PRACTICE AREAS & SERVICES

DIVORCE

The decision to divorce can be one of the most difficult choices that you ever make. You will be faced with major financial decisions that could have long lasting impact on your life. You need an experienced practitioner who will listen to you and help you achieve your goals for your new beginning.

Property Division

Property division will be a major part of your divorce. You will be making full disclosure of all of your assets and liabilities. This means all bank accounts, retirement accounts, pensions, stock and stock options, real estate, timeshares, investment accounts, inheritances  and businesses, along with all debts, loans and financial obligations will all be disclosed. Your “marital estate” will be divided equitably with consideration of a number of factors. An experienced practitioner can help you with property division so that all factors are considered.

Alimony

Alimony, or spousal support, is based upon one spouse’s need and the other spouse’s ability to pay. In Massachusetts, alimony is governed by state law which defines the type of alimony, the amount and the duration. Alimony determinations are made with consideration of a number of factors including the length of the marriage, the employment and employability of the spouses, the lifestyle during the marriage, the health of the spouses and the conduct of the spouses. Given the long lasting and significant impact on you, experienced guidance is needed as you consider alimony awards or waivers.

Uncontested Divorces

Uncontested divorces are divorces in which the spouses agree on all of the terms of their divorce before they file in court. This means that the divorce is far less expensive and can be finalized by the court faster, more efficiently and less expensively because there is no long litigation process and expensive trial. Successful Mediation and Collaborative Law cases result in uncontested divorces. Couples may also want to negotiate all the terms on their own but may need to hire a lawyer on a limited basis to draft their separation agreement and associated documents for presentation to the court. Susan is experienced working with clients on a limited representation basis.

Settlement Counsel and Negotiation

Sometimes individuals may be uncertain whether to use mediation or collaborative law yet don’t feel comfortable negotiating by themselves. In these cases, Susan can assist you as Settlement Counsel. She can negotiate the terms of your divorce or modification and can draft and edit agreements for you. Susan also regularly reviews Agreements for clients who have mediated their divorce but want a review by an attorney on their side before it is finalized.

Learn more about our other Practice Areas & Services:

Mediation
Online Divorce Mediation
Collaborative Law
Parenting
Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements