Massachusetts was the sixth jurisdiction in the entire world to allow same-sex marriage when we legalized it in 2004.
With the entire United States following our lead in 2015, rates of same-sex marriage have been on the rise.
Supplementary legal advice can be helpful in a family law matter
I would like a second opinion on that.
That's hardly an unusual request, is it?
In fact, we suspect that readers of our family law blog across Massachusetts solicit supplementary viewpoints on things of personal importance all the time. It is an act of prudence and extra input that can lead to more reasoned decision making.
Joint custody in divorce … for your pet?
Is your beloved dog – or cat, or horse or, as cited in a recent media piece, boa constrictor – akin in your mind to the living-room sofa? That is, would you ever equate your animal companion to some piece of personal property you bought at the store?
We didn’t think so. Historically, judges have done so, though.
Survey focuses on boomer-aged divorced women, money management
Seemingly, there is nothing quite like a divorce to alter the perceptions of many women regarding money management during marriage.
A recent Bloomberg article visiting that topic and related matters employs the work “stark” to describe the difference in attitudes toward financial decision making between married and divorced women.
Concerns unique to gray divorce
While fifty years ago less than 2.8 percent of Americans over age 50 were divorced, today more than 15 percent are. Even just since 1990 the divorce rate for adults ages 50 plus doubled and it nearly tripled for those ages 65 and older. However, the divorce rate is not equally divided and impacts certain demographics at a higher rate.
The instability of remarriages
Let's talk about child support payments
As a parent, you would do anything for your child. During your marriage, you and your wife or husband worked diligently to not only raise them the right way, but to make sure that the relationship you shared with your significant other was in the best shape that it could possibly be in.
When you and your spouse decide it is time for a divorce, your thoughts will be with your child. How will you handle this new life, one without your significant other? How will your child adjust to this new post-divorce world? And what legal issues could arise in the years that follow your actual divorce?
Not every couple has a Picasso hanging in the hallway, but …
For discussion purposes, the end of the partially composed sentence in today's above blog headline is … "some do."
And for such couples (whether situated in Massachusetts or elsewhere), that painting will definitely be spotlighted in the event of a looming divorce.
Creating a strong parenting plan can be uplifting
Some Massachusetts divorces are like pulling teeth, with splitting-up spouses battling at virtually every turn and juncture. Even some of those decouplings can feature common ground and civility on select points, though.
Take children, for instance. Except in flat-out hopeless cases, even the most battle-ready and aggressive impending exes can take a breath and acknowledge that, despite differences, they can work together to promote their kids' best interests.
Isn't domestic violence largely a problem for female victims?
That above-posed query in today's blog headline is not a loaded question, so trust your instincts.
To wit: There won't be many inside analysts or subject-matter commentators bracing to argue against a response that, yes, domestic violence is predominantly an issue for women dealing with male abusers.
A few things to note re post-divorce relocation with children
Perhaps you're a divorced Massachusetts parent that wants to move outside the state with your children. Things seem better elsewhere. Maybe you just received an attractive job offer with increased pay. Or perhaps it's the case that a move will place your kids closer to loving grandparents or secure their placement in a better school.
Conversely, you might well have different views concerning out-of-state relocation if you a parent currently living near your children and well satisfied with an existing visitation schedule. And maybe you have various good-faith grounds for opposing an ex-spouse's relocation afar with the kids.
