Going through a divorce or fighting over child custody is difficult and emotional for any parent, and any child. When a child realizes that their parents are breaking up, and will now live in separate houses, it can be very traumatic. This can cause a child to feel unstable and like the rug was swept…
Amaral and Associates PC
Financial Planning For and During a Divorce
A divorce brings about many changes in a person’s life. One of the most significant changes is the financial impact of a divorce. Spouses go from having a combined household with (usually) two separate incomes, to living apart, and supporting themselves on their own. If you are contemplating a divorce, or have already filed for…
How to Ask Your Fiancé for a Prenuptial Agreement
Congratulations! You’re engaged. You’re on your way to walking down the aisle on the happiest day of your life. There’s a lot to do to plan for the wedding. Find a location, book a caterer, find a dress, pick out a cake, and oh so much more. But there’s one more thing engaged couples should…
Massachusetts Alimony Reform Act: When Does my Alimony Obligation Terminate?
In March 2012, the Massachusetts Alimony Reform Act became effective. Under the Alimony Reform Act, a spouse’s alimony obligation now has a termination date, whereas under previously Massachusetts alimony law, a spouse’s alimony obligation could last forever. To determine when your alimony obligation will terminate, you first must know what kind of alimony you are…
Rehabilitative, Transitional, and Reimbursement Alimony in Massachusetts
Q: What are Reimbursement Alimony, Rehabilitative Alimony, and Transitional Alimony? A: There are 4 types of alimony under Massachusetts law. The four types are: General Term Alimony Rehabilitative Alimony Reimbursement Alimony Transitional Alimony Rehabilitative Alimony Q: What is Rehabilitative Alimony? A: By the statute’s definition, Rehabilitative Alimony for a recipient spouse who is expected to…
The Benefits of Mediating or Arbitrating Your Family Law Case
In Massachusetts, divorce and Family Law cases are handled by the Probate and Family Court. Under Massachusetts, law, proceedings in the Probate and Family Court are public and can be observed by anyone. Additionally, almost all cases in the Probate and Family Court are scheduled to be heard at 8:30 a.m. (which can be as…
Having Your Voice Heard in a Divorce
Divorces can be a lengthy, complicated and emotionally charged process. With all of the procedural nuances of a divorce proceeding and procedural rules of the court, even after several court appearances, it is entirely possible that a spouse will not have had the opportunity to testify and tell his or her side of the story.…
Pet “Custody” and Divorce
In all families, pets are just as an important member of the family as anyone else. Unfortunately, the law has not caught up with this view. Therefore, when spouses divorce, “custody” of a pet is not treated on the same level, legally speaking, as custody of child. In child custody matters, the legal standard is…
Handling a Child Custody Case
There are not many other types of court cases that are more emotional and stressful than a child custody case. Because emotions are running high during these types of cases, parents can sometimes fall into pitfalls and traps, which can ultimately hurt their case down the road. Here are some tips for parents going through…
Child Support, Alimony & Taxes
When going through a divorce, there are many financial issues that spouses must address. Some of these financial issues have tax consequences, and other financial issues do not. One area where taxes come into play is support. Under Massachusetts Law, there are two categories of support. The first category is alimony, which is the periodic…
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