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What Is Parental Alienation? Parental alienation occurs when one parent intentionally or unintentionally undermines or damages a child’s relationship with the other parent. It often happens during or after a divorce or custody dispute, when emotions are high and...
Massachusetts law gives people strong civil remedies to protect themselves from harassment and domestic abuse. The two main options are the Harassment Prevention Order under Chapter 258E and the Abuse Prevention Order under Chapter 209A. Both can restrict contact or...
Every marriage must end. Some end by death and some end by divorce. No matter which way a marriage ends, a person who is suddenly single can be overwhelmed by the responsibilities of the new status. This list is intended to assist people in their new situation. Some...
As a divorce lawyer I frequently see parents who have difficulty communicating with each other. When parents have this problem they frequently resort to passing messages to each other using the children as messengers. Putting the children in the middle between the...
Many people believe that if they refuse to accept legal papers—such as a summons, complaint, or subpoena—then they cannot be sued or forced to appear in court. That is a dangerous misconception. In Massachusetts, and in most jurisdictions, refusing to take the papers...
When someone can no longer take care of their own money or property, families often wonder: Who will make sure the bills get paid and assets are protected? In Massachusetts, the legal answer may be a conservatorship. A conservatorship is a court process where a judge...
Discovering that your spouse is living with someone else can be emotionally devastating. It also has important legal and financial consequences that many people don’t think about right away. Whether you plan to reconcile, separate, or eventually divorce, it’s...
When parents separate or divorce, one of the most emotionally charged issues is determining where a child will live. In Massachusetts, many parents ask: Can my child choose whom to live with? The answer is not as simple as a “yes” or “no.” Massachusetts courts...
A successful parenting plan is a comprehensive, clear, and practical agreement that outlines how separated or divorced parents will raise their children. It should prioritize the best interests of the child while ensuring both parents have a clear understanding of...
As a divorce lawyer, I am often asked if a client can date while getting divorced. Of course, what the client is really asking is if the client can have sexual relations with someone who is not their spouse while getting divorced. The answer is yes but it could cause...
