Monthly Archives: November 2011

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Section 1, 1A, and 1B Divorce in Massachusetts

There are different types of divorce complaints in Massachusetts.  You can file on fault grounds, such as adultery, impotency, desertion for one year or more, or cruel and abusive treatment to name a few.  This is called a Section 1 divorce.  Although many clients are emotionally motivated to file on fault grounds, you should speak to your attorney about whether or not there is a productive purpose for filing on fault grounds.  It is possible that filing on fault grounds may only complicate your divorce.


If you and your spouse have already reached a Separation Agreement, you may want to file a Section 1A complaint for divorce.  After filing a 1A divorce, a hearing date will be set earlier than six months from the date of filing.  At the hearing, the judge will review your Separation Agreement and ask a number of questions.  If the judge enters the divorce order, the divorce will not become final until a period of time passes after the hearing date.  This is a speedier route of divorce than the others.


If you and your spoke have not reached an agreement and are choosing a “no-fault” basis for divorce, you will file a Section 1B complaint for divorce.  This is the most common type of divorce filed in Massachusetts.  The court will schedule a hearing on the Section 1B complaint no earlier than six months after you file it.  During these six months, you and your attorney will negotiate with your spouse and your spouse’s attorney to reach a Separation Agreement.  If you and your spouse reach a Separation Agreement within the six month period, you can file a motion to amend to a Section 1A complaint and request an immediate hearing on your joint petition. 

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Alimony Reform in Massachusetts


You’ve probably heard the buzz about the new alimony law in Massachusetts.  Here are some answers to your questions.


Why should I care about the new law if it does not take effect until March 12, 2012?


You should talk to your attorney about how it might impact you even now.  For example, you may want to start thinking about whether to request a modification of your current alimony arrangement, or you may want to use the new law to frame current alimony negotiations.


What are the four types of alimony?


General term alimony is alimony given for a specified duration.  There are three other types of alimony in Massachusetts: rehabilitative alimony, reimbursement alimony, and transitional alimony.  The purpose of rehabilitative alimony is to help a recipient spouse become economically self-sufficient by a predicted time.  The purpose of reimbursement alimony is to compensate the recipient spouse for an economic or non-economic contribution to the financial resources of the payor spouse.  The purpose of transitional alimony is to transition the recipient spouse to an adjusted lifestyle or location following the divorce.  Ask your attorney which type of alimony is most appropriate in your divorce.


How long will “general term” alimony last under the new law? 


For general term alimony, it depends on the length of your marriage (i.e. the number of months married):
    – If your marriage is five years or less, at a maximum you will receive/pay     alimony for half the number of months of the marriage.  
    – If your marriage is ten years or less, but more than five years, at a maximum you will receive/pay alimony for 60% of the number of months of the marriage.
    – If your marriage is fifteen years or less, but more than ten years, at a maximum you will receive/pay alimony for 70% of the number of months of the marriage.
    – If your marriage is twenty years or less, but more than fifteen years, at a maximum you will receive/pay alimony for 80% of the number of months of the marriage.
    – If your marriage is longer than twenty years, the court may order indefinite alimony. 
    – You should speak ask your attorney about exceptions to these general rules. 


General term alimony shall terminate upon the payor attaining the full retirement age, although you should ask your attorney about exceptions. 


What is the amount of alimony for “general term” alimony?


General term alimony shall not exceed the recipient’s need or 30 to 35% of the difference between the parties’ gross incomes at the time the order was issued.


This information inspires me to file an action to modify my current alimony arrangement.  Under the new law, when can I file my action to modify?


    – If your marriage is five years or less, you may file a modification action as of March 1, 2013.
    – If your marriage is ten years or less, but more than five years, you may file a modification action as of March 1, 2014.
    – If your marriage is fifteen years or less, but more than ten years, you may file a modification action as of March 1, 2015.
    – If your marriage is twenty years or less, you may file a modification action as of September 1, 2015.


Be sure to speak with your attorney if you will reach retirement age before your date to file a modification action. 


 

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Courtroom Etiquette 101: What to Wear to Court and How to Behave in Court



1)    Remove your hat and sunglasses before entering the courtroom.


2)    Do not chew gum in the courtroom, whether you are standing before the judge or seated and waiting for your hearing.


3)    Turn your phone off and leave it in your purse or pocket.  The bailiffs at the Middlesex and Suffolk Probate and Family Courts strictly enforce this rule, and will ask you to leave if they catch you using your phone.


4)    Children do not belong in the courtroom.  There is not a babysitting area in either the Middlesex or Suffolk Probate and Family Courts, so leave your children at home with a trusted adult.


5)    No temper tantrums, yelling, or histrionics.  If you want to make a point, stay calm and composed.


6)    In the courtroom, you should only talk if you are talking to the judge.  Do not chat with the person beside you while you wait, and do not talk to your attorney while the judge is talking to you.  (There may be exceptions where your attorney asks permission to confer with you while standing before the judge.)


7)    Never interrupt a judge. 


8)    Please try not to interrupt the opposing party.  Again, you should stay calm and collected and wait for your turn to speak.


9)    Wear conservative clothes.  If you have a suit, wear it.  If you don’t, wear your closest approximation to a suit.  It is not appropriate to wear shorts, show cleavage, or wear very tight clothes.  A judge may be irritated if your bracelets or necklaces make noise as you move.


10)   Show deference to the judge.  For example, do not address a judge by Mr. or Mrs.  You should call the judge “Your Honor.”