If a court, rather than the couple themselves, is deciding how to divide assets, Massachusetts law (Chapter 208, Section 34) specifies that “the court may assign to either husband or wife all or any part of the estate of the other.” In other words, the court can take all the property of one spouse, even premarital, and …
How is debt divided in a divorce in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, couples who shared a credit card will have to treat it as marital debt. Marital debt is often split down the middle; however, if a court deems one person is not able to handle the burden of a certain amount of debt, the percentage of responsibility may be split unevenly.
Who has to leave the house in a divorce in Massachusetts?
In some instances, a court might order one party to leave a home during divorce proceedings. This happens in divorces involving domestic abuse and restraining orders. A court might also order one person to leave a home if their presence is a danger to the other party or children.
How is marital property divided Massachusetts?
While only property that a couple acquires during marriage is “marital property,” Massachusetts law allows a judge to divide all of a couple’s property in any manner that seems fair, regardless of when it was acquired or which spouse actually owns it–in other words, the judge can divide both marital and separate …
Does it matter who files for divorce first in Massachusetts?
Filing first for divorce does not matter in Massachusetts. The first person to file will choose the grounds for divorce or whether to file a no fault divorce.
How can I avoid alimony in Massachusetts?
The only way to completely avoid the possibility of alimony in MA is to never get married in the first place. A prenuptial agreement also provides some protection and can substantially reduce your risk. However, if you’re married without a prenuptial agreement, alimony is a possibility.
Can you date while separated in Massachusetts?
Officially, there is no law in Massachusetts that prohibits a person who is separated from their spouse from dating, regardless of whether their divorce has been finalized. However, the question isn’t really about if dating is allowed, but rather how dating could impact a divorce settlement.
How long do you have to be separated before divorce in Massachusetts?
As long as the desire to seek a divorce is mutual, then you can seek a divorce as long as you have proof that you have been separated from each other physically for at least 18 months.
Does a husband have to support his wife during separation?
…a person has a responsibility to financially assist their spouse or former de-facto partner, if that person cannot meet their own reasonable expenses from their personal income or assets. Where the need exists, both parties have an equal duty to support and maintain each other as far as they can.
Do I have to support my wife after divorce?
As long as the couple remains married, the court does not set a time limit on spousal support. Maintenance on the other hand, is support the higher-earning spouse pays after the divorce is finalized.
Can you force a spouse to move out Massachusetts?
There is no “legal separation,” in Massachusetts. You do not have to get court permission to live apart from your spouse. It is legal to live apart from your spouse.
Is Massachusetts a 50-50 state when it comes to divorce?
The state of Massachusetts is not a 50/50 state or a community property state. This means that, if the court must decide, all the property, assets, and liabilities are not necessarily divided equally between the two parties, as is the case in some states.
How does infidelity affect divorce in Massachusetts?
Adultery generally does not impact the division of property and assets in a divorce, as this is determined through the process of equitable distribution in Massachusetts. If it can be proven, however, that marital assets were used in the commission of adultery, that could affect how property is divided.
Is there still alimony in Massachusetts?
Alimony is paid by a spouse who has the ability to pay to a spouse in need of support for a period of time. Only people who are divorcing or are divorced can ask for and receive alimony.
How does a judge determine alimony in Massachusetts?
Except for reimbursement alimony or unusual circumstances, the amount of alimony should generally be no more than the receiving spouse needs or 30–35 percent of the difference between the parties’ gross incomes when the order is issued.
Can a working wife get alimony?
Even though your spouse has a full-time job, they are still entitled to ask for spousal support. They can ask for support once a legal separation or divorce is filed with the court. If the judge deems it necessary, he or she can order you to pay spousal support even while your divorce is pending.
What can be used against you in a divorce?
Spending marital money on extramarital affairs. Transferring marital funds to another person before a separation. Spending unreasonable amounts on business expenditures. Selling marital assets below the market value.
What does a judge consider in a divorce?
The court will look at meeting the needs of both parties, including ensuring their housing and income needs are met. If these needs are met from the available assets and there is a surplus, the court may consider the origin of certain assets in deciding how the remainder is divided.
Who gets the engagement ring in a divorce Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, an engagement ring is considered a conditional gift, given on the condition that the couple gets married. The normal expectation is that if the engagement is broken and the wedding doesn’t occur, then the ring will be returned.
Who pays for the divorce lawyer in Massachusetts?
In a typical Massachusetts divorce, each party pays his or her own legal fees and expenses. This is consistent with the so-called “American Rule”, which provides that parties pay their own legal fees in Massachusetts court cases. See Wong v. Luu, 472 Mass.
Is alimony automatic in Massachusetts?
The court will only award general alimony if the requesting spouse demonstrates a financial need. The duration, meaning the term of alimony payments, depends on the length of the marriage.
How long after a divorce can you ask for alimony?
Either you or your spouse, or both of you, can ask for alimony at the time of divorce. If the original divorce judgment didn’t mention alimony at all, you can file a complaint for alimony for the first time at any time after your divorce. Alimony can be changed after a divorce through a process called a modification.
Can having a girlfriend affect my divorce?
Generally speaking, the actual act of dating while your divorce is pending will not affect the outcome of a divorce. While you are still legally married to another person, the court distinguishes between pre- and post-separation relationships.
How long do divorces take in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, the Probate and Family Court official time-standard for contested divorces is fourteen months (under Standing Order 1-06) — that is, the divorce process, from filing to entry of a judgment, should take no more than fourteen months.
Can I move in with my boyfriend before my divorce is final?
It is not against the law to date or even to move your partner into your home during your divorce.