There are many misconceptions about criminal records in MA.  Juvenile cases are not easy to view, however, the charges do show up on your record.  Even a CWOF , not guilty or dismissal will show up.  Getting a juvenile record expunged is generally not possible under MA law.  The records may be sealed upon an […]

This is a big mistake that many people make.  The case is the ‘commonwealth” or “state” and the alleged victim is simply a witness.  In general, the da’s office does not want to dismiss cases.  The prosecutor considers what the alleged victim wants but it is not what controls the case.  Many times, there are […]

The debt that you still owe include: Child Support, Alimony and spousal support; Student loans( there are a few exceptions); Most tazes; Most criminal fines and related court costs, drunk driving injury claims; any money that a creditor can show in court that is was borrowed by false pretense. 

In MA ,there is no legal seperation.   There are some confusion over the term.  There are temporary orders while a divorce is pending that many consider a legal seperation.  There is also sperate suppport action but that is only best for people who want to rmeain married.  Other an informal seperation a legal seperation but […]

Deseration is a cause of action that is in a divorce called “utter deseration” for one year.  It is rare that this cause of action is met.  Moving out has many factors and may be one of the most important early decisions in a divorce.  It may make it harder for the other spouse to […]

In MA, in order to file a complaint for divorce, probate court must have jurisdiction.  One of the spouses must be a resident of MA if the grounds for divorce occred in MA.  The residency requirement is one year.  The action is heard in the county where one of the parties lives except that if […]

No one plans on getting arrested for an OUI.  Many people with Melanie’s law are looking to plead out rather than face a trial.  However, there are many benefits to going to trial.  First, each case is different but there are very good odds of being able to win an OUI case, especially if there […]

More people had filed for bankrupcty since the law was amended in 2005.  Over 1.5 million people filed.  Their has been an increase in those earning over $60,000 and thos with better education.  The combination of poor housing market, still very tough job market and the minimal societal safety net makes bankruptcy one of the […]

Getting a divorce is hard and stessfull.  In MA, it is not a 50-50 state but an equitable distribution state.  It is important to make sure you get what is owed to you.  In many instances it is not cut and dry.  You should speak to an experienced lawyer to figure out the options.  You […]

There is a new trend with consumer being more likely to pay credit card payments before mortage payments.  Part of this may be due to the high unemployment and decline in home values.  In bankruptcy, your credit card debt may likely be discharged and you can protect your house