Carolyn is an attorney and education specialist with nearly 20 years’ experience in education reform/systems change, special education, disability law and policy, trauma and learning, best practices in teaching and learning, youth development programs and family engagement. Carolyn’s practice areas include special education law, estate planning, and probate. An attorney since 1995, Carolyn began her...Read More

Did you know if you are going through a divorce in Massachusetts and you have minor children then you are required to take an approved parent education class? This class is mandatory unless the court gives you permission to waive the requirement. The class must be completed by the time of your final hearing in...Read More

People underestimate what children experience in divorces, but children see and hear more then most divorcing parents think they do. The initial stages of the divorce, and the first few years after the divorce, are the hardest for children to adjust to. As parents, it is your job to maintain a sense of normalcy for...Read More

If you’re contemplating divorce, going through a divorce, or have been through a divorce, the first question you will likely ask, or did ask, your attorney, or prospective attorney, is, “How much is this going to cost me?” While it’s a very reasonable question to ask, the answer is always “It depends.” And what does...Read More

On August 1, 2013 revisions to the Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines will go into effect. Below you will find the highlights of those revisions according to a press release from the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts. If you have questions or concerns regarding your current or potential child support obligations, consult with an experienced Family...Read More

Telling your children about divorce is one of the most challenging parts of the divorce process. At my very first consultation with clients I provide them with reading material and recommendations on books regarding how to breach this subject with their small children. However, after they leave my office and head home, they are the...Read More

Though often spoken in hushed tones, having final disposition instructions can be extremely important to allow your final funeral wishes granted. Final disposition instructions are, in general, the instructions given to your loved ones about how you want your funeral to go. They can be as detailed or as vague as a person wants. Though they can be part...Read More

Months ago, Massachusetts voted to legalize medical marijuana and with medical marijuana comes medical marijuana dispensaries. The problem that has arisen across the state is that many towns do not want to have medical marijuana dispensaries within their borders. Many towns have tried to ban medical marijuana dispensaries through zoning regulations, however, the Massachusetts Attorney...Read More

Massachusetts General Law chapter 209a governs abuse prevention orders for those with a “familial relationship.” In practice this means people who are married, are related, and other close relationships. A sumbsection of the law, section (e), allows for 209a protections for those who “are or have been in a substantive dating or engagement relationship, which...Read More

Last March (2012) the new alimony reform laws went into effect regarding divorce in Massachusetts. But before we get into that, lets discuss some alimony basics. What is alimony? Alimony is money one spouse is ordered to pay the other spouse during the divorce process and/or after a divorce is finalized. What Statute Governs Alimony?...Read More