Since the New Year is all about starting new habits, this year we advise you to get into the practice of writing out the full date when signing or drafting any checks or legal documents. Law officials have advised the public to avoid abbreviating the year 2020 as 20, as this date can easily be modified. For example, a document that reads 1/1/20 can be doctored to read as 1/1/2019. This small change could allow
Even in the best of circumstances, divorce can be difficult for children. Children are often resistant to change: adapting to new schedules and surroundings, learning to live with one parent at a time, and getting along with possible new stepsiblings or half-siblings are all big changes, ones which can challenge a child’s developing social skills and coping mechanisms. However, many, if not most, children with divorced parents eventually adapt and thrive, growing into healthy and
When it comes to divorce in Massachusetts, everything related to finances must be fully disclosed. This includes every single asset, purchased together or otherwise, as well as all accumulated debts. Each spouse is instructed to report known findings through a financial affidavit. It is against the law to purposely hide, understate, or overstate assets, as well as any marital property, debt, income, or expense. In extreme cases, this can potentially lead to the withholding party
When it comes to divorcing and family law, things get complicated quickly. It’s essential to know your rights regarding your children. Presented here are some common myths every parent should be made aware of during divorce or custody proceedings. Myth: A parent’s failure to pay child support can result in the parent being kept from seeing the children Only a judge can determine visitation rights. If a parent fails to pay child support, the other
A continuance without a finding, or CWOF is a form of plea allowed in criminal court. It is an admission that the prosecution has enough evidence (sufficient facts) against you to find you guilty of criminal charges, but is an alternative option to a formal guilty plea. Rather than risk a trial and fight a case that likely will not play out in your favor, a defendant may take a CWOF. They will be placed
Last week’s snowstorm made it clear that winter has officially arrived, bringing along with it, some treacherous conditions. When navigating through icy sidewalks and piles of snow, it is important to be knowledgeable about the laws surrounding a slip and fall incidents. Say, for example, you slip on a patch of ice in the parking lot outside of a store and injure yourself. You definitely have a personal injury claim, but against whom? While
As the weather gets colder in New England, many people are already carrying out winterization measures to protect their homes and businesses. Road salt has been purchased, shovels dug out of garages, and tires swapped out. With all this attention paid—and rightfully paid—to the hazards of traveling on foot or by car through a winter wonderland. However, paying attention to snow on the ground should not come at the expense of preparing for snow on
The winter holidays may be the most wonderful time of the year, but they are also a top contender for the most stressful time of the year. Regardless of family structure, holiday gatherings and visits can be contentious. Under the stress of cleaning and cooking and visiting in-laws, even close-knit nuclear families, amicably divorced co-parents, or happily mixed step-families might experience some tension and conflict around this time of the year. Given the stress of
Massachusetts motor vehicle laws and coverage requirements differ for vehicle owners and motorcyclists. It’s essential to understand your coverage before an accident occurs so you can be prepared for unforeseen incidents. After all, that’s why you have coverage in the first place. Everyone is required by law to have a specific line of coverage for a vehicle to be lawfully on the road. This coverage is called personal injury protection benefits. The benefits of this
When drafting a divorce agreement, it can be difficult to consider every contingency. You want to be sure that there is an answer for every future scenario; however, it is difficult to focus on the future when the present is so stressful. One situation that many people forget to consider or do not put much thought into is covering the cost of college. If you have young children, the concept of college may not be
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