Concord Massachusetts Family Law Blog
Modifying a child custody or parenting order in MA
For the most part, court orders are not set in stone. Individuals can request modifications to custody orders as circumstances dictate. As they did before creating an order, the courts will consider the best interests of the child before granting a motion to alter an...
How do forensic accountants find hidden assets?
In Massachusetts, divorcing spouses have a legal obligation to disclose all assets and debts both to each other and to the court. This disclosure is essential in ensuring that each spouse receives an equitable share of the marital estate. Unfortunately, your spouse...
How does parental alienation syndrome impact your adult children?
No one expects a divorce to go perfectly. Emotions run high, you make sacrifices, and life changes in a big way for everyone involved. But most co-parents will try to work through this hard time together for the sake of their child. Some co-parents do not wish for...
Signs or situations that are likely to lead to divorce
It is important for married couples to understand the signs and situations that often lead to divorce. This awareness could help people take actions to stop destructive behaviors. The causes of divorce range from common ones such as infidelity to a few surprising...
Is mediation mandatory in Massachusetts?
Before you initiate a divorce in Massachusetts, it is important that you familiarize yourself with the state’s rules and options for the process. Doing so could save you significant time and headache in the coming months. In many states, mediation is mandatory first...
Separation vs. marital property: How to spot the difference
Property division is often a heated topic in a Massachusetts divorce. It involves separating all property and assets that you accumulated throughout your marriage. However, not all property is marital and some items may stay with you even after the divorce is...
Clearing up common misconceptions about prenuptial agreements
Prenuptial agreements are often utilized to guard pre-marriage assets in case of divorce. They are also used to outline the handling of matters like student debt, incapacity and death. This type of legal document is often associated with those possessing great...
Fighting to keep your full 401(k) in your divorce
Past posts on this blog touched upon the fact that your divorce can have a dramatic impact on your retirement plan. As many of our clients here at the Law Offices of Sheara F. Friend can attest to, that impact goes beyond simply who you will spend your retirement...
How can you tell your child about your divorce?
Massachusetts parents like you often worry about how your child will handle the upcoming divorce. Unfortunately, this can lead to hesitation that might potentially make things even harder on your child. When it comes to telling your child about divorce, you may need...
Does your child support order end when your child turns 18?
Contrary to some states, child support in Massachusetts does not automatically end when your child turns 18. Massachusetts law provides that a parent may need to pay child support up until age 23 if the child remains dependent on the recipient, and a court may even...