Keeping the Family Home in a Divorce
One of the most frequently asked questions we get from prospective and current divorce clients is, “How do I keep my family home in the divorce?” Understandably, most people have intense emotional attachments to the family home and the idea of selling your home can be devastating. Sometimes, people want to keep the family home, not for themselves, but because they believe it will be easier on the children if they can stay in the home they are used to.
Is Alimony an Option For Me?
To start off, you may be wondering: What is alimony? Am I entitled to it? Alimony is payment from one spouse to another for financial support following a separation or divorce. It may be paid in one “lump buyout” or through smaller, continual payments.
What is the right divorce process for me?
Typically, there are two paths to divorce. The first way is called a “1a divorce”. A 1a divorce is the more amicable route to divorce. For a 1a divorce, the parties work together behind-the-scenes to negotiate a settlement agreement with the help from their attorneys.
The Secret Behind Negotiation
There’s a stereotypical prototype of what a “good” lawyer is. The common phrase is that you want a lawyer who is a shark or a pit bull. The best lawyer is seen as one who bulldozes over your opponent and makes sure they get their way, every time.
Is the Seven-Year Itch Real?
The seven-year itch is more than just an old classic starring Hollywood legend Marilyn Monroe. The average duration of marriages that end in divorce is indeed around 7-8 years long. Not to fear, however, as statistics also show that the divorce rate is decreasing, which may be due to younger generations choosing to wait later in life before tying the knot.
How to Divorce a Narcissist
I was recently interviewed with UpJourney for their article, “How to Divorce a Narcissist”. Here’s a small excerpt of their article:
Can My Child Choose Which Parent to Live with After a Divorce?
This question is one that gets brought up a lot in family law. Many parents are curious about the role their child play’s in custody agreements, and for good reason! However, the answer is more complicated than most parents would like to hear.
Navigating Thanksgiving After a Divorce
Thanksgiving is just a couple of days away! While some may rejoice at the thought of gathering with extended family and spending the day feeling grateful, social, and stuffed with food, this upcoming holiday can be very difficult for those who are recently divorced. Your first Thanksgiving without your spouse may feel extra lonely, as some traditions the two of you had together are no more. If you are sharing custody of your children, perhaps this is your first Thanksgiving you don’t get to spend fully with your child. You are not alone in your feelings as you navigate the upcoming holiday season.
How Does the Divorce Process Work?
Divorce can feel like a scary and confusing process to the average person. Most people will only deal with the divorce process once in their life, if ever. Luckily, divorce lawyers deal with the divorce process every day, so we’re very well-versed on the ins and outs of legally divorcing your spouse.
How Much Will a Divorce Cost Me?
It depends. No one wants to hear that answer to a question as pressing as anticipated costs for an upcoming divorce. However, there are some factors that can help determine whether you’re looking at a more expensive divorce than you might have expected.
Infidelity… What Does it Mean for Your Divorce?
Infidelity… it’s a scary word for anyone in a monogamous relationship or marriage to hear. 1 out of 5 men have reported that they have cheated on their partner while married (General Social Survey). Uncovering infidelity can be an emotionally devastating experience and oftentimes leads to divorce. The anger and hurt that accompanies finding out your partner broke their marriage vows can leave many people furious and ready to take their partner for all their worth… it’s only fair, right???
Signs it Might be Time for a Divorce
So, you’ve found yourself googling if it’s time for a divorce. Whether you’ve been together for three years or thirty, there are some telltale signs that it may be time for a divorce.
A Happy, Healthy Divorce… Is it Possible?
Here are the facts: 20% of marriages end in divorce within 5 years, and 48% of marriages end by the 20-year mark. Divorce is never a topic anyone wants to think about, but chances are, if you’re reading this blog, you’re being confronted with this topic.
Who Owns What Friends After a Divorce?
While your divorce attorney will help you divide all your joint assets, time spent with children, and property, there is one thing that cannot be divided up just as neatly: your friends.
Staying Friends With Your Ex After a Divorce
Once you go through a divorce, it can be hard to figure out where things stand with your former spouse. Your spouse used to be your partner and best friend for however many years, and while things have certainly changed, you may be wondering what kind of place they have in your life now.
What Does Divorce Mean for a Stay-at-Home Mom?
Unfortunately, even in 2021, stay-at-home moms can be looked down upon in society. However, this does not mean that you will be left destitute in the event of a divorce. In the state of Massachusetts, divorces need to be fair and equitable. While this does not mean you are guaranteed a 50/50 division of your assets, it does mean that you should not be penalized for your choice to stay at home and raise your family.
How to Prepare Before Meeting with Your Divorce Attorney
The most important piece of advice I can give you before meeting with a divorce attorney is to not worry about this meeting or feel anxiety about it. Your divorce attorney has dealt with so many divorce cases before that they know all the right questions to ask and will put you at ease as you go through this stressful time in your life.
How to Keep Your Children in Mind While You’re Getting a Divorce
Although many partners going through a divorce are usually extremely worried about the effect of their divorce on their children, research shows that it is not the divorce itself, but the fighting that goes on between parents that can cause things like low self-esteem, poor academic performance, and depression. Keeping this in mind, here are some of the most important tips to keep in mind to make sure your divorce is as easy for your child as it could be.