Farias Family Law, P.C.

06/07/2026

When determining what is best for your child, Massachusetts courts look at factors like the bond between the child and each parent, each parent's history of caregiving, and how rooted the child is in the community.

Work schedules, proximity of extended family, and any documented history of abuse are also weighed carefully by the judge.

This multi-factor review ensures every custody decision reflects the full picture of a child's life.

Schedule your assessment | www.billfariaslaw.com | 508-252-8317

06/06/2026

Courts primarily look at the income disparity between spouses and the length of the marriage when deciding alimony eligibility.

Generally, the larger the gap in earnings and the longer the marriage, the more likely alimony will be awarded.

These two factors set the foundation for everything else the court will consider.

Schedule your assessment | www.billfariaslaw.com | 508-252-8317

06/04/2026

Massachusetts family courts have wide flexibility when it comes to custody arrangements, from very limited parenting time all the way to a 50/50 split.

Every arrangement is built around what is in the best interests of the child, not what is most convenient for either parent.

The specific plan depends on a range of factors that courts weigh carefully in each individual case.

Schedule your assessment | www.billfariaslaw.com | 508-252-8317

06/03/2026

Massachusetts law recognizes four types of alimony under the Alimony Reform Act: general term, rehabilitative, reimbursement, and transitional.

Rehabilititative alimony supports a spouse who needs time to get back on their feet financially, while reimbursement alimony can apply when one spouse funded the other's education during the marriage.

Knowing which type applies to your situation is critical when planning for life after divorce.

Schedule your assessment | www.billfariaslaw.com | 508-252-8317

06/02/2026

In Massachusetts, legal custody is about who makes the big decisions for your child, including healthcare, schooling, and religion.

Physical custody is simply about where your child lives day to day.

Understanding both types of custody is the first step in navigating any parenting dispute with clarity.

Schedule your assessment | www.billfariaslaw.com | 508-252-8317

05/31/2026

One of the most common misconceptions about divorce in Massachusetts is that you need a reason. You don't. No-fault divorce means either spouse can start the process without proving wrongdoing. The focus shifts immediately to what actually matters — the terms

Schedule your assessment at www.billfariaslaw.com or call 508-252-8317

05/30/2026

If a spouse hides, wastes, or deliberately dissipates marital assets during a Massachusetts divorce, the other spouse can ask the court for a credit equal to the value of those assets.

To succeed, you need an actual dollar amount and sufficient evidence to prove the misconduct to the court.

Documentation is everything — which is why thorough financial discovery early in the process is so important in protecting your interests.

Schedule your assessment at www.billfariaslaw.com or call 508-252-8317

05/28/2026

This document is sworn testimony. Treat it that way. 📋

The financial statement you file in a Massachusetts divorce is what judges rely on when deciding support, asset division, and custody. Errors and omissions do not just create paperwork problems. They hurt your credibility and your case.

Getting it right early is one of the highest-value things you can do. Farias Family Law reviews financial statements carefully for exactly that reason.

📖 Learn more and schedule your assessment:
billfariaslaw.com/massachusetts-divorce-financial-statement-what-it-is-why-it-matters-and-how-to-get-it-right

Your financial statement is one of the most consequential documents in your Massachusetts divorce, and most people don't realize how much rides on getting it right until something goes wrong.

05/28/2026

Debt doesn't disappear in a divorce — and in Massachusetts, marital debt is treated similarly to marital assets.

Both parties are jointly responsible by default, but the court applies equitable distribution factors to determine what is fair. In shorter marriages, each party typically walks away with their own debt. In longer marriages, debts accumulated during the marriage are more likely to be treated as shared.

Understanding how debt is divided can significantly affect your financial position after divorce.

Schedule your assessment at www.billfariaslaw.com or call 508-252-8317

05/27/2026

Business income and self-employment income are treated like any other income in a Massachusetts divorce — they factor directly into alimony and child support calculations.

Self-employment cases are more complex because the court reviews business expenses carefully to confirm they are legitimate, and looks at recent income history alongside projections to determine what the person truly earns.

If you or your spouse owns a business, thorough income documentation from the start is essential.

Schedule your assessment at www.billfariaslaw.com or call 508-252-8317