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In the event of a divorce, one parent may be ordered by the court to pay child support. Under Massachusetts law, both parents are required to support their children—and this is true regardless of marital status (whether the parents are married, divorced, separated, or were never married). The parent the child lives with is termed…
If you’ve been pulled over and charged with OUI in Massachusetts, there are three things about Massachusetts OUI/DUI laws that you’ll wish you’d known sooner. Let’s start with some definitions. OUI means “operating under the influence” of alcohol, while DUI means “driving under the influence” of alcohol. While many states refer to drunk driving arrests…
Making the decision to separate from your spouse is difficult and often occurs over a lengthy period of time. During that time, it’s common for spouses to begin living in separate households. If the partners have children, this raises many questions about where and with who the children should live. Massachusetts law has put in…
When the terms of your divorce no longer fit your present circumstances, petitioning for divorce modification can help alter the terms accordingly. In the state of Massachusetts, overturning a divorce decree requires an appeal. This process is often drawn-out because one appellate court will need to overturn a lower court’s decision. These appeals are usually…
Posted by Michael Franklin Massachusetts family law covers the divorce process, which begins when one of the spouses actually files a legal petition, or “complaint,” which advises the court he, or she, wishes to end the marriage, and this petition is “served” on the other spouse. Legal requirements for divorce in Massachusetts (MA) can be…
Posted by Michael Franklin Deciding to end a marriage is a difficult and stressful decision. But, the decision is only the first step in ending a marriage. Once you have decided that divorce is best for you and your spouse, the next step is finding an attorney. A law firm well-versed in Massachusetts law pertaining…
“Michael is a straight-shooter and sharp as a tack. I hired Michael without hesitation because he actually tried to talk me out of hiring him! He guided me step-by-step through a difficult time in my life when visitation with my daughter had stopped for no reason. Thanks to Michael, my daughter and I have a…
Posted by Michael Franklin – Limited Assistance Representation allows an attorney to assist a self-represented client with specific issues on a limited basis. This might include preparing or reviewing documents, appearing in court or giving legal advice, hence the term unbundled services. This type of limited representation, compensated or pro bono, permits the attorney to…
Posted by Michael Franklin – Separation agreements allow you to outline specifically in a divorce what you agree to. Specifically, separation agreements resolve issues such as custody, child support, parenting time, alimony, medical and dental insurance, property and debt division, taxes, and name changes. What you put in the agreement is specific to the situation…
Posted by Michael Franklin – With the many complications involved in divorce–both financial and the stress it places on the individuals involved–the last thing one needs to deal with is the suspicion that the opposing spouse is hiding assets or unreported income during the legal process of dividing marital assets and debts. It is in…
Posted by Michael Franklin – Massachusetts law allows step-parents to adopt their spouse’s child under certain circumstances through an independent adoption. The first step in the adoption process is to file a petition in probate court. If the non-custodial biological parent consents then the court will simply finalize the adoption if the step-parent is eligible…
Posted by Michael Franklin – Divorce can be a stressful time. When children are involved, the experience can be even harder. Figuring out where the child or children will live often transitions into disagreements and arguments, particularly if both parents want sole custody of the children or if one parent feels like he or she…
“Michael helped me conclude my alimony payments under Massachusetts alimony reform law. This new law isn’t yet well understood by the legal system and Michael explained my options to getting alimony concluded. We successfully negotiated an end to alimony without having to go to a costly trial. Michael has a professional and pleasant demeanor but…
“Thanks again to you and Deb for your great work in getting the alimony concluded. I appreciated how easy it was to reach both of you, your promptness in replying to all inquiries, and the final outcome.” Jeffrey R.
Posted by Michael Franklin – Harassment online is becoming increasingly common, however many people don’t realize there are laws to protect victims and prosecute the offenders. Massachusetts General Law states that anyone who conducts continuing malicious behavior specific to another person that results in substantial emotional distress and alarm is guilty of criminal harassment. This…
Attorney Michael Franklin was quoted in the Worcester Telegram & Gazette regarding the topic of couples waiting until the New Year to file for divorce. Following is an excerpt from this article: By Craig S. Semon | Telegram & Gazette When it comes to divorce filings in January, Worcester attorney Michael Mayer Franklin has witnessed…
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