Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts

Divorce Bonus

If the ex husband makes a significant amount of money in bonuses and it was part of his payment plan is the bonus considered a martial asset?

When he was hired at a Fortune 500 company he was told that his base salary amount would be lower than his prior job, but the difference in salary would be made up in bonuses.


Asked on 5/06/08, 8:17 am

4 Answers from Attorneys

Joseph Murray Joseph M. Murray, Esq.

Re: Divorce Bonus

Reasonably anticipated bonuses are considered marital assets.

If this results in a material change in circumstances since the last alimony or child support order, you may wish to consult your divorce attorney or an attorney of your choice regarding the merits of filing a modification complaint.

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Answered on 5/06/08, 5:26 pm
Gregory Lee Gregory P. Lee, Attorney at Law

Re: Divorce Bonus

Bonuses are part of the marital income for purposes of determining child support and alimony, so long as they are reasonably anticipated. Usually, we look to the "track record" of receipt. Whenever possible, the annual W-2 is used as the basis of determining the real income of the recipient.

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Answered on 5/06/08, 8:32 am
Christopher Vaughn-Martel Charles River Law Partners, LLC

Re: Divorce Bonus

Bonuses are absolutely part of the marital estate, to the extent they are reasonably susceptible to estimation in the way that Attorney Lee suggests.

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Answered on 5/06/08, 9:00 am

Re: Divorce Bonus

His total income would be considered his compensation and if his salary is lower, but the bonus compensates for that, it should not result in a change in circumstances that lowers his payments for alimony or child support. If it results in more income, then you may have reason to seek more child support if applicable.

I suggest you contact your divorce attorney or contact a new divorce attorney for assistance.

Please feel free to contact me if you have more questions.

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Answered on 5/06/08, 10:53 am


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