Family Law
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…
Read MoreJonathan Fields Admitted as Fellow to the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML)
Fields and Dennis LLP would like to congratulate Jonathan Fields on his admission into the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) as a Fellow. The AAML, according to its website, is “comprised of the top 1,600 matrimonial attorneys throughout the nation.” The AAML website notes that Fellows “are generally recognized by judges and attorneys as…
Read MorePremarital Counseling Predicts Divorce
The big “D” can now be predicted…in premarital counseling. Premarital counseling often occurs because the couple has to do it, or they want tips and advice for a healthy relationship. Either way, learning how a couple behaves can be a major indicator for divorce. The indicator everyone seems to know is Gottman’s 4 Horsemen of…
Read MoreHow 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…
Read MoreShould I Fire My Divorce Lawyer?
If you’re not sure your divorce lawyer is the best fit, it’s time to start asking questions. It is imperative to have a trusted and competent lawyer who believes in putting your interests first. The first question to ask yourself is: Do you know what is going on in your case? For instance, you should…
Read MoreThe Best Living Arrangement for Children of Divorce
Divorce takes a huge toll on the entire family, and the kids especially feel the stress. Up until recently, the old way of thinking was to have joint custody of the child—such as the child may have an every-other-weekend custody arrangement with the non-full-time parent, but certainly not an equal custody arrangement with both parents.…
Read MoreAttorney 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…
Read MoreChoosing 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…
Read MoreDivorce and Trust Interests: Demystifying the Legal Landscape for the Practitioner
The interplay between divorce and trust interests may be one of the most vexing for practitioners and mediators. This primer attempts to synthesize the legal landscape in this area and to demystify the issue so that we may better serve our clients. Read the article.
Read MoreSpeaking Engagement at MAGAL Conference
Thanks to the Massachusetts Association of Guardians Ad Litem (MAGAL) for inviting me to speak at their annual conference on November 7 on high-conflict cases in litigation and mediation. The keynote speaker, Bill Eddy, was terrific. The title, too, was excellent– “I’m OK, You’re a X$!#@&%!!!: High-Conflict Behavior in Family Law Cases.”
Read More