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One of the unfortunate consequences of divorce is that children no longer live in a household with both parents. This means that the child's time must be divided between the two parents. Very few parents are satisfied with visitation plans but acknowledge that it is...
A recent case in Massachusetts, Morales v. Morales, decided March 12, 2013 SJC # 11104 is described as changing the standard for modification of child support. While this is clearly an important case, in my opinion, it does not change the law. The traditional law of...
In Massachusetts, an engagement ring is usually considered a conditional gift: given on the condition that the couple gets married. The normal expectation is that if the engagement is broken and the wedding doesn’t occur, then the ring will be returned. However, it...
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...
