Equitable Division of Property

Quick Review Before ESOPs Explained During your Massachusetts divorce, one important part of the process is the Equitable Division of Property.  In my work as a lawyer and divorce mediator, I’ve noticed that clients seem to have a lot of misconceptions about dealing with property during divorce.  Property includes three major types – real property,…

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Unicorns & Uncontested Divorce in MA | Walpole Divorce Mediator

I think there are many people who want to believe in unicorns.  Some of them live with me. These mythical creatures seem to have a friendly disposition.  Most unicorns seem to appreciate rainbows and sparkly colors, and I’ve never read about a unicorn rampage or other disturbing unicorn behavior. So why would a Walpole divorce mediator…

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How Long Does it Take to Get Divorced

I like to Move It Move It! If you have kids, you probably remember this song from the movie Madagascar.  What does this pop tune have to do with your divorce? As a divorce lawyer and mediator, I’ve seen cases completed efficiently, while others drag on and accrue high legal fees.  Certainly the attorney you hire…

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Leased Vehicles During a Divorce

  Asset or Liability? A leased automobile is considered a liability. When you lease a vehicle, it is yours to use until the lease expires. For this, you make a monthly payment. You never actually own the car, and when the contract ends, you must take it back to the dealer who leased it to…

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The 6 Stages Of Divorce Grief (Infographic)

Certainly your Massachusetts divorce is a legal process, but it is absolutely an emotional one also. Mental health professionals have identified different stages of grief, and the stages are very similar for divorce.  Feeling stressed, sad, and a general sense of upheaval is normal, but some people need more help to cope with the emotions and stress…

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How Secured Liabilities and Joint Debt Are Handled in a Divorce

Clients of a Westwood family law attorney often have questions about secured debt following a divorce. Understanding Secured Debt and Why It Is Customarily Joint Debt  During divorce, property division is a major consideration.  In Massachusetts, property division, including debt, must be equitable – meaning  the distribution of assets and liabilities must be fair. The court considers…

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How to Talk to Your Ex

In my role as a Norfolk family lawyer and mediator, communicating effectively is key. During my previous career as a police officer, communications were oftentimes more direct, such as:  “Get our of your car” or “I would like another coffee.”   Seriously though, no matter if we are at work or in our personal lives, communication skills are…

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Medical Expenses in Your Divorce Budget

The divorce budget will be an important factor for your marital estate as it relates to your divorce. Your Norfolk family lawyerhas explained the how medical expenses are considered and the way in which he will calculate your medical expense budget below. Typical Medical Costs Included in a Budget Generally, medical expenses in a divorce budget…

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10 Common Divorce Mistakes

What started out as a cooperative divorce can turn instantly sour if a spouse makes any of the following 10 mistakes. Learn how to avoid 10 of the most common divorce mistakes in the book.

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Collaborative Divorce

Divorce is difficult enough; going to court for divorce is even more tiresome. Fortunately, a collaborative divorce proceeding exists, in which both parties and their attorneys commit to working together to achieve a mutually beneficial resolution to the divorce — including division of assets, child support and arrangements, and more.

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