Massachusetts Divorce Law Blog

Some Boston spouses probably imagine life beyond the end of an unhappy marriage to be different than it actually is. Spouses who initiate divorces may look forward to embracing a new freedom, free and clear of the past. Some are surprised to learn the transition from a married to an unmarried state isn't entirely liberating.

For most Massachusetts couples, the divorce process – at least the legal aspect -- begins with the filing of a petition and ends with a decree. Along the way and beyond divorce, ex-spouses and their children also encounter physical and emotional changes: relocating, furnishing a new home, adjusting to a one-income lifestyle and coping with changes in personal relationships.

Complications of separation and divorce include tax matters, which may not be immediately apparent to Boston spouses dealing with the daily stresses attached to ending a marriage. Tax implications occupy every possible divorce issue, whether it's spousal maintenance, child support, custody or property division.

Under Massachusetts and federal income tax laws, the status of a marriage on the last day of the year determines filing status. Your options include married filing jointly, married filing separately and under some circumstances, head of household. Married taxpayers who are otherwise qualified may file as head of household if they have been separated from a spouse for more than six months.

You may read all sorts of advice about how to manage the divorce process. At some point, disagreements over property, support and child custody are behind you. You, the ex and your children are living the post-divorce life, but how are you doing with the parenting plan?

There's no denying a Massachusetts divorce can be painful for everyone involved. Getting past the heartache and the hurt as a parent means moving forward with co-parenting skills that will do more good than harm. It's not the easiest task, but it can be done, with or without the guidance of a professional counselor.

Some Nassachusetts residents can remember the days when a husband was the primary and only wage earner in families. Alimony was created to help divorcing couples cope with the financial disparity between a paid working spouse and an unpaid working-at-home spouse. Some couples still maintain this lifestyle, but an increasing number of families are supported by dual incomes.

Today's spousal support issues still surround financial imbalances. The amount and length of time alimony is paid has changed considerably over time. Individual wages can be disproportionate, even when both spouses work, giving the financial advantage to the wealthier spouse.