One of the hardest aspects of divorce is the division of property between two spouses and understanding equitable distribution. Finances are often one of the major points of contention in a marriage, and this can carry over into the divorce process. It is beneficial for Massachusetts couples to understand equitable distribution and how this will affect their divorce process.

During a divorce, a couple has the option to work together on an agreement that will dictate the division of assets and other aspects of dividing finances. This can be achieved through mediation and the assistance of each spouse’s legal teams. However, this amicable process is not always possible with every couple, and it may be up to the discretion of the court how property and assets will be divided.

Equitable distribution is the division of property according to what the court deems reasonable or fair. This is based on spouse earnings, marital property, length of the marriage and more. It is important to remember that equitable division in no way guarantees that this process will be completely equal or reflect the wishes of the couple. For this reason, many couples choose to work on an agreement to divide their property.

Determining how property should be divided is not an easy task. Because of the potential complexity of this process, it is beneficial to understand all options and how to pursue the optimal outcome from the divorce. Equitable distribution is one aspect of a divorce that may be confusing for Massachusetts residents, but it is not something that has to be faced alone.

Source: gazette.com, “IT’S YOUR MONEY: In divorce, ‘equitable’ doesn’t mean ‘equal’“, Linda Leitz, Aug. 5, 2014

Source: gazette.com, “IT’S YOUR MONEY: In divorce, ‘equitable’ doesn’t mean ‘equal’“, Linda Leitz, Aug. 5, 2014