Firm News

"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...

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...

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...

Recent headlines about the conviction of Colin Gray, the father of the teenage shooter in the Apalachee High School shooting in Georgia, have led many commentators to suggest that the law is entering new territory. Some have described the prosecution of a parent for a...

For many couples, a dog or cat is not “property.” It is family. But in Massachusetts, if a relationship ends, pets are generally treated as property — not children. That legal reality can surprise people who assume a judge will decide pet custody the way courts decide...

If you are involved in a divorce, child support, custody, or modification case in Massachusetts, you will almost certainly be required to complete a Financial Statement for the Probate and Family Court. This form is a sworn statement signed under the pains and...

Telling your children that you are getting divorced may be one of the hardest conversations you will ever have as a parent. Even when divorce is the right decision, parents often worry about how their children will react, what to say, what not to say, and how much...