It’s Not Too Late to Act!
Hi there, Earlier in 2016 our Private Client group happily welcomed Ann “Hether” Hetherwick Cahill as an associate. Hether’s practice focuses on probate and family court litigation, including will...
View ArticleUse Your Pretrial Conference to Help Avoid Going to Trial
Separating couples have disagreements on settling all types of issues… geese top the weird chart though. Hi there, There are many stops on the road before a divorce trial takes place. If you and your...
View ArticleNew Changes to the Parent Education Program in Massachusetts
“Whaddya mean, I have to take a class!?” As a family law attorney, I’m often met with surprise (even outrage!) when I tell my clients that they’re required to participate in a Parent Education Program...
View ArticleLemonade Can Be Bitter
Really though, if Beyoncé can be cheated on, is there any hope for the rest of us? Hi there, On a gorgeous day like today, you just want to sit outside and sip on a tall glass of lemonade. Recently...
View ArticleIt’s STILL Not Too Late to Act!
Hi there, I usually take no position on pending legislation but the proposed changes to the alimony law will adversely affect thousands of pre-existing divorce agreements. If you can, please take the...
View ArticleDefinition of Cohabitation Set in Recent Alimony Reform Act Interpretation
The latest in a series of cases interpreting and clarifying the Alimony Reform Act of 2011 has just been decided. Duff-Kareores vs. Kareores was decided by the Supreme Judicial Court on June 15, 2016....
View ArticleMisinterpreting the Law Doesn’t Negate an Alimony Agreement
The Appeals Court decision in DeMarco v. DeMarco reminds us that a deal is a deal, even when it’s entered into based upon advice from a trial judge who misinterprets the law. In this case, the husband...
View ArticleChange Is Good – Handing Over the Reins
Do these things come with instructions? Hi there, In addition to being a busy practicing partner here at Burns & Levinson, I’ve been the chair of the Divorce & Family group and co-chair of the...
View ArticlePotential Changes to Interstate Custody Dispute Law in Massachusetts
After a three month maternity leave, and a few months adjusting to being a full-time working mom, I’m excited to be back to contributing my thoughts to this blog! I’m also excited to be writing on a...
View ArticleWhy You Should Care About Federal Computer Privacy
Your morning social media scrolling might get you into trouble. An often-stated truth is that you shouldn’t access the email of others. Here, “others” means the person you have divorced, are now...
View ArticleSpouse’s Trust Interest Shielded from Division in Divorce
Hi there, I continue to be amazed by the distinguished group of divorce and probate lawyers I have the privilege to work with at Burns & Levinson. Today’s decision on Pfannenstiehl v....
View ArticleMilitary Pensions Could See Significant Changes
Pending Federal legislation could have a huge impact on how judges will divide military pensions during a divorce. In a previous post, I discussed at length how military pension plans currently could...
View ArticleIt’s Back to School Time Again!
Hi there, Despite the oppressive heat, it’s almost back to school time again. By this point in the summer most parents are pretty ready for school to begin. One of the best ways to make the school year...
View Article2016 Best Legal Blog Competition Nominations
If you find the Divorce Law Monitor blog to be helpful, we could use your assistance with something! Please indulge us as we ask for a quick favor. The Expert Institute is accepting nominations for the...
View ArticleHow to Choose the Right Divorce Attorney for You
Hi there, People have very strong opinions on whether to hire a divorce attorney. One friend may tell you, “Oh I didn’t use an attorney, and it was fine.” Another may say, “My attorney was terrible,...
View Article12 of the Most Common Divorce-Related Questions
You have questions. We have answers to at least 12 of them. Hi there, If you’re considering a divorce, prepare to face some of the most difficult questions of your life. The divorce process doesn’t...
View ArticleSJC Rules That a Biological Connection Is Not Required for Parentage
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) has ruled that a person may establish herself as a child’s presumptive parent without the need for a biological relationship to the child. The same-sex...
View ArticleWords of Wisdom from Nancy Van Tine
Commander in Chief of Divorce Law Monitor You may know Nancy as the founder and editor of this terrific blog. Clients and colleagues know her as refreshingly honest, open, positive and tenacious – a...
View Article2016 Best Legal Blog Competition
Hi there, Our team of attorney bloggers takes great pride in bringing you important legal updates and helpful suggestions. We’re honored to have been nominated for The Expert Institute’s 2016 Best...
View ArticleHappy Thanksgiving!
Hi there, All of us at Divorce Law Monitor wish all of you a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving! Best, Nancy
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