Common Law Marriage & Divorce in Massachusetts
A common law marriage is a type of union that occurs once several requirements are met between two individuals residing in a state that recognizes common law marriage. Common law marriages are performed without any state formality (such as license) or a formal ceremony. While common law marriage is not available under Massachusetts law, a common law marriage must be recognized by…
Spring Break & Divorce
When you and your spouse decide to divorce, you know you’re going to have to tackle tough issues. One of the toughest is sharing custody of your children. Having your children divide time between your homes becomes especially difficult during school holidays and vacations. With spring break approaching, you and your children’s other parent need to communicate and decide how to handle…
Child Custody: Moving the Kids to a Different State
In our increasingly global economy, relocation has become a fact of life. In fact, America is one of the most mobile countries in the world. According to a Gallup study, approximately one-fifth of Americans have moved to another area or a different state within the last five years. What’s the biggest reason Americans move? Work. Imagine you have a great new career opportunity…
How to Handle Rental Property During Divorce
In any divorce, the division of assets can be a thorny issue. Massachusetts is not a community property state. As a result, all property (both premarital and marital) is subject to division by the court in a divorce. In Massachusetts, the division of assets must be “equitable.” This means that the assets must be divided in a way that is fair —…
Domestic Violence and the Workplace
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in four women and one in seven men will experience some form of domestic violence over their lifetime. While this devastating and highly personal form of abuse usually happens at home, it also has an undeniable impact on the workplace, manifesting itself in the form of: Absenteeism. Victims may be too physically injured…