According to a study, separated spouses are more likely to get divorced than get back together. http://usat.ly/18B3evh. When I read the article’s title, “Splitting? 79% of marital separations end in divorce”, I thought to myself that this is a very obvious statistic. I then went back and reviewed the cases that I have handled and found that individuals who came to me during the separation process were considerably more amicable than individuals who initiated the divorce while cohabitating. What does this mean for you and your Massachusetts divorce?… Read more
Child Exemption – IRS form 8332
During tax season, parents with a Massachusetts child support order frequently ask me whether or not they can claim their child on their taxes. The IRS rule is that the custodial parent has the right to claim the exemption. This is the default rule, but it is necessary to review the court’s judgment before assuming… Read more
Requesting Student Financial Aid With Divorced Parents
It is important for divorced parents to be aware of the specific challenges and benefits that children of divorced parents experience when applying for financial aid. Families are required to complete a Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) when applying for federal subsidized loans and Pell grants. If you are currently negotiating a Massachusetts divorce… Read more
Divorce and Passover?
You are probably thinking what do divorce and Passover have to do with each other. The answer is that I was introduced to the following divorce joke at a Sedar recently and think it is funny enough to share. Divorce is an extremely emotionally difficult process. If you or someone you know if going through a divorce,… Read more
Retirement Accounts and Divorce
Are you thinking about filing for divorce in Massachusetts? Then you need to know what is likely to happen to your retirement accounts. The most popular type of retirement accounts include pension plans, 401(k)s, IRAs and Keogh plans. Typically, the coverture value of the retirement plan is divided equally. Lets take a look at what… Read more
Modification of Massachusetts Child Support Clarified
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has issued a new opinion that clarifies the standard to modify child support. The name of the case is Marlene MORALES vs. Richard Louis MORALES. SJC-11104. March 12, 2013. Prior to this ruling, the court required a substantial and material change of circumstances to modify a child support order. The court has… Read more