Rights to the Engagement Ring When the Wedding is Called Off In Massachusetts an Engagement Ring is usually considered a conditional gift. What’s a conditional gift you ask? A conditional gift is a gift that is dependent on something happening. In this circumstance the engagement ring is conditional on marriage taking place. Historically the court...Read More

Because Nobody Gets Out Alive The importance of health care proxies “Everybody has got to die, but I always believed an exception would be made in my case.” –William Saroyan, 1983 Funny how many, if not most, of us walk around with that same notion in our heads. Understandable. After all, getting in touch with...Read More

I can’t believe I stayed. I can’t believe I put up with the abuse for so long. I should have known better. I took a class on this in college and I fell right into the classic situation I was educated about. Why didn’t I leave? Why did this happen for so long? These were...Read More

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