During the dissolution of a marriage in Massachusetts, assets are typically divided. However, the division process does not happen automatically with retirement plans. This is why a qualified domestic relations order, or a QDRO, is an important part of the divorce process when retirement funds are involved. QDROs are court orders used for dividing retirement…
Selling a home can complicate divorce process
A marital breakup in Massachusetts can understandably be challenging to navigate both financially and emotionally. However, making matters even more complicated is the decision to sell the marital home as part of the divorce process. A couple of tips may help to make the process easier for the parties involved. First, getting the home ready for showings…
Dividing artwork can be tricky during divorce process
During the dissolution of a marriage in Massachusetts, emotions can run high even in cases that start out relatively amicable. This is especially the case when a couple has high-value assets they need to divide. One type of asset that can cause conflict during the divorce process due to its high value is artwork. The values of…
Family home may cause conflict during divorce process
During divorce proceedings in Massachusetts, a big decision that a couple may have trouble making is how they will handle the marital home. Typically, they both may have emotional ties to the residence. A couple of options for dealing with the marital home during the divorce process is to sell the house or to simply…
Marital home can be complex to address during divorce process
Financial matters are one of the major reasons for the dissolution of a marriage today. Thus, it is not surprising that couples going through the divorce process often fall behind on their mortgages and face foreclosure. A couple of tips may help couples dealing with a marital home during divorce in Massachusetts. In many divorce…
Those in divorce process may have misconception about adultery
Getting divorced in Massachusetts is understandably an emotionally and financially trying experience. In many cases, those interested in breaking free from a marriage have misconceptions regarding the divorce process. One of these misconceptions has to do with adultery. Some think they are entitled to more financially during divorce because their spouses were unfaithful. In reality,…
Tips for dividing marital assets in a gray divorce
Are there different financial considerations for a divorce when a person is over the age of 50? Our family law firm would agree. First, the proximity of retirement in so-called “gray divorces” requires some careful planning. In any divorce, there is a chance that expenses will double while household income will be cut in half….
Tips for minimizing the costs of divorce
There’s a reason that even attorneys hire their own counsel when going through a divorce. As a practical matter, the number of administrative details in a divorce proceeding can be overwhelming. From responding to the procedural requirements, such as court filings and hearings, to reaching agreement on the various issues that need to be settled,…
Dividing the marital estate: part two
A divorce can be a time of emotional upset and uncertainty. Many new lifestyle changes may lie ahead. An individual may need to draw up a financial strategy for how he or she will handle a new living budget post-divorce. Yet before an individual looks too far ahead, there is a more immediate matter to…
Dividing the marital estate: part one
If you’re thinking of filing for divorce and dislike (or perhaps even dread) doing your annual taxes, here’s some bad news: Taking a financial inventory of your marital estate could be even worse. Unless, of course, you enlist an attorney’s help. The process starts with identifying all assets that were acquired during the marriage. Property…