The Lewis Leeper Blog
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Massachusetts Alimony Reform Law
On September 26, 2011, Governor Deval Patrick signed the Alimony Reform into law. Following the trend of other states, this new Massachusetts law clearly sets out different kinds of alimony, including setting alimony term limits, where the ex-spouse is expected to become self-sufficient within a certain time period. 1. Alimony Term Limits Long-term marriages (more than 20 years): Alimony will end at retirement age as defined by the Social Security Act. 5 years or less: Maximum Alimony term is 50% of the number of months of marriage. 10 years or less but greater than 5 years: Maximum Alimony term is [...]
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Domestic Fights
More than likely someone is going to be arrested If the police are called to a domestic someone is leaving the house, either in the patrol car or if everyone is calm on their own. Do not make any statements to the police, like” he/she hit me first so i then…just relax, leave if you have to and move on. The more you say the worse it gets. The police and the courts are concerned that if they don’t do something and someone is hurt later they will be faulted. Don’t stop someone from calling or using their phone stopping [...]
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One Half is Not Always One Half
New Math If your spouse makes X per year and you are going through a divorce in Massachusetts make sure you discuss this concern with your lawyer because no matter who you hire, the math stays the same, dividing one income is still dividing one income. A strong divorce attorney will persuade the court that you are entitled to more than one half that way you can live the lifestyle you were accustomed to during the marriage. Paying Spouse The court is going to try and be fair. However if your divorce attorney does not argue that you should not [...]
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Divorce Thoughts – Choosing your divorce attorney
Don’t listen to everyone Each divorce case is different and each divorce is unique. Spend some time with a few different divorce attorneys before you make a decision and find the one whom you feel most comfortable. A long term marriage with children usually results in child support and/or alimony however that is not always the case. There is not an always in Probate Court, if you are a working spouse or a homemaker, find the right attorney for you. Many times with enough work the amount of alimony can increase, decrease or not be awarded. Many times the child [...]