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Ellen Degeneres, the TV personality, claims that she filed a brief in the Supreme Court in the potentially landmark case involving California's Proposition 8 and gay rights.. This action deserves the attention of the nation. That Ellen supports gay rights should not...
Some landlords think that because they “own” the rental unit, they can make all sorts of demands on the tenant. They think that they can enter the apartment any time they want and not even knock. They think that they can monitor the tenant and constantly tell the...
In almost all cases, a divorce in a foreign country is not recognized in Massachusetts and probably the same in all other states. Each state is a separate government. As a general rule, each government is free to ignore the legal rulings of other governments. This...
The first thing you should do when you are served with a divorce complaint is to read the documents carefully. There are at least two things you that will have an immediate effect on you and possibly two additional matters. The summons served upon you is official...
I am frequently asked questions about the ability to get a divorce if the spouse won't sign papers. You can file for a divorce without spousal cooperation. You file a contested divorce and serve your spouse with the summons and complaint. When the case is scheduled...
Pets are personal property and are treated as such by the courts in divorces or actions for separate support. In most cases, animals are property with no value. However, if the parties treat the pets as children, a Judge will usually treat them in the same manner....
Until 2010, Massachusetts landowners had two standards on snow and ice removal: natural accumulations and unnatural accumulations. This meant that if you didn't shovel, plow, or drive over the snow, it was a natural accumulation and the landowner couldn't be sued if...
Since the creation of the institution of marriage, some people have suspected their spouse of cheating. One of the natural instincts following such suspicions is to try to prove the adultery. An age old method of such proof is to hire a private investigator to follow...
In almost all court judgments, once the judgment is final it can't be changed. This rule does not apply to issues involving child welfare and support. If there is new conduct or events that affect the best interests of a child, the Court has the power to change the...
Divorce is one of the most stressful events in a person's life. The stress level is comparable to the death of a spouse. It is just as stressful for children of a divorcing couple. Children don't always understand divorce and its causes. They interpret the events...
