The end of a relationship is stressful in and of itself. This stress is heightened when spouses must decide how to divide their assets. Massachusetts is not a “community property” state and, as a result, the division of marital assets can lead to high levels of disagreement and confusion. This disagreement can include disputes over whether property is “separate” or “marital” in nature. The outcome of such disputes may have a dramatic impact on one’s financial future. This is why, if you are going through a divorce, it is important that you retain an attorney who is familiar with these issues and who will ensure that your financial interests are protected. Our Boston lawyers handle cases involving the division of property after a divorce. We take pride in providing a high level of service to our clients and we stand ready to assist you. Contact us today. We also service Cambridge, Salem, Dedham, Worcester, and other Massachusetts areas.
Boston attorneys handling the distribution of assets after a Massachusetts divorce
Massachusetts is not a “community property” state. This means that assets and debts acquired, during a marriage, are not necessarily split equally between the spouses. Instead, marital assets and debts must be divided in a “fair” or “equitable” manner. “Marital” assets and debts are those which are acquired while the parties are married. Assets and debts will be considered marital regardless of whether a married couple is actually living together and also regardless of who’s name the item is in. Even assets (or debts) acquired as a gift or through a bequest before or during a marriage may be considered marital property.
Property and debt disputes often arise in a contested divorce. Spouses will disagree over whether such items should be included in the marital union or whether they should be considered “separate,” meaning that they were acquired outside of the marriage. A spouse, for example, may claim that a piece of property should be considered theirs while a debt should be considered as solely belonging to their spouse. The parties may also disagree as to how the equity in a residence should be divided. When litigating such a matter, your counsel will use discovery (the process by which information is gained from the other side) to obtain bank records, financial documents, and other information which establishes the nature of the item in question. If a settlement cannot be reached then any property disputes will be settled by the Judge at trial. Litigating such matters is highly complicated and it is important that you retain an experienced lawyer to assist you.
Our Boston divorce attorneys handle cases involving marital property disputes. We will use your initial consultation to gain an understanding of your situation and to help you know what to expect from the process. We will then develop a plan for gaining the information necessary to prove that property should be considered yours or that you should not be responsible for a given debt. This information can include statements for credit cards which you did not know existed, bank statements showing that your spouse has been wasting funds, and other proof of financial irresponsibility. We will ensure that you are prepared for trial and that your rights are protected from beginning to end. Divorce represents a new stage of your life. It is important that you begin this stage in a good financial position. Contact our office today.
Boston divorce lawyers protecting their client’s financial interests
If you are going through a divorce then it is vital that you protect your financial interests. You do not want to spend the next several years paying for a marriage that has ended. Our attorneys have over twenty-five years of combined legal experience. They will put this knowledge to work in the protection of your future. We are ready to assist you.
In addition to Boston, our lawyers also assist Massachusetts residents in the Middlesex County cities of Cambridge, Lowell, Somerville, and Newton, as well as those in the cities of Salem, Dedham, Worcester, Brockton, Quincy, and Lynn.
