When one party in a marriage has an affair, the adultery can serve as grounds for divorce should the other spouse decide they want to end the marriage. And while adultery may impact a property division settlement and could even have an effect on parenting time, it’s unlikely to materially influence a judge’s decision regarding…
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As part of a divorce proceeding in Massachusetts, a separating couple must reach an agreement on the division of property before the divorce can be finalized. In addition to assets that the couple may own and enjoy on a daily basis, such as a home or vehicle, any foreign assets belonging to either spouse will…
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If you are the recipient of an inheritance and you are currently in the process of separating from your partner, you may have questions about how your inheritance will be impacted by your divorce. Primarily, you may worry that your spouse may be entitled to part of your inheritance. By working with a skilled Massachusetts…
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The decision to file for divorce is not one that comes easily to most people. And once the determination to split is made, there are dozens of other choices to make, too, such as how property will be divided or with whom shared children will live. Making these decisions can be contentious for some couples,…
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Being entrusted with the care of another human being, whether a child or an adult, is one of the most serious and incredible responsibilities there is. In the process of establishing guardianship, it’s important to work with a skilled family law attorney who is experienced in guardianship cases and understands the level of care these…
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As part of a divorce action in Massachusetts, a court may decide to issue an order of alimony. How much alimony is to be paid, and for how long, is subject to various factors. At The Law Office of Heather M. Ward, our experienced family law and divorce attorney can help you to understand your…
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When parents are unmarried at the time of a child’s birth, the paternity of the child is not automatically established. In order to establish paternity, both the child’s mother and biological father will need to take certain steps. For parents in this situation, some may wonder whether there are any time limits for establishing paternity…
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When parents separate in Massachusetts, the separation will not be final until an order is issued that determines the parental responsibilities of each parent. While parents may not always agree with an issued order, they are required under the law to follow it; if they don’t, they can be held in contempt of court. At…
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If you are a party to a divorce, it’s important to understand your rights. Whether you are the wife or husband, one important legal concept to understand when separating from your spouse is that of alimony. Unfortunately, there is an outdated misconception that only men pay alimony. The truth, however, is that either party in…
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When parents separate and a court order related to custody and parenting time is issued, it can be difficult for everyone involved. While parents are often divided on the issue, once a judgment is issued, the law requires that parties adhere to it. However, while the adults may be willing to abide, a resistant child…
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