On June 20, 2013, the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court released new Child Support Guidelines that become effective August 1, 2013. The new Child Support Guidelines revise the Guidelines issued in 2009, and modify several provisions from the 2009 Guidelines. Below is a summary of the changes to the new Child Support Guidelines. Sources of…
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Same Sex Prenuptial Agreements
Massachusetts is one of twelve of states, along with the District of Columbia, which recognize same-sex marriage. Since 2004, same sex couples have had the right to marry in Massachusetts. Like their opposite-sex counterparts, same-sex couples can enter into a prenuptial agreement to protect their respective assets during the marriage. Contrary to popular belief, a…
Prenuptial Agreements in Massachusetts
When a couple is engaged and planning their wedding it is a happy time in each of their lives, perhaps the happiest time. It’s not at this time that a couple would even want to consider divorce. However, with the national divorce rate being somewhere around 50%, it is something an engaged couple should consider…
Child Custody and Removal in Massachusetts
It is not uncommon after (or even during) a divorce, a parent seeks to move outside of Massachusetts with the couple’s children. Not only does this impact the custody arrangement between parents, but it can impact the relationship between the children and both parents as well. Because the impact such a move can have between…
Using Cell Phones and Social Media in Divorce in Massachusetts
In this increasingly digital age, technology is being used as a sword in divorce and family law actions. More and more, spouses and parents are using text messages, Facebook profiles and messages, Twitter, and other social media as evidence in divorce and other family court proceedings. This media is being used to prove infidelity, undisclosed…
Grounds for Filing for Divorce in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts there are several grounds upon which a spouse may file for divorce. There are two categories of grounds for divorce: 1) no-fault based grounds; and 2) fault-based grounds. No Fault Based Grounds In a no-fault based grounds for divorce, a spouse must just simply prove that the marriage is irretrievably broken as defined…
Massachusetts Alimony Reform Act: When Can I Modify My Obligation
Under the Massachusetts Alimony Reform Act, which became effective in March 2012, there are new standards and guidelines upon which a spouse may file for a modification of alimony. There are four types of alimony under the Massachusetts Alimony Reform Act: 1) General Term ; 2) Rehabilitative ; 3) Reimbursement ; and 4) Transitional. Based…
Massachusetts Alimony Reform and Cohabitation: What does is mean for me?
Under the new Massachusetts Alimony Reform Act, which became effective in March 2012, if a spouse who receives alimony begins to cohabitate with another person, then alimony may be modified or terminated under the new law. This is a departure from the previous Massachusetts alimony law, which did not allow for termination or modification based…
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