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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...
There is no longer a need to request a restraining order to prevent a former partner from distributing naked pictures of a person. On June 20, 2024 Massachusetts enacted a law entitled “An Act to prevent abuse and exploitation” This law creates criminal penalties for...
On October 31, 2012, Massachusetts enacted a new law to protect domesticated animals from domestic abuse. In order to obtain an order under this new law, there must also be a protective order for the protection of people. Under this law, the court can order possession...
When a marriage deteriorates, some people decide that they should spy on their spouse to either help them decide if they should get a divorce or to gain an advantage in a divorce. Many people think that proof of adultery will gain them an advantage in...
It is not uncommon for parties to a divorce to consider joint physical custody. A joint physical custody arrangement occurs when the children spend approximately equal time with each parent. In some cases, this is best for the children. In many cases, the parents seek...
