Not always. Whether a trust or inheritance is considered part of the marital estate depends on several factors, including how the asset was created, managed, and used during the marriage. An experienced high net worth divorce attorney can help evaluate your specific circumstances.
Archives: FAQs
Stock options, Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), deferred compensation, and other executive benefits can present unique challenges during divorce. Their treatment often depends on when they were granted, when they vest, and the purpose they were intended to serve.
Massachusetts requires both spouses to provide financial disclosures during the divorce process. If there are legitimate concerns that assets have not been disclosed, additional legal and financial steps may be available to help identify and value the marital estate.
Yes. Many high net worth divorces are resolved through mediation or negotiated settlement. However, the right approach depends on the complexity of the financial issues involved and whether both parties are willing to participate in good faith.
There is no standard timeline. Cases involving businesses, multiple properties, or complex financial assets often require additional time for valuation, financial analysis, and negotiation. The length of the process depends on the issues involved and whether an agreement can be reached outside of court.
Massachusetts courts use the Child Support Guidelines and a standard worksheet. The calculation may consider both parents’ incomes, the parenting arrangement, childcare costs, health insurance, support obligations for other children, and certain additional expenses.
Yes. A parent may request a modification when the applicable legal requirements are met. Changes in income, parenting time, childcare, insurance, or a child’s needs may justify reviewing an existing order.
The court may consider business income, expenses, retained earnings, benefits, and personal costs paid through the business. Financial statements, tax returns, bank records, and business documents may be needed to establish an accurate income figure.
Parents may propose an agreement, but the court must review and approve it. If the proposed amount differs from the guidelines, the agreement should explain why the deviation is appropriate.
No. Support may continue after a child turns 18 depending on the child’s age, education, dependency, and living arrangements. Review the court order before stopping or changing payments.