Law Offices of Meridith A. Gregory, LLC North Andover Family Law Attorney | Divorce and Child Relocation 2026-07-15T11:12:18Z https://www.boileaucarol.com/feed/atom/ WordPress On Behalf of Law Offices of Meridith A. Gregory, LLC <![CDATA[What is a gray divorce and why is it complicated?]]> https://www.boileaucarol.com/?p=48004 2026-07-10T11:13:00Z 2026-07-15T11:12:18Z A gray divorce is not a technical term, but rather a general term that refers to older couples deciding to end their marriages. Often, these couples are at least in their 50s. These divorce cases are viewed a bit differently than those involving younger couples, such as those getting divorced in their 30s. Interestingly, the gray divorce rate has been increasing in the United States. For those over 45 years old, the odds of getting divorced have been rising, and the rate has increased threefold for those who are over 65. With the increase in these types of divorces, it is important to consider some of the complications they can create.

Financial issues

These complications are often financial. Naturally, older couples are less likely to have to deal with child custody cases, but they may have been married for decades, so they have an incredible amount of marital assets. In many cases, couples in this age bracket essentially share everything that they own. They have to split up savings, investments, real estate, home furnishings, collections, cars, artwork and much more. Additionally, many couples in their 50s and 60s have been planning to retire together. A divorce means that they are going to have to retire independently, but they may be just a few years away from doing so. This can make it complex to divide money that was specifically set aside for retirement, and they may also have to address things like retirement benefits or a pension plan provided by one person's employer. When sorting out all of these financial details, it is critical that couples going through a gray divorce understand exactly what legal steps to take.  ]]> On Behalf of Law Offices of Meridith A. Gregory, LLC <![CDATA[3 tips for helping children adjust to divorce]]> https://www.boileaucarol.com/?p=48003 2026-06-26T09:34:48Z 2026-07-01T09:33:43Z Parents who decide to divorce will have to find ways to help their children adjust to this lifestyle change. It can be difficult for children, particularly if they’ve only known life with both parents living together.  The exact things your children will need help with might not be the same as for another child who has divorced parents. You have to consider what your children need so you can find ways to help them. 

1: Keep consistent routines

Children thrive on consistency, so being able to keep major parts of your child’s life the same as before the divorce can be beneficial. It’s best if both parents can do this, particularly if the children are younger. This could be as simple as keeping the child’s bedtime and morning routines consistent. 

2: Keep children out of adult matters

Both parents should commit to communicating with each other and not using the children as a sounding board. Being placed between their parents could make the children feel as though they have to choose a side, and that’s a stressful and emotionally charged feeling for a child. 

3: Keep other adults informed

Children often need extra support when their parents are going through a divorce, but it’s almost impossible to know when that need will arise. It’s a good idea to tell other adults who have regular contact with your children about the divorce so they can be prepared to step in to support your children when necessary.  It’s beneficial to establish a parenting plan as early as possible after the separation. This helps to ensure both parents are on the same page about how the children should be raised. Getting this document set up properly can be challenging, particularly if both parents don’t agree on every matter. It may be beneficial to work with someone who’s familiar with these matters to ensure everything is covered in the document.   ]]> On Behalf of Law Offices of Meridith A. Gregory, LLC <![CDATA[The emotional cost of staying in an unhappy marriage]]> https://www.boileaucarol.com/?p=48002 2026-06-11T09:20:08Z 2026-06-16T09:19:11Z For many, marriage is often viewed as a source of comfort, stability and partnership. When a relationship becomes strained, however, the emotional burden can quietly affect many aspects of daily life. Many people remain in unhappy marriages for a variety of reasons, including financial concerns, family obligations or uncertainty about the future. While these concerns are understandable, prolonged marital conflict can have a significant toll on personal well-being.

When emotional stress becomes a daily reality

Living in a persistently unhappy marriage can create ongoing stress that affects both mental and emotional health. Frequent arguments, tension in the home or prolonged periods of emotional distance can leave individuals feeling anxious, overwhelmed or emotionally exhausted. Over time, these feelings can make it difficult to focus at work, maintain relationships with friends and family or enjoy activities that once brought happiness. Chronic marital stress can also contribute to physical symptoms. Difficulty sleeping, headaches and changes in appetite are common responses to prolonged emotional strain. When conflict becomes a regular part of daily life, the body may remain in a heightened state of stress, making it harder to relax and recover. The longer these conditions persist, the more challenging it can become to maintain overall health and well-being. In some situations, individuals begin to lose confidence in themselves or feel trapped by circumstances they do not know how to change. The uncertainty surrounding separation or divorce often causes people to delay the important decisions. Seeking legal guidance can help provide clarity about available options, rights and responsibilities. Understanding the legal process may reduce some of the fear and uncertainty that often accompany major life changes and allow individuals to make informed decisions about their future. Ending a marriage is never an easy decision, but no one should feel obligated to endure ongoing emotional hardship without understanding their options. Speaking with an experienced legal professional can provide valuable guidance, answer important questions and help you determine the best path forward for your circumstances.  ]]> On Behalf of Law Offices of Meridith A. Gregory, LLC <![CDATA[Can your spouse claim part of your practice?]]> https://www.boileaucarol.com/?p=48000 2026-06-10T09:06:16Z 2026-06-15T09:05:31Z For physicians, attorneys, dentists and other licensed professionals, divorce can raise a difficult question. Can a spouse claim part of the practice you built? The answer depends on timing, growth and state law. It may also depend on how much the household relied on the practice during the marriage. In Massachusetts and New Hampshire divorces, a professional practice can become part of the property discussion even when only one spouse holds the license or ownership interest.

The practice may be more than income

A professional practice is often more than a paycheck. It may include equipment, accounts receivable, goodwill, partnership rights or buyout terms. It may also reflect years of effort, risk and reinvestment. That distinction matters. Income usually affects support. Ownership value may affect property division. In higher-asset divorces, both issues can arise simultaneously. Under Massachusetts law, courts may consider each spouse’s estate, occupation, income, liabilities, needs and future opportunities when dividing property. New Hampshire property rules also use an equitable framework and begin with the principle that equal division is fair unless certain factors warrant a different result.

Valuation often drives the dispute

A spouse usually cannot step into your medical, legal or dental practice and run it. Still, they may argue that the practice has marital value. That often makes valuation one of the most important parts of the case. A valuation may look at:
  • Revenue trends
  • Owner compensation
  • Business debt
  • Client or patient concentration
  • Transfer restrictions
  • Buy-sell agreement terms
  • Personal goodwill versus enterprise goodwill
These details can change the number. A solo practice built around one professional’s reputation may raise different issues than a larger firm with staff, systems and repeat revenue.

Privacy concerns need early attention

Professionals often worry about sensitive records. A practice may hold patient information, client files, billing data, partner emails or private business plans. Those concerns are valid, but they do not remove the need for financial clarity. Early planning can help narrow what the case truly needs. Tax returns, profit and loss statements, operating agreements, loan documents and receivables reports may help show value without turning the divorce into an open review of every private detail.

State law can shape the strategy

Couples with ties to both Massachusetts and New Hampshire should not assume the case will look the same in either state. Property rules, valuation arguments and settlement pressure can differ. Jurisdiction can affect more than where the papers get filed. It may influence how each side approaches professional equity, premarital interests, retained earnings and the structure of any buyout in a complex family law dispute.

Clarity protects the practice

A professional practice rarely fits into a simple divorce formula. The case may require a careful split between income and ownership value, marital growth and separate property or personal reputation and transferable goodwill. For professionals and their spouses, the goal is to identify the value at issue without damaging the business that supports both financial futures.]]> On Behalf of Law Offices of Meridith A. Gregory, LLC <![CDATA[Making shared custody work after a parental relocation]]> https://www.boileaucarol.com/?p=47999 2026-05-28T13:26:27Z 2026-06-02T13:25:55Z A custody modification can help The current custody arrangements reflect the current housing arrangements of both parents. When either parent moves a significant distance from the other's residence, the frequency of custody exchanges and the duration of parenting time for each parent may shift substantially. In some cases, the parents are still close enough for one parent to have the children all weekend. Other times, the travel time between the homes is enough to make weekly custody exchanges prohibitive. In that scenario, parents may need to use vacations from school, including summer vacation, winter break and spring break, to augment one parent's time with the children. Integrating requirements for virtual visitation through video conferencing technology could also help parents maintain a strong connection with their children. Parents can potentially work together to establish new arrangements for sharing custody over a larger distance. They can pursue an uncontested modification to accommodate the relocation. If they can't agree on the details of the new arrangement, then requesting a hearing in family court could help. Reviewing the potential impact of the proposed move on a current custody schedule with a skilled legal team can help people plan effectively for an upcoming move with or away from their children.]]> On Behalf of Law Offices of Meridith A. Gregory, LLC <![CDATA[Who makes medical decisions for children after a divorce?]]> https://www.boileaucarol.com/?p=47998 2026-05-14T13:16:20Z 2026-05-19T13:15:59Z Children count on their parents to make decisions for them about a variety of things. One of these is the medical care they need. When parents divorce, those medical decisions can become one of the primary areas of contention.  In a child custody case, legal custody is one of the terms that you’ll hear. This has to do with making decisions for the child. Those decisions include more than just medical decision-making powers. It includes education and other areas. 

How is legal custody set up?

Legal custody is either full or joint. If one parent is granted full legal custody, they can make all the decisions related to the covered areas, including medical care, without having to consult the other parent.  If joint legal custody is granted, both parents have to share the decision-making powers. This usually means that the parents have to agree on things related to medical care. In some cases, the parents can each make decisions on their own about minor medical issues, but more serious matters must be discussed.  Generally, medical decision-making powers don’t have to do with emergency medical treatments. The parent who’s with the child when a medical emergency occurs, or the one who makes it to the child first, is likely the one who will make the immediate decisions.  Legal custody is set by either the court’s child custody order or the parenting plan, but that’s all that’s included. Anyone going through a divorce involving children should learn about what terms should be set for raising the children, which may be easier if they work with someone familiar with these matters. ]]> On Behalf of Law Offices of Meridith A. Gregory, LLC <![CDATA[What to know about financial disclosure in divorce]]> https://www.boileaucarol.com/?p=47995 2026-04-29T06:57:21Z 2026-05-04T06:56:31Z When going through a divorce, one of the stages you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse will observe is financial disclosure. This is a mandatory rule that requires spouses to exchange comprehensive financial documents.  Financial disclosure provides transparency of the marital estate. Crucial divorce-related decisions will be made based on the information provided. Here is what to know about it:

What information should you provide?

Examples of the required documentation for financial disclosure include: 
  • Bank statements
  • Pay stubs and income details
  • Documentation related to employee benefits
  • Financial records for business owners and self-employed parties
  • Personal and business tax returns
  • Retirement account statements 
  • Brokerage/investment account statements
  • Loan applications, such as mortgages, credit card debts, car loans, student loans, personal loans etc.
  • Life insurance policy
  • A list of assets, including digital assets
You should confirm that the information and documents you have provided are accurate before filing. 

Pay close attention to your spouse’s documents

When you receive your spouse’s financial disclosure, pay close attention to every detail. Check the list of assets and debts and confirm the included values of each.  Moreover, carefully compare tax returns, W-2s, and pay stubs against the reported income, look out for large, unexplained cash withdrawals, verify the reported loans and examine business records for unusual expenses/transfer of funds, among other things. If you need further information about a certain matter, politely reach out to your spouse or their team. For instance, if you notice an asset has not been listed or an asset has been undervalued. Consider using written communication, as it’s easier to document. You should also expect your spouse to contact you.  If they do, respectfully answer their questions and document your interactions. Financial disclosure is integral to the fair division of property. Get more information about how to do it accurately and what to do when you notice discrepancies on your spouse’s documents.  ]]> On Behalf of Law Offices of Meridith A. Gregory, LLC <![CDATA[Divorce in a blended family: What gets more complicated?]]> https://www.boileaucarol.com/?p=47994 2026-04-15T13:33:23Z 2026-04-20T13:32:47Z Divorce can be difficult for any family, but blended families often face additional layers of uncertainty. When relationships include children from prior marriages, shared households and separate financial histories, the process can feel especially overwhelming. Many people assume divorce will follow a straightforward path until questions start coming up about what belongs to whom and what arrangements make the most sense moving forward. In blended families, those questions often carry more emotional and financial weight.

Where blended family divorce can become more complex 

A blended family is formed when two people create a household together, each bringing one or more children from previous relationships. These families may include children who are close in age or years apart, and some couples may also have children together. While many blended families thrive, if the relationship ends, divorce can introduce a unique set of legal and emotional challenges. One of the biggest issues in a blended family divorce is often the financial picture. A couple may be managing joint accounts and shared expenses while also dealing with child support, spousal support or other obligations from previous relationships. Any divorce settlement must also take into account ongoing financial commitments, including existing support obligations, to ensure that the outcome is balanced and realistic for both parties moving forward. Children can also create added challenges, especially when one spouse has helped raise stepchildren or taken on a parenting role without having formal legal rights. While emotional bonds may be very strong, the law does not always treat a stepparent the same as a biological or adoptive parent. In some cases, a stepparent who has played a meaningful role in a child’s life may seek continued contact, and working cooperatively with the child’s biological parents can help preserve those important relationships after the divorce. Additionally, assets brought into the marriage can raise another set of concerns. Inherited property, family businesses and savings built before the relationship may not always be handled the same way as property acquired during the marriage. However, if those assets were mixed with marital funds or used for the benefit of the household, the line between separate and shared property may become harder to define. When a blended family is involved, divorce is rarely just about ending a marriage. It is often about protecting your financial future, preserving important family relationships and making thoughtful decisions during a stressful time. Speaking with an experienced legal professional can help you move forward with more clarity and confidence.]]> On Behalf of Law Offices of Meridith A. Gregory, LLC <![CDATA[How do you buy out a spouse’s share of a business?]]> https://www.boileaucarol.com/?p=47992 2026-04-09T10:33:27Z 2026-04-14T10:32:50Z If you are a business owner going through a divorce, you might worry about your company's future. In Massachusetts, the court usually treats a business as a marital asset. This means the court must divide it equitably, but not always 50/50. If you want to buy out your spouse, you must follow a series of steps to gain full ownership.

How do you value a business in Massachusetts?

Before you buy out your spouse's interest, you must determine the business's value. In Massachusetts, courts have significant flexibility. Judges often look at the business value as of the trial date. However, they can choose a different date, such as the date of separation. They do this if it more fairly reflects when the marital partnership ended. Experts use three main methods to find this number: Market approach: Compare your company to similar businesses that recently sold Income approach: Calculate the value based on your future expected profits Asset approach: Add up the value of everything the business owns and subtract its debts Choosing the right method ensures no one overcharges. A neutral appraiser can help prevent long-term disputes over the final price tag.

Can you trade other assets instead of paying cash?

Yes. A very common strategy in Massachusetts is asset offset. If you do not have the cash to buy your spouse out, you can give them a larger share of other marital property instead. For example, your spouse's share of the business may be worth $200,000. Instead of writing a check, you might let them keep full equity in the family home. You could also give them a larger share of a 401(k) retirement account.

What if you cannot afford to pay everything at once?

If you lack enough assets to trade, you can set up a structured buyout. In this setup, you and your spouse sign a promissory note. Keep in mind that if you do not specify an interest rate in writing, the law may apply a default rate of 6%. A structured buyout allows the business's cash flow to fund the transition over time.

Why do you need a family law attorney?

Handling a buyout alone is risky. Small paperwork errors can lead to major financial losses or future lawsuits. A skilled attorney ensures your settlement agreement is legally binding and protects your right to run the business without interference.]]> On Behalf of Law Offices of Meridith A. Gregory, LLC <![CDATA[What if your child refuses to follow the custody schedule?]]> https://www.boileaucarol.com/?p=47966 2026-04-01T13:47:26Z 2026-04-06T13:46:34Z Why refusal happens and why it matters Your child may resist the schedule for several reasons. Younger children may struggle with transitions between homes. Older children may assert stronger preferences or resist changes more directly. What may seem like a one-time reaction can develop into a pattern. Repeated refusal can affect routines, expectations and the overall balance between households. Understanding what drives the behavior can help you respond before it becomes difficult to manage.

Your obligation to follow the order

A custody order remains binding even if your child refuses to go. You are still expected to encourage compliance and support the schedule. If you allow repeated refusal, even passively, it may raise concerns about noncompliance. What matters is not just what your child does, but how you respond and whether you make consistent efforts to follow the agreement. In some cases, ongoing noncompliance may lead to enforcement actions, including make-up parenting time or changes to the order.

What you can do in the moment

How you handle a refusal can shape what follows. A measured response tends to carry more weight than a reactive one. You should consider the following:
  • Encourage your child to follow the schedule without escalating the situation
  • Avoid physical force, which can create additional issues
  • Keep a clear, factual record of what occurred and how you responded
  • Communicate with the other parent in a neutral, solution-focused way
Occasional flexibility may help defuse a difficult moment, but repeated deviations can begin to undermine the structure of the arrangement.

When refusal becomes a pattern

If your child’s refusal happens more than once, the situation may be shifting from an isolated issue to an ongoing pattern. Over time, that pattern can affect your child’s routine and your ability to follow the order as written. At that point, informal adjustments may no longer be enough. You are still expected to support the schedule, but it may be necessary to evaluate whether the current arrangement reflects what is realistically workable.]]>