Marblehead Family Law Blog

Marriage is about commitment, cooperation and even sacrifice. Each spouse likely makes certain sacrifices for the comfort and happiness of the other. People combine their resources and adjust their daily lives for the benefit of their spouses. The need to support a spouse or children can motivate...

More than a decade ago, Massachusetts lawmakers made substantial changes to the state's existing alimony laws. The law determines what happens when one spouse requests financial support from the other at the end of a Massachusetts marriage. Alimony, also sometimes known as spousal support or spou...

Divorce often transpires after a lengthy period of marital degradation. The relationship between the spouses may have been unhealthy or frustrating for some time before either spouse decides to take action. Those preparing for divorce often have intense emotions and desire vindication. They often...

Going through a divorce from your child's other parent almost certainly won't end your communication with that ex. Instead, you'll likely have to continue to discuss things related to your children. While this might not be something you look forward to, it's necessary so that you can better give ...

The idea of a sleep divorce has started to gain mainstream traction. People claim that those who decide to undergo a sleep divorce could avoid actually ending their marriages. Even some celebrities have begun to endorse the idea of sleep divorce. A sleep divorce involves spouses agreeing to maint...

Co-parenting after a divorce or breakup is difficult. Even those who truly desire to do what is best for their children may have a difficult time controlling their own emotions. When one parent is combative towards the other, custody matters can quickly become quite messy. Although there is a pre...

Some people in unhappy marriages make the conscious choice to stay with their spouse for their children. People are familiar with the idea that divorce can be very damaging for young adults. They may also worry about the financial implications of divorce. They might stay with their spouse not onl...

Massachusetts courts aim to divide marital income and assets in a fair and appropriate manner during litigated divorces. Spouses either agree with one another during negotiations on a specific property division settlement or ask a judge to rule on property division matters. Real property, retirem...

Bird's nest parenting, an innovative approach to co-parenting after a divorce or separation, focuses on providing the children stability by allowing them to remain in the family home. At the same time, the parents rotate in and out.  This arrangement can minimize the disruption and emotional stre...

Whether you realized that you made a mistake almost as soon as you walked down the aisle or you've gradually come to realize that your long-standing marriage isn't fulfilling, you want out – but your spouse doesn't. What happens now? You have several choices. It's up to you if you want to conside...

The designation of a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) to a case is a pivotal concern that can intimidate any parent who is navigating the family court system in Massachusetts. This often happens when parents are attempting to address contentious child custody issues. A Guardian Ad Litem is a court-appoint...

Pursuing a career in the military often means accepting a different lifestyle than what civilians enjoy. Military servicemembers sacrifice personal freedom to help defend the freedom of others. They put themselves in a position where there can be a lot of strain on their relationship with their s...

Navigating child support issues can be a challenging experience for families. Child support helps to ensure that parents contribute to their child's financial well-being in Massachusetts. Understanding how child support amounts are set can provide both parents with realistic expectations. Child s...

Leaving a meaningful legacy for loved ones or specific charitable causes requires careful planning long before someone dies. Many adults in Massachusetts spend a great deal of time contemplating the impact they want to leave on the world after they die. They can then move to put together a compre...

The biggest assets that couples share generally become the primary points of contention in re: property division when they file for divorce. For couples considering marital dissolution in Massachusetts, businesses, real property and financial resources are often the most hotly-contested assets in...

Having a will on record is one of the most basic and crucial estate planning steps. Especially when someone has valuable property or dependent family members, they generally need to have a plan in place in case something happens to them. Otherwise, their property will end up distributed according...

Parents typically share responsibility for their children. Some expectant parents negotiate detailed arrangements with each other when they find out they will soon have a baby, and many others fall into a natural routine that involves shared responsibility for their children. However, not all Mas...

Becoming a parent means assuming responsibility for a child. Parents must provide daily support and financial resources so that children are safe and have the basic necessities of life, including shelter and adequate nutrition. They need to ensure their children receive an education and necessary...

Many parents dread becoming empty-nesters because they don't want their children to leave home. They love the life and chaos that children bring, and they know they'll miss it. On the other hand, there are those who look forward to becoming empty-nesters. They see it as a time to refocus on thems...

People who are considering divorce often feel like at least one trip to court is inevitable. While it is true that every divorcing couple in Massachusetts has to go have a divorce order approved by the court, the divorcing spouses don't necessarily have to litigate their situation in court. Famil...

The timing of a Massachusetts divorce can have a profound impact on not just the spouses involved but the rest of the family as well. Many people trapped in unhappy marriages may tell themselves that they only need to hold on until the children are out of the house. Waiting until the children lea...

It's often important for people to plan their estate to ensure their assets are properly distributed to beneficiaries. However, many people don't plan their estate because of common misconceptions. To circumvent problems for your family and loved ones, it may be in your best interest to learn how...

Parents of minors have a lot to think about, but many neglect to consider what will happen if both parents pass away. While this isn't easy to think about, it's something that's necessary so you can make plans. Young parents must take the time to create an estate plan. This provides the informati...

Your marriage is failing, and you're concerned about how you're going to support yourself. It's been a little bit since you were in the workforce, and you aren't sure what it will take to get on your feet once you're on your own. Is alimony an option? It could be. Understanding more about how ali...

When couples get divorced, they know that they have to divide up custody of their children, at least in most cases. The general rule is that courts try to assign joint or shared custody so that both parents get to remain involved with the children. The parents create a schedule showing what they ...