Spouses in Massachusetts and around the country must contend with a number of issues in a divorce. While this is true of all divorcing couples, the relative weight of the issues may vary according to the couples' age. For example, young parents will be intensely focused on child custody and support. For older couples with adult children, however, other issues will take center stage.
Prenuptial agreements can help older couples in divorces
Massachusetts court issues ruling on child support obligations
Whether married or divorced, one of a parent's most essential responsibilities is providing financial support for his or her children. This month, the Massachusetts Appeals Court lent support to that statement when it issued a ruling in an unusual child support case involving a man who attempted to negotiate away his support obligations.
Divorce can affect a large number of tax considerations
Massachusetts couples know that the Internal Revenue Code distinguishes between those who are married and those who are not. It should come as little surprise that a divorce can have significant tax implications. What can be surprising, however, is the extent of a divorce's effect on one's taxes. With the filing deadline approximately one month away, it is important to consider some tax areas affected by a divorce.
Man who failed to file adoption papers seeks visitation rights
For divorcing parents in Massachusetts and around the country, a determination of child custody can be the most important aspect of the divorce proceedings. Custody agreements may involve sole physical custody, joint physical custody and visitation rights. Child custody can be complex at times, and other circumstances, such as the legal relationship between the parent and child, can add further dimensions to the custody case.
More courts beginning to declare DOMA violates the Constitution
In our last post, we discussed the potential for federal laws like the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) to play a role in Massachusetts divorce proceedings. That law has been at the forefront of the debate regarding same-sex marriages and divorces. Recent federal court rulings are challenging the validity of the law, declaring it to be unconstitutional.
