Divorce – A Life Changing Event
Divorce is a major life transition that can affect nearly every part of your daily life, including your home, finances, children, and future. After months or years of conflict, uncertainty, or separation, you may now be facing the practical and legal realities of ending a marriage.
Difficult decisions must be made about property, debt, parenting schedules, child support, health insurance, retirement accounts, and financial support. In many cases, the same hurt and conflict that led to the divorce can continue into the divorce process itself.
At Lambert Legal, we understand what is at stake. You need legal guidance that is practical, sensible, and realistic. Attorney Lambert provides experienced representation designed to protect your rights, explain your options, and help you move forward with confidence.
If you are considering divorce or have already been served with divorce papers, contact Lambert Legal at 781-754-6822 to schedule a free consultation.
Who Gets What?
There is a lot to sort out in a divorce, and not knowing what to expect can be overwhelming. A marriage is both a personal relationship and a financial partnership. Over time, spouses often build a life together that includes shared property, income, responsibilities, routines, and long-term plans.
When the marriage ends, that life must be separated and divided. From the family home to parenting arrangements, retirement accounts, and support obligations, one of the central questions becomes: who gets what, and why?
Massachusetts divorce cases often involve several major issues.
Property Division
In Massachusetts, property owned by either spouse at the time of divorce may be subject to division. The Probate and Family Court has broad authority to divide the marital estate in a manner that is equitable, meaning fair under the circumstances.
Property division may include:
- The marital home and other real estate;
- Bank accounts and investment accounts;
- Retirement accounts, pensions, and deferred compensation;
- Business interests;
- Stocks, bonds, and other financial assets;
- Vehicles and personal property;
- Inherited assets;
- Gifts;
- Assets acquired before the marriage; and
- Marital debt.
Massachusetts does not automatically divide property equally in every case. Instead, the court considers a number of factors, including the length of the marriage, the conduct of the parties during the marriage, each spouse's income and earning capacity, contributions to the marriage, needs of the children, and each party's opportunity to acquire future assets.
Attorney Lambert helps clients identify, value, and protect their interests in marital property, including cases involving complex assets, real estate, retirement benefits, and business interests.
Child Custody and Parenting Time
For many parents, the most important and emotionally difficult part of divorce involves their children. Custody and parenting time decisions determine where the children will live, how time will be shared between parents, and who will make major decisions regarding the children's welfare.
In Massachusetts, custody may involve:
- Legal custody, which concerns major decisions about education, medical care, religion, and general welfare; and
- Physical custody, which concerns where the child lives and the parenting schedule.
The court's primary focus is the best interests of the child. This includes the child's stability, safety, relationship with each parent, developmental needs, and overall well-being.
Parenting issues may also involve related matters such as:
- Parenting schedules;
- Holidays and vacations;
- Transportation arrangements;
- Communication between parents;
- Child support;
- Health, dental, and vision insurance;
- Uninsured medical expenses;
- Extracurricular activities; and
- College expenses.
Attorney Lambert takes a practical and common-sense approach to custody disputes, while strongly advocating for his clients and the best interests of their children.
Alimony
Alimony, also known as spousal support, may be awarded when one spouse has a financial need and the other spouse has the ability to pay. In Massachusetts, alimony can be one of the most contested issues in a divorce.
If alimony is appropriate, the court must determine both the amount and duration of support. This analysis may involve:
- The length of the marriage;
- Each spouse's income;
- Each spouse's earning capacity;
- The marital lifestyle;
- The age and health of the parties;
- The division of property;
- Child support obligations;
- Economic and non-economic contributions to the marriage; and
- Each party's financial needs and ability to pay.
After a divorce, circumstances may change. Retirement, job loss, remarriage, cohabitation, illness, or a substantial change in income may affect an existing alimony order. Lambert Legal represents clients in alimony disputes during divorce, as well as post-divorce modification and enforcement matters.
Practical Guidance During a Difficult Time
Divorce can be stressful, emotional, and uncertain. The decisions made during the divorce process can affect your finances, your children, and your future for years to come. Having experienced legal counsel can make a significant difference.
At Lambert Legal, Attorney Lambert provides straightforward advice, strong advocacy, and practical solutions. Whether your case can be resolved through negotiation or requires litigation in court, Lambert Legal is prepared to protect your interests.
Contact Lambert Legal today at 781-754-6822 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
Visit out blog on “What Happens in a Divorce if Your Spouse Had an Affair?”