Financial woes can put stress on a marriage. As such, it’s no wonder that those couples who are considering divorce may also be facing serious financial troubles, and may even be thinking about bankruptcy. If you find yourself in a position where both legal proceedings are on the table, it’s important that you understand how…
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If you are seeking a dissolution of your marriage, an order of alimony may be part of the final court judgment. If you are the financially dependent spouse in the marriage, you may be eligible to receive alimony; similarly, if you are the financially independent spouse and your spouse is dependent on you, you may…
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In January 2025, the Massachusetts Parentage Act (MPA) was revised to provide more protection to children and their families. Under the revised law, protections for de facto parents are now included. If you find yourself in a situation where you are wondering about child custody and visitation with a child for whom you have provided…
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Couples who decide to divorce have a handful of tough decisions to make. From with whom the kids will live to who will get the house, there’re often few things that are easy––at least logistically––about separating. One issue that couples will need to settle before the divorce can be finalized is that of spousal support,…
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Getting a divorce is an emotional process, as well as one that can feel complex legally. Anyone who has considered a divorce likely understands that there are a number of issues that must be resolved in a divorce—division of property and assets, child support and child custody, and spousal maintenance. Most people don’t broach these…
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One of the most contentious and emotional issues during a divorce is custody of any shared children. For both parents, determining with whom a child will live and who will be responsible for the child’s wellbeing can be extremely challenging and distressing, with both parents holding strong opinions about what’s best. Typically, courts in Massachusetts…
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Trusts have long been considered one of the best ways to protect assets from being subject to civil proceedings. While it’s true that having assets in a trust can certainly complicate the divorce process and may prevent the assets from being subject to Massachusetts’ laws on equitable division, this is not always the case. For…
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Before a divorce can be finalized in Massachusetts, a decision on the division of marital property must be reached. One modern challenge that courts are facing is that of how to divide virtual currencies held in a divorce. At the Law Office of Heather M. Ward, our divorce attorney recognizes the importance of understanding this…
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In the event that a party to a marriage that is being terminated is financially dependent on the other, the court is likely to issue an award for spousal support, or alimony. Recognizing that financial circumstances and needs may change, the courts allow for modifications to support orders when appropriate. For those who are a…
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Being the recipient or intended recipient of an inheritance may impact how you plan for retirement, save money, and even how you live your life on a day-to-day basis. And it can also impact your divorce settlement. While many people assume that money from an inheritance will be safe in a divorce, this is not…
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