OUI Laws in Massachusetts

Understanding OUI Laws in Massachusetts

Operating Under the Influence (OUI), commonly known as DUI in other states, is a serious offense in Massachusetts with severe legal consequences. An OUI charge can impact one’s freedom, financial stability, and even employment prospects. Understanding Massachusetts OUI laws, potential penalties, and available defenses can help individuals protect their rights and make informed decisions if…

Domestic Violence in Massachusetts

Legal Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence in Massachusetts

Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that affects individuals and families across Massachusetts. To protect victims and ensure their safety, the state provides various legal remedies and resources. Understanding these protections is critical for those seeking to escape abusive situations and for individuals navigating related family law matters. This article explores key legal protections, including abuse prevention…

Domestic Assault and Battery Charges in Massachusetts

Domestic Assault and Battery Charges in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, facing charges of domestic assault and battery can have profound legal and personal implications. Recognizing the seriousness of these accusations and the specifics of Massachusetts law is crucial for anyone accused or researching this sensitive subject. This article provides an overview of what domestic assault and battery entail under state law, the potential…

Co-Parenting Strategies After Divorce

Effective Co-Parenting Strategies After Divorce in Massachusetts: Navigating Legal Responsibilities

In Massachusetts, co-parenting arrangements are established to ensure that both parents remain active and engaged in their children’s lives post-divorce. Understanding the legal responsibilities and court orders related to co-parenting is crucial for parents to create a stable environment for their children. Legal Framework for Co-Parenting In Massachusetts, co-parenting arrangements are typically outlined in a…

Drug Offenses in Massachusetts: What You Need to Know

Drug offenses in Massachusetts carry serious legal consequences that can significantly impact an individual’s life. As experienced criminal defense lawyers, we understand the complexities of drug-related charges and the importance of a robust defense strategy. In this article, we will explore the legal implications of drug possession, distribution, and trafficking under Massachusetts law, provide examples…

Navigating Co-Parenting In Divorce: Tips and Legal Insights

Co-parenting after a divorce or separation can be challenging, but with the right approach and understanding of Massachusetts laws, it can be managed effectively. As family law attorneys, we are committed to helping parents navigate this complex terrain. In this article, we provide essential tips and legal insights on co-parenting in Massachusetts, discuss common challenges,…

Understanding Your Rights: What to Do If Charged with OUI in Massachusetts

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense in Massachusetts, known legally as Operating Under the Influence (OUI). As experienced criminal defense attorneys representing individuals charged with OUI in Massachusetts, our firm educates the public on the laws, penalties, and defensive tactics to protect their rights. Understanding these aspects can help individuals navigate…

Prenuptial Agreements in Massachusetts

When it comes to safeguarding assets and interests in marriage, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are invaluable tools. Understanding the significance of these agreements in protecting financial security and peace of mind is crucial. Prenuptial Agreements: Anticipating the Future Prenuptial agreements, commonly known as prenups, are legal contracts entered into by couples before marriage, outlining the…

Contempt of Court in Family Law Cases: Consequences and Remedies in Massachusetts

Court orders are not suggestions but legal obligations. When one party fails to comply with court orders, it can lead to contempt of court proceedings. In Massachusetts, understanding the ramifications of contempt in family law cases is crucial. As experienced family law attorneys in Massachusetts, we aim to shed light on this complex issue, outlining…

Protecting Your Business in Divorce: Strategies for Business Owners in Massachusetts

Divorce can be a complex and emotionally challenging process, especially when a business is involved. For business owners in Massachusetts, protecting their business interests during divorce proceedings is paramount. Understanding the state’s laws and regulations regarding property division and asset protection is crucial for safeguarding the future of the business. Understanding Massachusetts Property Division Laws…

Modifying Child Custody Orders in Massachusetts: When and How to Seek Changes

Navigating child custody matters can be a challenging journey for parents. In Massachusetts, as in many other states, child custody orders are not set in stone and can be modified under certain circumstances. Understanding the Initial Child Custody Order  Before delving into modifications, it’s crucial to understand the dynamics of the initial child custody order.…

Assault and Battery Defense: Your Comprehensive Guide to Massachusetts Law

In Massachusetts, understanding the complexities surrounding assault and battery charges is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we aim to shed light on the definitions, degrees, and potential defenses for assault and battery charges, including insights into domestic assault and battery cases. Understanding Assault and Battery: In Massachusetts, assault and battery are distinct but related offenses.…

Failure to Identify to a Police Officer: Laws and Penalties in Massachusetts

In the state of Massachusetts, individuals are required to cooperate with law enforcement officers in certain situations, including identifying themselves when lawfully asked by a police officer. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in legal consequences. This article aims to shed light on the laws surrounding the failure to identify to a police…

209A and Harassment Orders – Extending a 209A Order in Massachusetts

209A and Harassment Orders are protective orders issued by courts in Massachusetts to protect individuals from domestic abuse, harassment, and stalking. These orders are intended to provide a measure of safety and security for the person seeking protection, and they can include provisions such as restraining the abuser from contacting the protected person, or requiring…

Understanding Residency Requirements for Filing for Divorce in Massachusetts

Getting a divorce is a challenging experience, and the laws surrounding divorce can be overwhelming. One of the most crucial requirements for filing for divorce in Massachusetts is meeting the residency requirements. If you are contemplating a divorce and are unsure of the residency requirements in Massachusetts, read on to learn the essential information on…

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…

How, When, and Why to Establish Paternity for the Child of Unmarried Parents

While marriage gives certain rights and benefits to a couple and their children—favorable tax filing status, hospital visitation rights, and more—the children of unmarried parents are not without legal protection and benefits. Regardless of parents’ marital status, children are entitled to both parents’ financial support. Establishing the paternity of a child born to unmarried parents…

What You Need to Know About Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and Divorce 

As part of the divorce process, both parties are required to complete a financial disclosure. This ensures both parties have a complete picture regarding finances. The financial disclosure includes details about all assets and compensation, including and Restricted Stock Units (RSU) grants. Before understanding how RSUs are divided in a divorce, let’s review a few…

What is mediation and is it right for you?

Each year, thousands of couples get divorced. Many of these cases end up in court where a judge decides how assets will be divided and where the children will live. However, each year many couples also resolve divorce issues by agreement thereby avoiding trial and lowering their attorney fees. Divorce agreements or separation agreements reduce conflict and couples who are able to come to an agreement are more satisfied with…

Get the Facts About Parental Rights, Paternity Testing, and Child Support

As far as the Massachusetts courts are concerned, both mothers and fathers have legal rights and obligations when it comes to children. However, a child born to unmarried parents doesn’t automatically have a legal father. The mother is given sole legal and physical custody until paternity is established. For married couples, the husband is presumed…

Don’t Fall Victim to Hidden Assets During Divorce

When it comes to divorce in Massachusetts, everything related to finances must be fully disclosed. This includes every single asset, purchased together or otherwise, as well as all accumulated debts. Each spouse is instructed to report known findings through a financial (statement) affidavit. The financial statement is signed under the pains and penalties of perjury and is one…

Holiday Custody

The winter holidays may be the most wonderful time of the year, but they are also a top contender for the most stressful time of the year. Regardless of family structure, holiday gatherings and visits can be contentious. Under the stress of cleaning and cooking and visiting in-laws, even close-knit nuclear families, amicably divorced co-parents,…

My ex-spouse has asked to pick up our children, of whom we share custody, at a different time from that stated in our custody agreement. I’m fine with the change. Do we need to alter the agreement, or is a verbal agreement enough?

My ex-spouse has asked to pick up our children, of whom we share custody, at a different time from that stated in our custody agreement. I’m fine with the change. Do we need to alter the agreement, or is a verbal agreement enough? Practically, if this is a one-time, or two-time situation, a verbal agreement will suffice. If you…

What are the benefits of choosing mediation over litigation in a divorce?

When most of us think of divorce, we think of custody battles, endless legal filings, and costly court proceedings. The whole process of divorce can seem more daunting, and perhaps even more painful, than the emotional aspects of a marriage’s dissolution. But what if there was another way? Another, more humane, more gentle, less expensive…

Is it true that courts favor mothers in custody decisions?

While it remains a common belief that courts favor, or are even biased for, mothers in custody disputes, this is not the case. The belief stems from past practices and trends in court. When divorce became more common in the 1970s, society, including the judges within it, assumed a gendered division of labor within households.…

My fiancé and I are not particularly wealthy, but we are established professionals. Would we benefit from a prenup?

You and your fiancé would be wise to consider a prenuptial agreement, or “prenup” as it has come to be known. In fact, most, if not all, couples would benefit from a prenuptial agreement. Objections to getting a prenuptial agreement usually come in one of two categories. The first kind asserts that there is no…

How Child Custody Is Determined Under Massachusetts Law

In Massachusetts, several factors are used to determine child custody between two parents seeking divorce or between unmarried couples who cannot come to custody terms following separation. Massachusetts law recognizes four different types of custody: Sole legal custody Shared legal custody Sole physical custody Shared physical custody In the first and third statuses, only one…

Three things about OUI/DUI you wish you had known sooner

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…

Separation Agreements

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…