One of the most complicated and difficult aspects of working through a divorce is completing a satisfactory parenting plan. The divorce may already be hard on the children and you will undoubtedly want to make the custody arrangement be as seamless as it can be. Working with your attorney will be crucial during the planning of your custody agreement to make sure everything is compliant, but there are things you can also keep in mind.
Preparing your finances for post-divorce life
Going through a divorce is stressful, but you might be even more worried about what your life will be like after your divorce is over. From thinking about your finances, to navigating your social life, divorce will certainly have an impact on many parts of your life. Living without your spouse will be different, but it does not have to be difficult.
Figuring out your financial situation might be the most complicated part of your post-divorce life, but there are steps you can take ahead of time to make it easier for you in the long run.
Don’t let emotions ruin your divorce case
Divorcing your spouse is an emotional time, there can be no doubt about it. Separating from someone you once thought you would spend your entire life with can be extremely difficult and your emotions may be high. While this is normal, you cannot let your emotions run your life during this time. It is important to express your emotions in a healthy way, but too many negative emotions can ruin your divorce if you let them.
There are many decisions you will have to make during this process and keeping a clear head can help you come out of the divorce successfully on your feet. There are a few ways you can learn to manage your emotions and keep your head while you go through this tumultuous time.
Building and maintaining resilience after a gray divorce
Since the 1990s, the divorce rates among U.S. adults 50 or older has nearly doubled. The uptick is partially due to people living longer in general. With a longer life comes re-evaluation and a chance to leave an unhappy situation in the hopes of finding a fresh start.
Consequences of divorce when kids are in college
Family is important to many Massachusetts parents. When kids are young and in the house, parents may feel more obligated to stay together to raise their kids. Two-parent households often feel more effective in raising children.
But when kids go to college parents may think it is a good time to split up and finally get a divorce. Parents may think this will be an easier time to divorce since the kids are out of the house and may feel less affected by it.
Understanding the goals of divorce mediation
Modifications of divorce in Massachusetts
Every divorce is different. As circumstances change, your divorce agreement may need a divorce modification. Once approved by the judge, your divorce agreement becomes an order of the court. Even if both parties agree to a change made in the agreement, it may be wise to submit the modification to the court for approval.
A case that results in a modification typically involves a substantial change. These changes may range from the loss of a job that affects child support to a case where one parent moves out of state. It is important that your divorce agreement be drafted properly so that the court can modify it.
Fuel for Thought: Higher Education
For many parents, the summer months are a time for vacations, relaxation and time spent with their children. Yet, with each summer that passes, parents may be more aware of the looming costs for their children's higher education.
Nesting as a co-parenting alternative
Every generation of parents has the opportunity to respond to new evidence in best parenting practices. Today, a popular co-parenting arrangement called nesting, is being championed as the most child-centered approach.
Traditionally, as a marriage ends, each couple finds a new home and the children move back and forth between the two homes. Nesting is an arrangement where divorced or separated couples rotate being in the family home with the children. Get to know this option before deciding if it's right for you.
Same-sex couples face divorce complications
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.
