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A prenuptial agreement is designed to establish certain financial rights and responsibilities before a couple marries, including what may happen if the marriage ultimately ends in divorce. But having a signed prenuptial agreement does not necessarily mean there will be nothing left to decide when a Massachusetts divorce is filed. A spouse may question whether the agreement is enforceable. Financial
For many Massachusetts professionals, compensation involves much more than a salary. Executives, technology employees, financial professionals, and other highly compensated individuals may receive restricted stock units (RSUs), stock options, performance shares, deferred bonuses, or other forms of equity compensation. When a marriage ends, these benefits can create complicated questions. Some awards may have been granted years earlier but will not
Your Digital Footprint May Play a Larger Role Than You Think Today’s divorce cases involve far more than financial records and witness testimony. Text messages, emails, social media posts, photographs, online purchases, and even location data can all become relevant when resolving issues involving child custody, asset division, alimony, or a spouse’s credibility. Many people assume that deleting a message
Marriage is an exciting milestone, whether it is a first marriage, a second marriage, or a long-awaited legal recognition of a committed relationship. As couples plan their future together, discussions often focus on wedding arrangements, housing, finances, and family goals. One topic that is frequently overlooked, however, is whether a prenuptial agreement may be appropriate. Some people mistakenly believe that prenuptial agreements
Couples who are able to work cooperatively toward ending their marriage often hear the term “uncontested divorce.” For spouses seeking a respectful and efficient resolution, understanding this option is essential. At Kelly & Murstein, many clients ask whether an uncontested divorce is appropriate for their situation and how the process works in Massachusetts. This article answers common questions about uncontested divorce
People often use the terms “separation” and “divorce” interchangeably, but they have very different legal meanings. In Massachusetts, understanding this distinction is essential when evaluating next steps in a marriage. Does Massachusetts Recognize Legal Separation? Massachusetts does not recognize legal separation as a formal legal status. Spouses may live apart, but they remain legally married until a divorce is finalized.
When life changes after a divorce or family court judgment, the original court orders may no longer fit the needs of the parents or children involved. A modification order is the legal process for updating an existing judgment so it reflects current circumstances. At Kelly & Murstein, many clients seek guidance on when and how to pursue a modification and what the court
For many couples, the marital home is the most valuable property they own and the place where their children have grown up. When divorce becomes inevitable, questions about who will live in the home, both during and after the divorce proceedings, often cause significant stress. In Massachusetts, the marital home is treated like any other property subject to division, but
Family law orders such as child custody, child support, and alimony are based on the circumstances at the time the order was issued. But life rarely stays the same. When material changes occur—such as a job loss, relocation, or changes in a child’s needs—it may be possible to seek a legal modification to an existing family court order in Massachusetts.
For many spouses, especially those who have spent years managing the household or raising children, the idea of divorce can be overwhelming—not just emotionally, but financially. If you do not have a steady paycheck or control over household finances, the thought of separating from your spouse may come with a fear of being “cut off” or unable to afford basic
A prenuptial agreement is designed to establish certain financial rights and responsibilities before a couple marries, including what may happen if the marriage ultimately ends in divorce. But having a signed prenuptial agreement does not necessarily mean there will be nothing left to decide when a Massachusetts divorce is filed. A spouse may question whether the agreement is enforceable. Financial
For many Massachusetts professionals, compensation involves much more than a salary. Executives, technology employees, financial professionals, and other highly compensated individuals may receive restricted stock units (RSUs), stock options, performance shares, deferred bonuses, or other forms of equity compensation. When a marriage ends, these benefits can create complicated questions. Some awards may have been granted years earlier but will not
Your Digital Footprint May Play a Larger Role Than You Think Today’s divorce cases involve far more than financial records and witness testimony. Text messages, emails, social media posts, photographs, online purchases, and even location data can all become relevant when resolving issues involving child custody, asset division, alimony, or a spouse’s credibility. Many people assume that deleting a message
Marriage is an exciting milestone, whether it is a first marriage, a second marriage, or a long-awaited legal recognition of a committed relationship. As couples plan their future together, discussions often focus on wedding arrangements, housing, finances, and family goals. One topic that is frequently overlooked, however, is whether a prenuptial agreement may be appropriate. Some people mistakenly believe that prenuptial agreements
Couples who are able to work cooperatively toward ending their marriage often hear the term “uncontested divorce.” For spouses seeking a respectful and efficient resolution, understanding this option is essential. At Kelly & Murstein, many clients ask whether an uncontested divorce is appropriate for their situation and how the process works in Massachusetts. This article answers common questions about uncontested divorce
People often use the terms “separation” and “divorce” interchangeably, but they have very different legal meanings. In Massachusetts, understanding this distinction is essential when evaluating next steps in a marriage. Does Massachusetts Recognize Legal Separation? Massachusetts does not recognize legal separation as a formal legal status. Spouses may live apart, but they remain legally married until a divorce is finalized.
When life changes after a divorce or family court judgment, the original court orders may no longer fit the needs of the parents or children involved. A modification order is the legal process for updating an existing judgment so it reflects current circumstances. At Kelly & Murstein, many clients seek guidance on when and how to pursue a modification and what the court
For many couples, the marital home is the most valuable property they own and the place where their children have grown up. When divorce becomes inevitable, questions about who will live in the home, both during and after the divorce proceedings, often cause significant stress. In Massachusetts, the marital home is treated like any other property subject to division, but
Family law orders such as child custody, child support, and alimony are based on the circumstances at the time the order was issued. But life rarely stays the same. When material changes occur—such as a job loss, relocation, or changes in a child’s needs—it may be possible to seek a legal modification to an existing family court order in Massachusetts.
For many spouses, especially those who have spent years managing the household or raising children, the idea of divorce can be overwhelming—not just emotionally, but financially. If you do not have a steady paycheck or control over household finances, the thought of separating from your spouse may come with a fear of being “cut off” or unable to afford basic