No matter how you slice it, divorce is typically abounding with emotion. Dividing one life back into two can simply be a mentally draining process. Massachusetts couples, like couples all across the country, just want to make sure they will be financially prepared for their new separate lives. For many, this requires careful negotiation and knowledge of applicable laws during the property division phase of a divorce. Protecting personal assets is one of the biggest concerns in a divorce. There is a big difference between community or marital property versus separate or personal property. However, rules regarding each individual asset can be somewhat tricky. One type of asset that is considered personal or separate property would be an inheritance or gift that was given to one spouse before the marriage and would not be subject to division. Other assets like the marital home, retirement accounts and formed businesses could be considered both separate property and marital property, depending on what paperwork the couple has to show for each item. Assets that are considered marital property are typically subject to an even distribution between each spouse, including the home and any debts shared between the couple; however, if either spouse has sufficient documentation that the asset belongs to them, it may be considered personal property and not subject to division. Things in this category include funds in retirement accounts before marriage or any residence paid for specifically by one spouse — just to name a few. While proving these items are

Most Massachusetts pet owners would be horrified if their precious furry friends were referred to as property, akin to a chair or table. Many couples see their dogs, cats and other pets as true family members; however, in a court of law, pets are seen as marital property during a divorce. This is a difficult realization for many couples attempting to decide what happens to their pets when their relationship ends. It’s the incredible attachment people have to their animals that is making more people fight over them once they decide to end their relationship in divorce. Those watching current trends in divorce have seen an increase in couples attempting to receive joint custody of their pets. Many couples care for their pets as if they were children and when their relationship ends decisions must be made as to the continued care of their pets. Regardless of whether the discussion is related to pets, children, monetary assets or property, the end of a relationship can bring on heated battles in how these are divided and shared. Many couples attempt to deal with this alone, which can lead to negative feelings and make the aftermath of a divorce bitter. Some couples decide on alternative dispute resolution techniques in order to address property division. Massachusetts couples considering divorce or currently going through the dissolution of a marriage may have difficult decisions to make in regards to the distribution of marital property, including pets, as they go through the process of ending their