Boston North Shore Property Division and Alimony Lawyer
All marital property such as real estate, pension plans, 401(k) savings accounts, stocks and inheritances are marital property in Massachusetts and will be divided equitably. However, equitably doesn’t necessarily mean fifty-fifty. If one spouse has substantially more earning power than the other does, the spouse with less money may receive a greater share of the marital property. Spouses may also negotiate a higher share of community property in exchange for alimony.
I am Judith A. Wayne, a Boston divorce lawyer with office locations in Swampscott and Malden. I help clients negotiate marital property division and alimony agreements throughout the Boston North Shore and metro areas in Massachusetts.
Marital property includes all property acquired during the marriage, including:
- Real estate, including homes and second homes
- Stock and savings accounts
- Pension plans
- 401(k) savings plans
- Special compensation such as stock options and deferred compensations
- Businesses
- Inheritances
Any assets you owned prior to marriage is considered separate property and yours to keep, as long as you did not commingle those assets with marital property. Gifts received during the marriage are also considered separate property.
Alimony in Massachusetts
Massachusetts courts award spousal support or alimony in long-term marriages if one spouse has substantially more assets than the other, or if one spouse needs temporary support in order to increase their earning potential. The court can also order temporary alimony to pay attorney's fees, court costs, utilities and other expenses while the divorce is in process.
Attorney consultation
To discuss your marital property division or alimony case with an experienced lawyer, contact me, attorney Judith A. Wayne, at the Swampscott or Malden location of the Law Offices of Judith A. Wayne and Associates. Je parle Francais. Se habla español.
