Both in Massachusetts and nationally there has been a significant increase in bankruptcy filings by older Americans; particularly over 55, but the percentages have gone way up overall in the last several years.  Part of the reason is that older Americans or elders might have substantial health or medical bills. Their income may be either […]

Legal custody is a major decision regarding the children on a day to day decision. There is a presumption that if the parties are married, that there be joint legal custody but that is not always the case. There are a lot of instances where parents that have joint legal custody have disputes about health-related […]

(Copy and paste the link above into your web browser for a YouTube video on this subject) During this time period many people are either losing their job or having their pay cut significantly. This can hinder one’s ability to pay child support. In this situation, what can you do to help yourself? One effective […]

In Probate and Family Court many times when there is a dispute about custody or parenting plans the Judge may order an app such as Family Wizard or a similar app to have any kind of communication.  The reasoning behind this is so that there can be a record of communication; so, if there is […]

(Copy and paste the link above into your web browser for a YouTube video on this subject) Due to COVID-19, there’s been a lot of issues that have arisen lately with DCF cases. The disease has complicated things, as there have been disputes about whether a kid is at too high risk of contracting the […]

In a divorce case it is mandatory that both parents participate in a parenting education class within 45 days. There can be extensions and there are circumstances where it can be waived completely but those are unique. During the Coronavirus there are ways to have that done remotely by video. Make sure that it is […]

(Copy and paste the link above into your web browser for a YouTube video on this subject) With relief packages from the federal government being supplied during the pandemic, I have had people ask questions about what happens with the money in a divorce case. There has been a dispute about whether this money should […]

As of May 15th, 2020 the courts are still closed until June 1st, 2020 due to COVID-19, but with some exceptions. Letters from the Leaders of the Judiciary and the Massachusetts Bar Association have indicated that the courthouses will most likely be closed for most or all of the summer.  Emergency cases or ones in […]

Should you take steps such as taking cash advances, refinancing the home, making large charitable contributions shortly before filing bankruptcy? The answer is no. You want to be very careful of doing anything that would be looking to manipulate the bankruptcy situation. You should talk to an attorney before trying to take any steps like […]

Delinquency/Youthful Offender Proceedings The recent Standing Order OE-144 has closed courthouses off to the public other than for emergency situations. This order goes into effect May 4, 2020 and will be in effect until at least June 1, 2020. This is applicable to various non-emergency delinquency/youthful offender proceedings, according to Mass.gov. Probable cause (show cause) […]