It is not uncommon once a marriage is over for spouses to start looking at the dating scene again, even while their divorce is still pending. One of the most common questions divorce attorneys are asked is whether a spouse can date while their divorce is still pending. Well the short answer is: Yes! However,…
Amaral and Associates PC
Health Insurance Coverage After a Divorce
It is not uncommon during a marriage for one spouse to be the primary policyholder of a medical insurance plan and the rest of the family to be covered under that one plan. Typically, the plan is offered through that spouse’s employer. However, when spouses file for divorce, the question arises as to how will…
The Legal Status of Parent Coordinators in Massachusetts- An Update
In 2014 we blogged about the legal status of Parent Coordinators in Massachusetts. The article was written just after the Supreme Judicial Court decided the case of Bower v. Bournay-Bower. However, since that decision came down in September 2014, a lot has changed. For those who do not know what a Parenting Coordinator is, a…
Creating New Holiday Traditions for Children After a Divorce
Divorce is difficult for anyone, but it can be especially difficult for children. Once parents decide to divorce, the children then have to face the reality of their parents no longer living under the same roof. This is a difficult transition for almost all children, but it can be especially difficult at the holidays. Parents…
FAQ’s About Divorce in Massachusetts
Here are some common FAQ’s About Divorce in Massachusetts: Q: Should I file first for divorce? A: The answer to this question is largely a case-specific answer. The determination of value of assets, which goes to the equitable division of marital assets pursuant to M.G.L. c. 208 §34, is determined from the date of marriage…
Mediating Your Prenuptial Agreement
When a couple is engaged and planning their wedding it is a happy time in each of their lives, perhaps the best of times. Consideration of a divorce is probably not an option at this point. However, with the national divorce rate being somewhere above 50%, it is something an engaged couple should consider and…
Types of Child Custody in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, like most other states, there are two types of child custody. The first is legal custody and the other is physical custody. Legal custody is the “decision making” custody. The parent or parents who have legal custody of a child have the authority to make decisions regarding the child’s care and upbringing, such…
When Can a Parent Receive a Retroactive Credit on Child Support?
It is not uncommon that as children get older, the custody and parenting schedule for the children change over time. This can include children moving in with the other parent. When these changes happen, it is also not uncommon for child support to be updated at the same time. The law requires that any changes…
The New 2017 Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines: What’s New? What’s the Same?
The Trial Court of Massachusetts issued new Child Support Guidelines, which took effect last week on September 15th. There are many changes to the new Guidelines, but also a lot of things stayed the same. This article will explain the changes to the new Guidelines, but what also stayed the same compared to the 2013…
Can Alimony Last Past the Scheduled Termination Date?
When the Alimony Reform Act was enacted in 2011, it provided for set termination dates of General Term Alimony, which is the most common type of alimony in Massachusetts. Under the statute, M.G.L. c. 208 §49(b), General Term Alimony will terminate after a certain period of time, depending on how long a couple was married. …
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