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"In his last will, however, he named three heirs, his sisters’ grandsons, Gaius Octavius, to three-fourths of his estate, and Lucius Pinarius and Quintus Pedius to share the remainder. At the end of the will, too, he adopted Gaius Octavius into his family and gave him...
When emotions run high during a divorce or custody case, people sometimes make decisions that feel justified in the moment—but later create serious legal problems. In Massachusetts family law cases, judges pay close attention not only to the facts of the dispute, but...
One of the most stressful parts of a divorce case can be receiving notice that you must appear for a deposition. Many people have never heard of a deposition until they become involved in litigation. As a result, it is common for people to feel nervous or intimidated...
Going to court can be stressful for anyone. But when a person does not speak English fluently—or has a hearing impairment—the court process can become even more confusing and intimidating. A person who can’t understand what is being said in a courtroom or can’t hear...
Family law mediation can be one of the most effective ways to resolve a divorce or custody dispute in Massachusetts. Mediation is generally less expensive, less stressful, and far more private than going through a trial. It also gives the parties more control over the...
Talking to your children about divorce is one of the most difficult conversations you will ever have as a parent. There is no perfect script, no way to remove all of the fear or sadness—but there is a way to do it thoughtfully, honestly, and in a way that protects...
A power of attorney (POA) is one of the most important legal documents you can have in place, yet many people don’t think about it until there is a crisis. Simply put, a power of attorney allows you (the “principal”) to authorize another person (the “agent” or...
It’s a common situation in Massachusetts divorces: one spouse moves out early in the process, tensions cool (or finances tighten), and the question comes up—can my spouse move back in while the divorce is still pending? In the absence of a court order, in most cases,...
Raising children is expensive, but the tax code provides several important benefits that can reduce the financial burden. Here is a clear, up-to-date overview of the major federal tax breaks available to families with dependent children(This article generally refers...
In Massachusetts, there is more than one way for an adult to become a legal parent of a child. Two of the most common paths are: Adoption, and Becoming an additional (third) parent While both options create a legally recognized parent-child relationship, they are very...
