I've hired a Collaborative Attorney, how do I convince my spouse to hire a...
Collaborative Law has many advantages over litigation. It is usually far less expensive than going to trial. When you go to court, much of your attorney's time will be spent on court strategy or on...
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What can we learn from Katie Holmes divorce filing against Tom Cruise?
If you live in a cave, then maybe you haven't heard that TomKat is no more. As reported by TMZ, Katie Holmes has filed for divorce from Tom Cruise and according to the pleadings she is seeking sole...
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Besides an Attorney, what professionals might be involved in my Divorce case?
In a litigated divorce, you will often have the need to involve experts to clarify certain issues, and in some instances to testify. These can include appraisers, brokers, financial valuation or...
View ArticleIs Visitation an Outdated term?
I once overheard an older relative ask one of my cousins if her husband was babysitting their children. Since my cousin didn't have the children with her, the older relative was simply asking if the...
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What is Full Retirement Age? - New Online Calculator.
Pursuant to the Alimony Reform Act of 2011, there is a presumption that general term alimony ends upon the payor attaining Full Retirement Age, when he or she is eligible for the old-age retirement...
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When does Alimony End?
Until 2011, there was no formula enacted or endorsed by the Massachusetts Legislature or the Courts for the calculation of duration of alimony. However, on September 26, 2011, Governor Deval Patrick...
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What would you change about the Child Support Guidelines?
The current Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines became effective on January 1, 2009 and another update may be on the way. The Massachusetts Trial Court is currently seeking public comment and...
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Probate & Family Court Amends Procedures for Post-Hearing Motions
Standing Order 2-99 of the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court governs the proper procedures for submitting post-hearing Motions to the Probate and Family Court. Per the Court's recent Press...
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The Best Advice for Surviving Divorce: Remember the Serenity Prayer!
When divorcing clients get upset, I find it is most often due to things they cannot control, such as the behavior or choices of their ex-spouse. The best counsel I have found in those situations is to...
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CPR: Co-Parenting with Respect: A program designed for parents who want to...
Guest Post Introduction: Jill Reiter LICSW and 2 other highly trained and experienced mental health professionals combined their education, years of experience and knowledge to create a well thought...
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Can I file for divorce in Massachusetts? An Infographic
The following chart displays the paths for determining whether you qualify to file a divorce in Massachusetts. Our hope is that this infographic can help clarify the confusing question of jurisdiction...
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The Divorce Roller-Coaster: An Infographic of Options
There are four tracks you can choose from to get divorced in Massachusetts: Direct Settlement Negotiation, Litigation, Mediation, or Collaborative Divorce. We created the following infographic to help...
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Divorce in Massachusetts: 5 Things You Need to Know to Get Started
There are five questions you will need to answer to get started with a divorce in Massachusetts: 1. CAN you file for divorce in Massachusetts?2. WHY are you getting divorced?3. HOW will you get...
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When does 30 + 90 not equal 120? In Divorce Court!
As we covered in a previous post (What happens after my Divorce Agreement is approved by a Judge?), there is a 90-120 day waiting period after your divorce is allowed before it becomes final in...
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Where do the candidates stand on DOMA?
The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) has been held unconstitutional by both the 1st and 2nd U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals. While we wait to see whether the Supreme Court will review these cases, you...
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What should you tell your child about your Evil Ex?
Showtimes for Phineas and FerbMy oldest daughter and I have found a TV show that we both can agree on: Disney's Phineas and Ferb (new episodes Fridays on Disney Channel, and available on Netflix...
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How to explain the new Domesticated Animal Restraining Order provisions to...
On October 31, 2012, a new statute took effect in Massachusetts adding protection for domesticated animals in restraining order cases. This does not mean that you can obtain a restraining order for...
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A Tree Grows in your Office: A Metaphor for Divorce
We all know that to have a successful marriage, the relationship has to be nurtured and fed. Spouses who do not pay attention to the needs of their relationship are doomed to grow apart instead of...
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Newtown Tragedy: Actions Speak Louder
These are the victims of the school shooting that occurred on the morning of Friday, December 14, 2012 at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut.We have purposefully not included a link to a news...
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What should have stayed in Vegas! - Real Life Hangover
In a recent opinion, in which the Massachusetts Appeals Court affirmed the trial court's divorce judgment, a very expensive bachelor party in Las Vegas turned into an even more expensive divorce. In a...
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