Divorce – A Life Changing Event
Getting divorced is a life changing event that will have a significant impact on your way of life. After what may have been months or years of arguing and bitter hostility toward one another you now face the practical aspects of getting divorced. Difficult decisions need to be made regarding your property, finances, and children. Often the animosity and hurt that led to the divorce extends into the divorce process. At the time of marriage, you formed a partnership that you expected to be a lifelong commitment but now you are faced with splitting the family in two. There is a lot at stake and you need sound legal advice that is practical, sensible, and realistic. We know that you have a lot of questions and we are happy to speak with you about your situation. At Lambert Legal we invite you to call for a free consultation.
Who Gets What….?
There is a lot to sort out when you get divorced and not knowing what to expect can be terrifying. A marriage is a partnership upon which a family is built. Most of your daily responsibilities and routines are heavily entwined with that of your spouse. The life that you have cultivated during your marriage must now be dismantled and equitably divided. From children to property and everything in between, the ultimate question is who gets what, and why?
Property Division – In Massachusetts all proper that is owned at the time of marriage is subject to division in a divorce. The court has the power to assign to either the husband or wife all or any part of the marital estate. This includes not only real estate, but other items such as retirement benefits, business interests, stocks, bonds, gifts, inherited assets, and property that was acquired prior to marriage.
Child Custody – Often the most divisive and emotionally charged part of a divorce involves disputes over children. The court will look at what is in the child's best interest when determining with which parent the child will primarily reside and the extent of visitation for the noncustodial parent. Along with custody and visitation the court must determine who makes the major medical, educational, and religious decisions for the child. There are also many logistical considerations such as child support, health/dental/vision insurance, and college expenses that must be considered.
Alimony – Are you entitled to receive or are you obligated to pay spousal support? In cases in which one spouse is economically dependent on the other, and the other spouse has the ability to pay, an award of alimony may be granted. If alimony is awarded, then the court must determine the amount and duration of alimony. After divorce circumstances may change such as the retirement or loss of job of the payor spouse or the recipient spouse could remarry or cohabitate with another.
There is a lot to consider and sort out when you get divorced. It is critical that you have experienced legal counsel that will fight hard for what is rightfully yours. Call Lambert Legal for a free no-obligation consultation 781-754-6822.
Visit out blog on “What Happens in a Divorce if Your Spouse Had an Affair?”