Social Security Benefits and Divorce
Most divorcing and divorced couples are unaware of the benefits that are available to them through social security. For example, did you know that if a couple has been married for more than 10 years and the lower earning spouse has not remarried, that person is entitled to at least one-half of the benefit paid to higher-earning spouse? Did you also know that this same, unmarried, former...
Read MoreHealth Insurance 101 for Divorcing Couples
The topic of health insurance coverage for a former spouse in Massachusetts can be very complicated, and even the representatives in Human Resources departments of many companies are not clear about this topic. In general, if the provider spouse works for a conventional Massachusetts employer and maintains family coverage, most divorced spouses are entitled to continuing health benefits at no...
Read MoreWhen mediation talks break down . .
It is not uncommon for divorcing couples to work through almost all of the issues between them and then reach a stumbling block when the end is in sight. Sometimes there are legitimate reasonable differences, but other times, anger and hostility can work their way in. When this happens, many couples are tempted to abandon mediation. Skilled mediators are accustomed to these situations. ...
Read MoreI don’t need a parenting class . . .
Couples who choose mediation are usually more respectful toward one another and are more likely to avoid disagreements over parenting issues than litigating couples. However, there is valuable information in the parenting class if you approach it with an open mind. I’ve actually been through it, and have seen the value to my clients in my divorce mediation practice. The focus of the...
Read MoreHow do I choose a divorce mediator?
Most mediators offer a brief free consultation. You should feel free to take advantage of this opportunity to meet with a few mediators to make certain that you feel comfortable with and confident in the skills of the mediator. In this consultation, make the mediator aware of any issues that you feel may require some special expertise on the part of the mediator. Mediators in Massachusetts...
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