Recent Updates to 529 Plans
As college costs have climbed steadily, helping our children get through college without saddling them with a pile of debt remains a challenge for many families in Massachusetts. Financial experts (and I am not a financial professional) tend to agree that incurring a lot of debt for undergraduate studies is best avoided. As part of…
Read MoreHow Is Divorce Mediation Different from Going to Court?
Parents and spouses are increasingly choosing to look into forms of alternative dispute resolution such as mediation. One of the primary reasons for this has to do with the perception or the actual experience of people going through divorce court. It takes a lot of work to prepare for any divorce, but the entire process…
Read MoreExploring Life Insurance Policy Options for Financial Security
Life insurance is a powerful tool that offers financial protection and peace of mind for you and your loved ones. However, navigating through the various policy options can be overwhelming, especially after a divorce. Understanding the different types of life insurance policies available is crucial in making an informed decision that aligns with your needs…
Read MoreCreating a Solid Parenting Plan for Your Children’s Well-being
Divorce can be an emotionally challenging time for all parties involved, especially when children are part of the equation. As parents, your primary concern should always be the well-being and happiness of your children. One of the most critical aspects of post-divorce co-parenting is establishing a well-thought-out parenting plan. These are the recommended steps that…
Read MoreThree Things to Know About Uncontested Divorce
When you decide to end a marriage in Massachusetts, spouses may be able to avoid some of the typical downsides of court by pursuing an uncontested divorce. An uncontested divorce may resolve more quickly, allowing both spouses to move on with their lives. When the parties agree on all key issues for marital dissolution, an…
Read MoreCan Mediation Speed Up the Divorce Process?
Getting divorced is an emotional and difficult experience for most people, but going through the court system adds another layer of complexity, and the increased legal fees that go along with it. A court-centric approach can also extend the amount of time it takes for you to end your marriage and move forward. Multiple options…
Read MoreIs it Time to Revisit Your Child Support Order?
About every four years, Massachusetts and other states are required by federal law to review their state child support guidelines. In Massachusetts, this responsibility is fulfilled by the Child Support Guidelines Task Force. The Task Force considers economic trends, policies, and other data and obtains input from various stakeholders such as family law practitioners and…
Read MoreIntroducing Your Children to Your New Romantic Interests…While Avoiding a Potential Minefield
If you are a parent that has recently divorced or separated, odds are you will eventually start dating again. Some of you may have started dating a little on the early side, possibly leading to being separated or divorced; but that is another topic. Others swear they will never, ever date or get remarried; although…
Read MoreNext Phase Legal & Dispute Resolution LLC Wins Silver Medal Award in Quest for the Best Contest.
Next Phase Legal & Dispute Resolution LLC, a divorce and family law firm in Norfolk, MA, is pleased to have won the Silver Medal Award in the “divorce lawyer” category for MyFM’s (101.3) Quest for the Best contest. Winners were selected based on over a quarter of a million votes by area residents submitted to the local radio station.…
Read MoreMassachusetts Probate & Family Court Suspends Requirement for Parenting Education Classes
On July 8, 2021 Chief Justice John Casey of the MA Probate and Family Courts announced a suspension to the requirement for divorcing parents to complete the mandatory parent education program specified in the court’s Standing Order 2-16, Parent Education Program Attendance, issued in 2016. The announcement surprised many MA divorce lawyers and mediators. Besides…
Read More