Divorce, while never easy, does not have to be an ordeal. For couples who wish to amicably end their marriages, there are a number of processes available that do not involve a combative mindset and are designed to minimize conflict in favor of compromise. One of the most common processes that aim for a more cooperative dissolution of a marriage is mediation. Mediation is the non-adversarial divorce process most familiar to the general public. In
What Happens When You Can’t Take It with You? As of 2020, up to 60% of Americans had not created a will. While it may seem like a hassle that can be put off for another day, tomorrow is never guaranteed, and the hassle of dying intestate (without a last testament) is far greater than investing in the peace of mind that a will brings. Without a will, everything and everyone that depends on you—real
Each year, thousands of couples get divorced. Many of these cases end up in court, where a complete stranger decides how assets will be divided and where the children will live. But each year, thousands of cases settle out of court. By avoiding trial, couples are able to keep attorney fees low, reduce conflict, and be more satisfied with the final outcome. While some couples have little disagreement and are able to come to an
When accused of a crime, many clients want to know what strategies are available to them for defending their case. Because criminal courts require that a judge or jury determine guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, it is up to the defense attorney to use a strategy that creates such doubt in a client’s criminal case. While there are many strategies defense attorneys use to help clients receive an acquittal, the four most commonly discussed include
Contempt is a tool used by Probate and Family Courts to enforce parties to comply with court orders. This gives the court power to enforce judgments provided during divorce and custody proceedings. Someone who violates or disobeys a court order risks being held in contempt by the court. This includes failing to pay alimony or child support or refusal to comply with a parenting schedule ordered by the court. There are two types of contempt,
When you experience a slip and fall, there are a number of Massachusetts laws and legal rules that will affect your case. Slip and fall injuries can be severe, especially during winter months when roads, walkways, and parking lots are icy. When negligence or a dangerous condition is to blame, you may be entitled to financial recovery. This article will explain two of the most important Massachusetts laws you need to be aware of as
Earlier this week, a Concord District Court Judge granted a motion to send letters to thousands of drunk driving defendants. The letter will let them know that they have the right to challenge their conviction if it occurred between June, 2011 and April, 2019. As a result of the Commonwealth v. Ananias decision, all breath tests administered during those dates have been determined to be unreliable. Therefore, any person who was convicted of drunk driving
The Best-Laid Plans You did it. You did what so many of your friends and family members have not, what you yourself dragged your feet on for years longer than you should have. You made arrangements for your estate, appointed a healthcare proxy, and relaxed, knowing that your family and doctors will have a clear idea of your wishes even when you are no longer able to communicate those wishes. And then you hit a
Considering Real Estate When Estate Planning Real estate can be the key to financial independence for a lifetime. Through collecting rents and investing in your holdings, you may have built a good life for yourself, your family, and your other loved ones. But managing and maintaining properties is a time-consuming task. You know this. At a certain scale property management becomes a full-time job and incompatible with pursuing another career. If it becomes necessary to
Wrongdoing is addressed under two different types of cases: criminal and civil. Civil cases generally involve disputes between individuals. These cases are disputed through civil lawsuits. Criminal cases, on the other hand, are considered offenses against the state, or society as a whole. The state is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases. While there may be some overlap between civil and criminal cases, an important distinction between them are the legal standards of proof. In every
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