A Spouse’s Bad Conduct and its Impact on Property Division in a Massachusetts Divorce

By Jonathan Fields, Esq. One of the most frequent questions clients ask divorce attorneys is whether a spouse’s bad conduct will impact the financial settlement in a divorce.  This article explores the Massachusetts law in this area. The Massachusetts property division statute, G.L. c.208 s.34, requires courts to examine multiple factors in determining the division…

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How to Prepare for Your Child Custody Mediation

When emotions are involved, a mediator can serve as a neutral party to tackle serious issues in a divorce. Child custody is often the most serious issue, especially in regard to how time is split between the parents and children. The first tip in regard to preparing for your child custody mediation is to know…

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Attorney Fields Speaking on Family Law Mediation in Wellesley

Fields and Dennis, LLP is pleased to announce that Jonathan Fields will be speaking on the topic of “Mediation Challenges for the Family Law Practitioner” in Wellesley on April 8th. He, along with Kate Fanger, Esq. and Ellen Waldorf, Esq., will be presenting on behalf of the Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation (MCFM) at the…

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Choosing a Divorce Lawyer (VIDEO)

Choosing a divorce attorney is a highly personal experience and there are many factors that should influence your decision. Finding a divorce lawyer that you connect with and trust is important, and it is equally essential that they have the capabilities to handle the unique circumstances of your individual situation. Watch this video to hear…

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Divorce Wisdom: When Not to Listen to the Advice of Others

If you are going through a divorce, you are no stranger to the advice of loved ones who mean well, but ultimately may not know what is best for you and your unique situation. Your family and friends, after all, only want the best for you.  They are on your side one hundred percent, which…

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What to Look for in a Divorce Attorney and What to Avoid

Divorce is a trying time for everyone who goes through it, but each divorce is also different. Whether the couple has been married for a lengthy span, if there are children involved, if the parting is amicable or the separation is wrought with hostility and resentment. With so many unique concerns to consider, there is…

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A Revealing Look at the Modern Marriage

A recent study commissioned by UK law firm Slater & Gordon explores the state of marriage in the modern age.  The study surveyed 2,000 married people on their deepest feelings about matrimony, divorce and the consequences of both. Of those surveyed, a fifth described themselves as “trapped” by their marriage, and would decidedly end it,…

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Remember to Breath: Taking Care of Yourself During a Divorce

Divorce is a difficult decision, and it is one that leaves many impending problems in its wake.  It is important to consider the repercussions on your family, your finances, and your estate.  But there is another thing to consider, that can often fall by the wayside when dealing with such an emotionally-wrought decision: YOU and your…

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Massachusetts Most-Divorced Towns – 2012

New data released by the United States Census Department in December 2012 reports that on average 9.2 percent of Massachusetts residents have reported themselves at one time as being divorced. Conveniently published by WCVB Boston on January 7, 2013, this date is released just in time to encourage any Valentine’s Day cynics that love might…

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MCFM President's Letter: The Genius of Family

On September 13, as most of you know, MCFM marked an important milestone – our 30th anniversary.  We honored the occasion with an event at the Endicott House in Dedham.  Thanks to the organizers (in alphabetical order – Lynn Cooper, Barbara Kellman, Diane Spears, Laurie Udell, and Fran Whyman,) it was a well-attended and unqualified…

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