Legal Blog

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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 includes pension plans, 401(k)s, IRAs and Keogh plans. Typically, the coverture value of the retirement plan is divided equally. Lets …

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Modify My Alimony Order – Prior to The Massachusetts Alimony Reform Act of 2011, a durational limit was not placed on alimony. This means that there could be a lifetime alimony obligation even if the parties were only married for 3 years. Not only does the new act limit the duration alimony is paid, but it includes a provision that allows prior judgments to be modified according to the new amount and durational limits. If the marriage was less than 5 years, then as of March 1, 2013, the payor was allowed to file for a modification of his/her alimony obligation.