Double Dipping Explained in New Massachusetts Appeals Court Case By Hannah Lejter The Appeals Court highlighted an issue in divorce matters called “double dipping”, also known as “double counting,” reversing the Probate and Family Court’s decision in a new Massachusetts Appeals Court case, Michael A. Trethewey v. Rosalia F. Trethewey. In  Trethewey, the husband, Michael,...Read More

New Rule from FTC Bans Noncompete Agreements  By Hannah Lejter  On Tuesday, April 23, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a new rule in a 3-2 vote which bans noncompete clauses between employees and employers. The FTC labeled noncompete agreements as an “unfair method of competition and therefore a violation of Section 5 of...Read More

Teddy Bear’s Custody Triumph In the March 7, 2024 ruling of Lyman v. Lanser, the Appeals Court affirmed the agreement to share custody of Teddy Bear. You might find it odd that a teddy bear would be at the center of a custody dispute, and you’d be right: Teddy Bear is not a stuffed animal,...Read More

Co-Parenting Course Mandate in Massachusetts  Massachusetts has reintroduced a mandatory co-parenting course named “Two Families Now”. Probate and Family Court Standing Order 3-2023 “Co-Parenting Education Course for Married and Unmarried Parents” effective November 1, 2023, has been amended and superseded by this Standing Order as of February 12, 2024. This shift gives judges of the...Read More

On Tuesday, February 14, 2023, the Supreme Judicial Court for Suffolk County of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts issued a landmark decision to disbar attorney James Hayes, a practitioner at City Hayes & Dissette PC. The case highlights a series of egregious ethical violations, leading to his disbarment. We will delve into the details of the...Read More

In a shocking turn of events, a recent Appeals Court decision has sparked considerable debate within the realm of family law and separation agreements. Following the incident where a man’s ex-wife attacked him with a hatchet, the court ruled that he was excused from further payments under their separation agreement. This decision, based on a...Read More

By Melissa Levine-Piro, Keri Bruso & Gabrielle Antolovic Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner’s divorce is splashed across the news – for good reason. From Christine’s demand for $248,000.00 a month in child support to Kevin’s allegations about Christine’s spending habits and accusations about extramarital affairs, this case has been drama-filled. The most exciting part for...Read More

By Gabrielle Antolovic Attorneys and staff at Hera Law Group recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. We strive to protect our client’s legal needs and wellness as a firm. We work towards protecting and advocating on behalf of survivors, including those who have suffered physical, sexual, financial, or abuse based in coercive control. At...Read More

Oklahoma Court Decision Raises Concerns for LGBTQ+ Parents Highlighting the Importance of Confirmatory Adoptions By Keri Bruso In February 2023, an Oklahoma state court issued a decision that handed over a lesbian mother’s parenting rights to the child’s sperm donor. This case highlighted the importance of securing LGBTQ+ parenting rights through confirmatory adoptions. What happened?...Read More