Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce in Massachusetts

If you get divorced in Massachusetts, there are different types of divorces that are available to you, with each following a different path as it goes through the courts. Some are quicker, simpler, and less expensive than others. It depends on whether your divorce is contested or uncontested and also on whether it is a fault…

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Conciliation: What is the Advantage?

The conciliation process can be an invaluable tool to reduce intractable conflict in cases where obstacles prevent out of court settlements and cost-effective resolutions. An experienced conciliator can serve as a conflict surgeon and help foster productive communications, curtail unreasonable behavior, and promote creative solutions—relieving the burden and costs created by unproductive negotiations and court proceedings.…

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Is Adultery in Massachusetts Really a Crime?

In many states, adultery is a crime. It may seem archaic, but there are still active laws on the books. In Massachusetts, adultery was considered a crime “against chastity, morality, decency, and good order” until the statute was repealed in 2018.   SECTION 2. Sections 14 and 18 to 21, inclusive, of chapter 272 of the…

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Fighting Over Fido: Custody of Pets in a Divorce

When you think of custody battles between divorcing spouses, you might assume their fight is over the children. However, in some  situations, the disagreement between two separating people is not about a human child, but instead a fur baby. That’s right, their pets. Just as parents fight for time with their children, pet parents demand their wishes…

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Is Limited Assistance Representation Right for You?

When it comes to legal help, not everyone wants the same amount of assistance. You may have the time and talent to do a lot of the work yourself, which of course could save some money in the short-term. It may also provide you with a new perspective on your case and better insight into…

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Surviving the End of Summer in Massachusetts

Now, don’t get me wrong.  I love my son.  I love spending time with him—bike riding, arts and crafting, reading, throwing a baseball…you get the idea. But as a single mother working full time, summer stinks. For the time of year that is supposed to be low-key and schedule-free, summer causes more anxiety, more bills,…

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Are Massachusetts Divorce Records Public?

After a divorce, you may not want the whole world to know about it. So are your divorce records public? The majority of records in Massachusetts are considered public, unless they can be held under specifically stated exemptions. These exemptions are created by the legislature, and in such cases an attorney has to prove that…

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7 Crazy Prenup Agreements

Prenuptial agreements can be a source of contention between a couple before they tie the knot. In the event the couple splits up, who gets the house? The money? The gardener? Yes, as prenuptial agreements become more common, more and more eccentric assets and clauses are being added. Let’s take a look at seven unlikely additions that have been…

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What is the Difference Between Annulment and Divorce?

Sometimes a marriage ending can be the best thing for a couple, and divorce or getting an annulment may be a topic of discussion. Both options will end a marriage but there is a difference between annulment and divorce. What’s the difference and how do you decide what route to go when ending a union? We’ve…

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Elder and Adult Family Mediation

When it comes to families and mediation, you may first think of divorce mediation. Mediation is used to resolve a wide variety of conflict however, and one particular area continues to grow alongside our elderly population. Certainly it would be nice if family members always agreed on important issues, but that is not always the case. Family…

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