Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts

Judicial Change to Settlement Agreement

When my wife and I appeared, unrepresented by counsel, in court, with our uncontested joint settlement agreement (negotiated over a long period), the judge said he never approves waivers of future alimony for long-term marriages (I had conferred most of my assets, in exchange for a bilateral waiver of future alimony). I didn't know what my options were and on the spot felt pressure to agree to this amendment. Now I feel great regret. Is there any realistic chance of appealing to get back to the settlement agreement as we jointly filed it (the hearing happened recently)?


Asked on 3/30/09, 8:31 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
henry lebensbaum Law Offices of Henry Lebensbaum (978-749-3606)

Re: Judicial Change to Settlement Agreement

You can ask the court to withdraw the agreement, pending renegotiation, or file an objection. If you have questions, contact me.

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Answered on 3/30/09, 8:54 pm
Gregory Lee Gregory P. Lee, Attorney at Law

Re: Judicial Change to Settlement Agreement

Rule 58 allows you to object to finalization. It is technical, and your objection must be correctly made. It puts you in front of the same judgee, whose opinion is already known.

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Answered on 3/31/09, 6:38 am


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