DIVORCE/SEPARATION
Divorce law in Massachusetts has the purpose of dissolving or terminating a marriage with the good of both parties to that marriage in mind, and should be entered into with competent divorce or separation counsel so that your legal rights and protections can be addressed. Custody rights, child support, spousal support, visitation schedules, parental rights, property division, and protection of your assets, even protection of your retirement account are some of the issues that must be addressed.
Even an amicable divorce or a legal separation agreement, drafted by the concerned parties themselves, may omit information that affects their rights and costs each of them for years to come. Many such mistakes can be avoided with competent and knowledgeable legal advice.
Our attorneys have experience and expertise in the laws that affect you at this critical time, and know the rights and the protections that are built into divorce and separation law. If you need assistance with your divorce or separation, contact us at www.danverslawyer.com.
CHILD CUSTODY
Child custody law refers to the legal and physical custody of a minor. A minor can be any child up to the age of twenty-three (23) depending on your circumstances. It is a separate issue from that of child support. It may affect where you live, the hours you work, or even with whom you associate.
The court may order sole or joint legal and/or physical custody. You and your child, or children, have legal rights and protections that are built into child custody law. Competent child custody counsel can help you determine what is best for you and your child or children; protect your rights regarding visitation and involvement in your child’s life.
Contact Attorney Leslie B. Salter at the Danvers Law Offices, lbs@danverslawer.com for assistance.
ASSET DIVISION
Asset division can be complex and contentious. Assets may include real and/or personal property, retirement plans, etc. that are acquired during the course of a marriage. It is also possible that separately held property may have increased in value during the marriage and that increase may also be considered marital property.
If both parties agree to their asset or property distribution, you may have an agreement drawn up by your lawyer which will assure you that your assets will be distributed in the manner of your choice. If asset division is contested, you may need your attorney to file a temporary injunction to prevent the disappearance or conversion of property prior to the court’s distribution of assets.
The lawyers at Danvers Law Offices know the rights and the protections that are built into asset division laws. Contact us www.danverslawyer.com.
CHILD SUPPORT
Child support is usually not a one-time determination. As your financial circumstances change, it frequently becomes necessary to petition the court for modification in the child support arrangements. The awarding of sole or joint physical custody will affect the calculated amount due for child support.
Competent legal advice is important to you and your child or children as there are many variables such as payment of health insurance premiums, private tutoring, schooling or needed counseling for your child or children. It is also important to consider tax benefits and penalties for different child support options which should be addressed when child support amounts are calculated.
Attorney Leslie B. Salter at the Danvers Law Offices has the experience to assist in you in determining your rights and protections that the built into child support law. If you need assistance, contact her at lbs@danverslawyer.com for a free consultation.
SPOUSAL SUPPORT
Spousal support may be awarded by the court if a party can show that they are dependent on their spouse and that their spouse is, or currently was, supporting them. Other factors that may be considered are:
Marital misconduct
The duration of the marriage
Relative earnings (and estimated earning capacity of the parties)
Ages and physical, mental and emotional condition of the parties
It frequently becomes necessary to petition the court for modification in spousal support arrangements as financial circumstances change. Competent legal advice is important so that your legal rights are protected when spousal support amounts are calculated.
Attorney Leslie B. Salter and the attorneys at Danvers Law Offices understand the financial repercussions of divorce, separation and spousal support issues and have the experience needed to handle spousal support laws to protect your interests. Contact us at www.danverslawyer.com.