Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts

Re: divorce question

Retain an attorney to file a divorce for you ASAP as alimony is based upon establishing the need for supplemental income from the other spouse to render you self sufficient.

Good Luck!

Re: divorce question

You may have a right to alimony and half of the assets of the marriage. I suggest you contact an attorney ASAP.

Re: divorce question

Once you've been married for 10+ years, the chances of a spouse getting alimony is more likely. There has to be a need for alimony however. Alimony is not punishment to a spouse who's left. It is used as an instrument to provide the less well off spouse with sufficient means to eventually be self-sufficient.

In addition, if he picked up and left and now you have no idea where he lives or have no means of contacting him, you can still get a divorce from him but you cannot get alimony.

Re: divorce question

You have a right to claim alimony and property division, and you should fight to get both. This will not be an easy fight -- as Mr. Cheong notes that if he is truly of parts unknown, you will have difficulty collecting anything (but I do not believe that he meant you had no right).

Two factors of great importance here are:

1. Getting information; and

2. Planning to go to trial from the outset.

An attorney who pursues this case as one that will be fought to the end has the right perspective. Prepare to settle, and you will absolutely go to trial. Prepare to go to trial, and you may get a fair settlement.