What is the difference between a fault and no-fault divorce?

In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the grounds for divorce depends on whether you decide on a no-fault or fault divorce. A no-fault divorce does not require parties to prove blame for the breakdown of the marriage. Either or both parties can file to begin the process for a no-fault divorce merely pleading that the marriage […]

What Is Reckless Endangerment of a Child under Massachusetts Law?

Posted by Attorney Bruce Watson When applied to children, it’s putting a child in grave danger due to negligence of a particular act. In the state of Massachusetts, it usually works under two different legal scenarios. The first is the act of creating the risk, and the second is not doing anything to prevent that […]

How does the court divide property in a divorce in Massachusetts?

Posted by Attorney Bruce Watson The Massachusetts Probate & Family Court is required to consider so-called “Section 34” factors in fixing the nature and value of the property in determining the division of that property between the parties. Those factors are spelled out in Section 34 of Chapter 208 of the General Laws. The pertinent […]

We are getting divorced, and he did not disclose all assets.

Additional Information: We are in the process of getting a divorce.  My soon to be ex-husband has hidden assets that he did not disclose.  I came across the bank statements, so I have the account #s and know the exact amount.  He works with a local developer in Rockland, so his income fluctuates based on […]

What is the cost to file divorce in Massachusetts?

There is a fee to file a divorce, and to get a summons. As of July 1, 2009, the filing fee is $200.00, plus a $15.00 surcharge, and a summons costs $5.00. Notifying your spouse, called service of process, can cost around $30.00 or more if he or she lives far away. Greater Boston divorce […]

What are Grounds for an Annulement in Massachusetts?

Annulments “undo” a marriage by treating the couple as if no marriage had ever occurred. If one party was not legally able to enter a marriage because, for example, they were already married to someone else, the marriage is “void” from the beginning. If there is some other reason why the marriage should not be […]