates PC
The Importance of Reviewing and Updating Your Estate Plan
Many people do not want to think about their mortality and the fact that someday we will all pass away, however, it is important to think about this and have an estate plan prepared for when the day comes. An estate plan typically includes a Last Will and Testament, Health Care Proxy, Power of Attorney,…
Before You Say ‘I Do’, Think About a Prenuptial Agreement
A recent study showed that brides and grooms-to-be who have cold feet before their wedding could very well foreshadow an unhappy marriage that could even end in divorce. Brides and grooms-to-be who have cold feet should really consider entering into a prenuptial agreement with their future spouse. This agreement can protect both spouses-to-be in the…
Protecting Your Credit in a Divorce
It is not uncommon for married couples to have joint accounts, including joint credit cards. However, once married couples are involved in a divorce, they must decide how to apportion the credit card debt. At that time, each spouse should be looking to protect their credit as much as possible. In Massachusetts, each spouse’s credit…
Facebook, Twitter, and Other Social Media: A Party’s Best Friend or Worst Nightmare in Family Law
Any matter pending in a family court is emotional and difficult for both parties. There are all types of cases that are heard by family courts: divorces, child custody and visitation, child support, paternity, and many more types of cases. Within these types of case, many issues are addressed, such as property division, the income…
Good Tips for Co-Parenting After a Divorce or Breakup
When a couple divorces (or in the case where they were never married, breaks up), it can be difficult to get along after the breakup or divorce. However, when there are children involved, the couple has no choice but to stay in touch and try to get along after the divorce or break up. As…
FAQ’s About Massachusetts Divorce Law
With the national divorce rate close to 50%, many spouses have questions about divorce and the legal process of divorce. Divorce laws from state to state. Here is a summary of Massachusetts divorce law and frequently asked questions about this topic. Q: Is there a legal separation in Massachusetts? A: There is no formal “legal…
Massachusetts Alimony Reform Act & Durational Limits
When the Massachusetts Alimony Reform Act went into effect in 2012, it provided for a payor spouse to file a Complaint for Modification to reduce or terminate his or her alimony obligation based upon durational limits, as further explained below. Rather than allowing spouses to file all at once in 2012, modification for only durational…
Postnuptial Agreements
Dear Clients and Friends, Properly executed pre-nuptial agreements have been enforceable for sometime in the state of Massachusetts. These agreements are entered into between the couple before they are married to protect assets each party had at the time of marriage. Here are Amaral & Associates, P.C., we prepare pre-nuptial agreements on a regular basis…
Understanding Types of Child Custody in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, along with most other states, there are two types of child custody: 1) legal custody; 2) physical custody. Not all parents understand the difference between the two types of custody, and it can sometimes be confusing. When a parent has legal custody of a child, then the parent has the right to make…
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