No. While often separate, they can become marital if commingled or used for joint purposes, which may make them subject to division.
Archives: FAQs
Place the funds in your individual account, keep documentation, avoid joint use, and seek legal guidance before applying funds to marital expenses or property.
Yes. Clear language designating inheritances as separate property can reduce disputes in the event of a divorce.
Clients frequently ask, “How much does a divorce cost?” The honest answer is that no responsible law firm can quote one universal number. Cost depends on the disputes involved, the financial complexity, the level of conflict, and the result being pursued. Settlement or mediation may cost less than litigation, but the least costly route is […]
As for “How long does a divorce take?” an uncontested Massachusetts case may take approximately four to six months, while a contested case may require 12 to 18 months or longer. The process includes a waiting period before the judgment becomes final: 120 days for an uncontested divorce and 90 days for a contested divorce. […]
Massachusetts operates 14 Probate and Family Court divisions. Divorce cases involving Newton are generally handled through Middlesex Probate and Family Court South in Woburn. An appeal may proceed to the Massachusetts Appeals Court and, in appropriate cases, the Supreme Judicial Court.
Most divorce cases are resolved through negotiation or mediation outside the courtroom. Approximately 15 percent proceed to trial. Because trial can require extensive preparation, time, and expense, parties often benefit from exploring a reasonable settlement when the facts and negotiating conditions allow it.
Massachusetts has 14 divisions of the Probate and Family Court, with one located in each county across the state. Middlesex Probate and Family Court South – Woburn handles family law claims for Newton, West Newton, Weston, Lexington, Winchester, Belmont, and 13 other cities and towns in Middlesex County. People who want to challenge a probate […]
The most common question we receive is, “How much does a divorce cost?” The answer depends on what the case demands. Financial investigation, custody disputes, motion practice, expert analysis, and trial preparation can all affect the total. A negotiated resolution may reduce expense, but accepting a poor agreement to save money can create larger costs […]
As for “How long does a divorce take?” an uncontested divorce generally takes four to six months, while a contested matter may take approximately 12 to 18 months or longer. The actual timing depends on the disputes involved, access to financial information, court scheduling, and whether the parties can resolve issues without trial. Our Danvers […]