We recently posted a lengthy review of the the Massachusetts SJC decision in Cavanagh v. Cavanagh (2002) and a similar overview of the subsequent SJC decision Openshaw v. Openshaw (2024) . Both of these cases had significant rulings that should be reviewed in child support and alimony cases in Massachusetts. Here, though, we want to focus on just one area these decisions have affected: how best to complete the court form Financial Statement in divorce cases. When completing the income section of the Financial Statement, people often struggle with how to deal with variable income and how to accurately address deductions from income. The Financial Statement includes spaces for many times of income but it assumes the number is static. For bonus, commissions, or second job income (which was an issue in Cavanagh), the income is often variable over time. This is where we encourage our clients to use endnotes to explain any variability or expected changes in income. The Financial Stat
Read about mediation, collaborative law, and divorce in Massachusetts, with content from Skylark Law & Mediation PC, Gray Jay Endeavors LLC, and Dispute Resolution Training Associates.
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