Defending Against Restraining Orders in Massachusetts: 209A vs. 258E
Understanding Restraining Orders in Massachusetts Restraining orders are serious court orders that restrict one person’s ability to contact or come near another. In Massachusetts, there are two main types: 209A Abuse Prevention Orders and 258E Harassment Prevention Orders. While both serve to protect individuals, they are used in different circumstances and carry different legal standards. […]
When Circumstances Change: Modifying Child Custody, Child Support, or Alimony in Massachusetts
Family law orders such as child custody, child support, and alimony are based on the circumstances at the time the order was issued. But life rarely stays the same. When material changes occur—such as a job loss, relocation, or changes in a child’s needs—it may be possible to seek a legal modification to an existing […]
Understanding Criminal Harassment Charges in Massachusetts
Criminal harassment is a serious offense in Massachusetts that can have lasting legal, personal, and professional consequences. Often arising from repeated and unwanted contact or conduct, criminal harassment is distinct from other offenses like stalking or civil harassment, and it can lead to both misdemeanor and felony charges depending on the circumstances. Understanding what constitutes […]
Understanding Criminal Harassment Charges in Massachusetts
Criminal harassment is a serious offense in Massachusetts that can have lasting legal, personal, and professional consequences. Often arising from repeated and unwanted contact or conduct, criminal harassment is distinct from other offenses like stalking or civil harassment, and it can lead to both misdemeanor and felony charges depending on the circumstances. Understanding what constitutes […]
Aggravated Assault in Massachusetts: Definition, Types, Penalties, and the Importance of Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney
Assault is a serious crime that involves intentionally causing or attempting to cause harm to another person. When the assault is carried out with a weapon or causes serious bodily injury, it is known as aggravated assault. In Massachusetts, aggravated assault is a felony offense that carries severe penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and a criminal […]
Ways to Discover Hidden Assets During a Divorce
Despite complications to the marriage, most people enter the divorce process believing their soon to be ex-spouse is an honest person. Unfortunately, this is not always the situation. The fact is, dishonesty is a common reason for seeking a divorce. Even if you have no reason to suspect your former partner is dishonest, there is […]
Divorce 101: A Quick Intro To Filing For Divorce In Massachusetts
Many couples start out in marriage with great hopes and expectations, only to end up in a relationship that unfortunately does not work. There are many steps in the divorce process in Massachusetts and just as many avenues to take depending on your situation. Here is a brief introduction to filing for divorce in Massachusetts […]
Family Law Court Orders: Contempt and Enforcement of Court Orders
When parties divorce in Massachusetts, a Judgment of Divorce Nisi will enter ninety days before the divorce becomes absolute, or final. If the parties executed a Separation Agreement in connection with their divorce, that Separation Agreement will be incorporated into the Judgment of Divorce and become an Order of the Court. If the parties actually […]
Filing for Divorce with the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court
For those looking to pursue a divorce action in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, several factors must be considered prior to the filing of an action with the Probate and Family Court. The legal process of divorce can be complicated; therefore, it is in the best interest of each individual to consider hiring an attorney who […]
How Is Spousal Support Determined In Massachusetts?
One of the most common questions when going through a divorce is about spousal support. Spousal support is often called alimony, and it is a word that many people hear but don’t quite understand. When you hear about divorces involving famous people, most often there are orders for large amounts of alimony. You may hear […]