tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60391087229994915712024-03-13T06:03:17.981-04:00Boston, MA Divorce and Law BlogAPranskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698403426083180686noreply@blogger.comBlogger172125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039108722999491571.post-49350361229668280582020-07-20T20:51:00.001-04:002020-07-20T20:51:17.589-04:00How Do You Know When to Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer?" General Injury Lawyer<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JrXgVRo1oio/XxY723khcMI/AAAAAAAAAtk/FPhPJQ-nN5Q2QAxPXMsEbyFOWfm7wkrgACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/personal%2Binjury%2Blawyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="664" data-original-width="1000" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JrXgVRo1oio/XxY723khcMI/AAAAAAAAAtk/FPhPJQ-nN5Q2QAxPXMsEbyFOWfm7wkrgACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/personal%2Binjury%2Blawyer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Determining if you need a personal injury lawyer for your claim is not always easy. Especially if you have been in car accidents before, you may think that all you need to do is call the insurance company. This may or may not work in your favor but most people think that this is simply the way it goes. However, personal injury attorneys want you to know that you should not expect things to go poorly when you get in contact with someone else’s insurance company. In fact, it can seem like people are out to get you and are not on your side and the truth is you may be right. While we do not encourage our clients to be paranoid, we do want to give you a healthy dose of reality. Even if the other party’s insurance agent seems like the nicest person in the world, their job is not to make sure you get the compensation you deserve after an accident. It is to make sure their company pays as little as possible.<br />
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Personal Injury Claims and Getting a Lawyer<br />
With this in mind, you may be wondering if you need a personal injury attorney for all claims you make against someone else. We have written down a helpful list of times when it would be especially prudent to have a personal injury attorney from our firm on your side.<br />
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1.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Your injuries are severe. In some cases, you may find that you have minor bruising and do not wish to even make a claim. We understand not wanting to make a big deal out of nothing. However, when your injuries are more obvious and severe, you may have a bigger personal injury claim on your hands. Typically, the more severe your injuries are, the bigger the compensation and the longer it will take you to recover. You don’t want to rely on yourself to fight a personal injury claim when you are recovering from your injuries.<br />
2.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>You have a disability. When an accident causes you to have a permanent disability or a long-term disability, the lawyers at Cohen & Cohen can explain how it can be particularly difficult to try to determine what type of compensation you deserve and how much. A personal injury attorney who has knowledge of personal injuries and disabilities is the right person for the job.<br />
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If you would like to speak with a personal injury attorney about your claim, please contact a nearby office now.APranskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698403426083180686noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039108722999491571.post-56680386387959002122020-07-09T22:16:00.000-04:002020-07-09T22:16:20.832-04:00Emojis can have legal consequences.🥺<span style="font-size: x-large;">👨⚖️ </span>An <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emoji" target="_blank">emoji </a>is "any of various small images, symbols, or icons used in text fields in electronic communication (as in text messages, e-mail, and social media) to express the emotional attitude of the writer, convey information succinctly, communicate a message playfully without using words, etc." <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Since 2010 emojis have become common in popular usage an some emojis have acquired standard definitions. Emojis have gained acceptance in personal communications as well as business communications.<br />
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<a href="https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2016/04/20/10/335B585A00000578-3549376-The_dizzy_emoji_with_crossed_eyes_is_often_used_to_mean_dead_or_-a-8_1461144171759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="12 most commonly misunderstood emojis | Daily Mail Online" border="0" height="200" src="https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2016/04/20/10/335B585A00000578-3549376-The_dizzy_emoji_with_crossed_eyes_is_often_used_to_mean_dead_or_-a-8_1461144171759.jpg" width="200" /></a>A number of courts have examined specific communications in which emojis were used. These cases addressed the issue of what, if any, legal effect is to be given to the communication which used emojis. In a <a href="https://law.justia.com/cases/massachusetts/supreme-court/2017/sjc-12090.html" target="_blank">Massachusetts case</a> the District Attorney argued that an emoji with eyes crossed sent by the defendant to the victim was evidence of premeditated murder. The court allowed the jury to consider the emoji as evidence. A <a href="https://www.courts.state.co.us/userfiles/file/Court_Probation/Supreme_Court/Opinions/2017/17SC116.pdf" target="_blank">Colorado Court </a>discussed the difficulty of interpreting emojis as it is a picture used to convey information. The Court noted that interpretation is more difficult as the actual image created by the emoji can differ depending on the software used by each person. An <a href="https://digitalcommons.law.scu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2518&context=historical" target="_blank">Israeli Court</a> concluded that a contract had been created after considering a communication that used emojis.<br />
<a href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1061/1924/products/Squirrel_Iphone_Emoji_JPG_1024x1024.png?v=1571606115" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Squirrel Emoji [Free Download IOS Emojis] | Emoji Island" border="0" height="193" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1061/1924/products/Squirrel_Iphone_Emoji_JPG_1024x1024.png?v=1571606115" width="200" /></a><br />
Courts have interpreted emojis in criminal cases, contract cases, family law cases, sexual harassment cases, copyright cases, and a variety of other cases. Court will continue to interpret emojis as long as people use them for communication.<br />
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<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcT2_E_8Zc82o4wWyEesA2_OnOrdMvVydnNRBw&usqp=CAU" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="⚖️ Balance Scale Emoji Meaning with Pictures: from A to Z" border="0" height="200" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcT2_E_8Zc82o4wWyEesA2_OnOrdMvVydnNRBw&usqp=CAU" width="200" /></a>In all of these cases, the Courts treated the emojis as a form of communication. Just as with any other communication, Courts have to interpret the communication. Emojis can be difficult to interpret and Courts will continue to struggle with the meanings of individual communications. When communicating on a subject that is important I advise that people should use clear communications and avoid the use of emojis. If you want to know the legal consequences of an emoji communication you should consult an <a href="https://www.pransky.com/" target="_blank">attorney</a>.<br />
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>APranskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698403426083180686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039108722999491571.post-90472724138449567922020-07-04T15:44:00.000-04:002020-07-04T15:44:19.163-04:00After divorce update your estate plan and survivor provisions for assets <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XVTgZtLKCFM/XwDbkftCbLI/AAAAAAAAAs4/NJznWheDFPoCtSrQw6uETN4DxLXVIKHEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/life%2Binsruance%2BOIP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="474" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XVTgZtLKCFM/XwDbkftCbLI/AAAAAAAAAs4/NJznWheDFPoCtSrQw6uETN4DxLXVIKHEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/life%2Binsruance%2BOIP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A divorce judgment will allocate assets between the spouses. This property division will address all assets owned by either party or both party without regard to the title prior to the divorce. In many instances the final judgment will allow some or all assets to be allocated to the party who owned the asset prior to divorce. Many of these assets will have contract terms that contain payable on death clauses. Typically these payable on death clauses are paid to the surviving spouse. <br />
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After a divorce, each spouse should examine all assets allocated to them and review the payable on death clauses. In particular, life insurance policies, retirement accounts, pensions, investment accounts, and bank accounts should all be examined. If the divorce decree requires death designations then there is a specific duty to conform to the requirements of the judgment. If the decree is silent on death designations then each spouse is free to change the death designations to any person they want. However, if a person still wants to make their ex-spouse the death beneficiary then extra steps must be taken.<br />
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<a href="https://codes.findlaw.com/ma/part-ii-real-and-personal-property-and-domestic-relations-ch-183-210/ma-gen-laws-ch-190b-sect-2-804.html" target="_blank">Massachusetts law</a> treats any death designation to an ex-spouse as revoked upon divorce. This means that if a person wants their ex-spouse to receive death benefits they must take some action, after divorce judgment issues, to reinstate the death benefit. I recommend that if a person wants their ex-spouse to continue to have death benefits that they state so in a will. In addition, they should notify the trustee of the asset (life insurance company, brokerage firm, bank, etc.) that they are ratifying the death benefit designation. If a person does not write a will after a divorce then they should write their intention in a document that can be signed before a notary public.<br />
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If these steps are not taken, then the assets are not likely to be distributed as desired after death. In addition, there is an excellent chance that litigation will be filed to determine who gets the asset after death.<br />
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It is strongly recommended that everybody who gets divorced should consult a<a href="https://www.pransky.com/estate-administration-and-probate/" target="_blank"> lawyer</a> and execute a will after the divorce. <br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>APranskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698403426083180686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039108722999491571.post-56255012167755022232020-04-29T11:38:00.000-04:002020-07-11T12:15:43.445-04:00Massachusetts allows remote notarization of documents during the Corvid-19 emergency<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XMSb8KRp_yE/Xwnkk9dTeCI/AAAAAAAAAtE/S6GpinvHqQ03D7EnTonoDHDz-wHYHSxNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200708_153943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1348" data-original-width="1318" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XMSb8KRp_yE/Xwnkk9dTeCI/AAAAAAAAAtE/S6GpinvHqQ03D7EnTonoDHDz-wHYHSxNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20200708_153943.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>
Massachusetts is still suffering from Corvid-19 (Coronavirus) and all citizens are suppose to follow <a href="https://www.mass.gov/info-details/reopening-mandatory-safety-standards-for-workplaces#social-distancing-" target="_blank">social distancing rules</a>. Businesses are permitted to open but must maintain social distancing and limit the number of people in an office. People still have the need to execute documents. Some of these documents need to be signed before a notary public. Massachusetts government has recognized the need for documents to be signed before a notary public during this emergency by passing a law to allow remote notary witnessing of documents. This law went into effect immediately upon the Governor signing the law due to the emergency nature. The law expires three days after the Governor’s declaration of emergency terminates.<br />
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This bill has a number of requirements for remote notarization. The following is a summary of the requirements of the new law:<br />
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●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Notary must witness signing of document by video and acknowledgment by principal<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Notary and Principal are physically within Massachusetts (Principal swears or affirms this to Notary)<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Principal discloses all other people in the room with Principal<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Principal provides Notary with proof of identity<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>○<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Government issued<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>○<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Photo ID<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>○<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>ID displayed on video and then image of front and back emailed or faxed to Notary or sent with document<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Original document sent to Notary by delivery or courier service<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Notary record retention 10 years<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If the document being notarized relates to the title to land the principal and notary must have a second video conference in which the principal verifies that the document received by the notary is the correct document. A second form of identification is also required.<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When notary affixes notary seal the recital must indicate that the document was remotely acknowledged<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Notary executes an affidavit in which the notary states compliance with all of the requirements under the statute and retains the affidavit for 10 years.<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Certain documents may only be notarized by a notary public who is also a lawyer or a paralegal working under the supervision of a lawyer.<br />
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<a href="https://www.pransky.com/" target="_blank">Attorney Alan Pransky</a> is also a notary and can assist people who have a need to have documents signed before a notary public.APranskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698403426083180686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039108722999491571.post-89426982662289158502020-03-25T10:13:00.000-04:002020-04-01T15:09:03.244-04:00Massachusetts emergency declarations and court ordered parenting time (visitation).<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f3AWQTMU4SA/XntmwszXNqI/AAAAAAAAAqs/YkHvi9uUhPc4VRlJ8DdhizfGaZjxCev6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/covid%2B19%2B0x852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="852" data-original-width="1551" height="175" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f3AWQTMU4SA/XntmwszXNqI/AAAAAAAAAqs/YkHvi9uUhPc4VRlJ8DdhizfGaZjxCev6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/covid%2B19%2B0x852.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">In an effort to fight the
spread of Covid-19 (coronavirus) Governor Baker has issued emergency
declarations and </span><a href="https://www.mass.gov/news/dph-public-health-advisory-stay-at-home-advisory-for-individuals-over-70-and-for-those-with" style="font-size: large;">Health
care advisories</a><span style="font-size: medium;"> to enforce social distancing. He has declared a
public health emergency. He has closed all non-essential businesses.
He is trying to force Massachusetts residents to stay six feet away
from other people. The Courts have issued their own set of rules for
functioning during this emergency in which they are closed for all
purposes except emergencies. What happens to Court ordered parenting
time during this emergency? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Chief Justice of the Probate Courts has issued an <a href="https://www.mass.gov/news/open-letter-regarding-co-parenting-during-covid-19-from-chief-justice-john-d-casey" target="_blank">open letter</a> addressing parenting time during the Covid-19 emergency. This letter states that parenting orders must be followed unless the parent or child are quarantining. The letter has several links that are helpful and discuss parenting in more specifics.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">If there is a court order
that specifically calls for parenting time during the Covid-19
emergency then those orders must be followed. Very few court orders
will meet these criteria. </span>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">In all other cases, the
parents should cooperate to allow parenting time in compliance with both the court orders and the emergency orders to the extent possible. The ideal visit would keep the parent and child six feet away from each other. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">A visiting parent can
meet the child at the child's home and take the child for a walk,
biking, or hiking. Perhaps the parent and child can have picnic.
During these activities they can stay six feet apart.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">However, if a visiting parent insists, then that parent can transport a child in a car or take the child to the
visiting parent's home. The parent should not be able to take the child to a restaurant or a movie theater as these should be closed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">If visitation is being curtailed by agreement of the parents then the parents can increase telephone or
video communications between absent parent and child.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Hopefully parents will
agree on methods to allow parenting time and still keep social
distance. In most cases, if the parents can't agree they can return
to court to work out such matters. At present, the courts are
closed for matters like this. A visiting parent who thinks that the
other parent is violating court orders by denying parenting time
won't have any remedies until the emergency is over and the courts
reopen. At that time, the visiting parent can file a </span><a href="https://www.pransky.com/FAQ/FAQ-Divorce.shtml#65" style="font-size: large;" target="_blank">contempt</a><span style="font-size: medium;">
action.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">A contempt for violation
of a court order has three elements:</span></div>
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<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">A clear court
order</span></div>
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<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">A clear violation
of the order</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">The ability of the
other parent to comply with the order.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">In light of the Chief Judge's letter it is likely that Judges will make findings of contempt if a child is not permitted to accompany a visiting parent without something more than the declaration of emergency. If someone shows symptoms of covid-19 they should be isolated. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">A finding of contempt
should not issue if a parent appeared to violate a court order to
protect the safety of the child or the parent. Protecting a child from exposure to someone with active symptoms of covid-19 is likely to be found to be necessary to protect the child and other family members.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Hopefully parents can
cooperate during this emergency. However, if they cannot, consulting
an experienced <a href="http://pransky.com/" target="_blank">family law attorney</a> may help the parties resolve the
issues. If a parent thinks that a true emergency exists and they
should file an action in court before the emergency is over, then
they should consult an <a href="http://pransky.com/" target="_blank">attorney</a> on bringing an emergency action.</span></div>
<br />APranskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698403426083180686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039108722999491571.post-63932020686705640782020-02-08T17:46:00.001-05:002020-02-08T17:46:33.365-05:00Can a dead man's sperm be extracted for directed conception in Massachusetts?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fdgfyujk0Oc/Xj86PPwzxtI/AAAAAAAAAqU/yimpVO5aLb4V-b_wHYrZpcENA-AGuFYmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/sperm%2B9931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fdgfyujk0Oc/Xj86PPwzxtI/AAAAAAAAAqU/yimpVO5aLb4V-b_wHYrZpcENA-AGuFYmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/sperm%2B9931.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Two recent news stories related stories of extracting sperm after a man died for purposes of conceiving a child. In a story from California, a man died in a traffic accident and his widow had his sperm extracted and then, through in vitro fertilization, conceived and gave birth to a child. In a case from New York, <a href="https://law.justia.com/cases/new-york/other-courts/2019/2019-ny-slip-op-29146.html">Matter of Zhu</a>, a man died in a skiing accident. His parents went to court for permission to extract his sperm. The Court ordered the sperm to be extracted and given to the parents to make all decisions about conceiving a child.</div>
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This article addresses the possibility of extraction of sperm after a man's death in Massachusetts for the purpose of a directed conception. I use the term directed conception to mean conception for the purposed of creating a legal and biological child of the deceased man. The term does not include donation to a sperm bank where the sperm can be used for conception but the child conceived will not be the legal child of the male donor. A directed conception creates moral, ethical, and legal issues that don't exist with a non-directed conception.</div>
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The first post-mortem sperm extraction that resulted in the birth of a child occurred in 1999. Since then legislatures and courts around the world have addressed the issued. In 2002 the <a href="https://www.blogger.com/Under%20Massachusetts%20law%20before%20a%20man%20dies,%20he%20can%20consent%20to%20postumous%20sperm%20extraction%20and%20conception.%20%20%20While%20at%20least%20one%20court%20has%20established%20that%20this%20right%20exists,%20the%20court%20did%20not%20state%20how%20such%20consent%20is%20established%20after%20death.">Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court</a> addressed the matter in terms of a post-mortem conceived child having inheritance rights and the status as the child of the deceased.</div>
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<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0.5in;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="p538"></a><a href="https://casetext.com/case/woodward-v-commissioner-of-social-security"><span style="color: #212529;"><span style="font-family: freight-text-pro, serif;">In certain limited circumstances, a child</span></span></a><a href="https://casetext.com/case/woodward-v-commissioner-of-social-security"><span style="color: #212529;"> </span></a><span style="color: #212529;"><span style="font-family: freight-text-pro, serif;"><a href="https://casetext.com/case/woodward-v-commissioner-of-social-security">resulting from posthumous reproduction may enjoy the inheritance rights of "issue" under the Massachusetts intestacy statute. </a>These limited circumstances exist where, as a threshold matter, the surviving parent or the child's other legal representative demonstrates a genetic relationship between the child and the decedent. The survivor or </span></span><span style="color: #212529;"> </span><span style="color: #212529;"><span style="font-family: freight-text-pro, serif;">representative must then establish both that the decedent affirmatively consented to posthumous conception and to the support of any resulting child.</span></span></div>
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The court did not address the issue whether spouse or a parent has the right to obtain the post-mortem extraction of sperm for the purpose of conception. It is possible that a spouse or a parent may want to create a biological child even if the child is denied the legal status of an heir of the deceased.</div>
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Massachusetts has enacted the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act which allows for “<a href="https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXVI/Chapter113A/Section9">transplantation, therapy, research, or education</a>” of parts of a human body after death. The language “transplantation, therapy, research, or education does not, necessarily, include harvesting sperm after death for creating an embryo. Certainly parties can argue over the interpretation of this language and, like other jurisdictions, can go to court to resolve the issue. An argument can be made that the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act does not address extraction of sperm for the purpose of conception.</div>
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One answer to the questions posed by post-mortem sperm extraction is that the intent of the deceased must control. Legislation and court decisions from most jurisdictions look to the intent of the deceased. Lawyers, when creating estate plans for male clients should address this matter.</div>
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While it is not clear that the Anatomical Gift Act will control post-mortem sperm extractions, the formalities of that law for establishing a persons permission and intentions for anatomical gifts should be recognized by courts to establish intent for post death conceptions. The protections afforded the deceased by this act should satisfy any judge who hears a case of this nature.</div>
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I suggest that when attorneys discuss estate planning with age appropriate males that they discuss posthumous sperm donation. They should ask the client about the following:</div>
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<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Does the client want to donate sperm to a sperm bank?</div>
</li>
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Does the client want to donate sperm to a specified recipient?</div>
</li>
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If the client directs a recipient for the sperm does the client want any child conceived from the extraction to be a lawful heir of the client?</div>
</li>
</ul>
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If the client wants to leave instructions for a sperm donation then the lawyer should prepare a document that complies with the formalities of the Massachusetts anatomical gift act that states the client's desires. Any man that wants to permit such sperm extraction should consult an <a href="https://www.pransky.com/">attorney </a>to prepare a document that reflects his desires.</div>
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APranskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698403426083180686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039108722999491571.post-72659923676057041662019-05-11T10:55:00.000-04:002019-05-11T10:55:09.271-04:00How to communicate with your Ex by email and text.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x6q-at3TOQY/XNbhfwPbIGI/AAAAAAAAAnE/DS0FT62nQkABSchGlfl9kKLedKfLwdElgCLcBGAs/s1600/email-a-mode-of-communication-1-638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="638" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x6q-at3TOQY/XNbhfwPbIGI/AAAAAAAAAnE/DS0FT62nQkABSchGlfl9kKLedKfLwdElgCLcBGAs/s320/email-a-mode-of-communication-1-638.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; padding: 0in; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"> After
a couple <a href="https://www.pransky.com/Divorce/Separation.shtml" target="_blank">separate</a> or <a href="https://www.pransky.com/Divorce/" target="_blank">divorce</a> they will need to communicate with each
other on many issues. This is particularly true if there are
children as the couple will still be parents and need to cooperate
for the rest of their lives. <a href="https://www.pransky.com/" target="_blank">Divorce attorneys</a> generally recommend</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> email and text communications</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> as the parties are bound by the written
communication and the email or text may be shown to a judge. Despite
the potential for presenting the emails to a judge, some people use
emails and texts as an opportunity to abuse their spouse. Abuse may
have been the customary method of communication during the end of the
relationship and one party may not even understand how destructive
such abuse can be. I have the following suggestions to parties to
make communications better.</span></div>
<div style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; padding: 0in; widows: 2;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; padding: 0in; widows: 2;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="border: none; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; padding: 0in; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: small;">1) Forget
about your history with your Ex. It is harmful to communications to
continue to mention past wrongs. Telling your Ex how they made bad
decisions or acted badly just alienates your Ex. If you want
something done, simply ask you Ex to do the things you want done. If
your Ex responds by asking for reasons then you can explain your
thinking on the subject. Many times, the other party will merely
comply with a reasonably stated request.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; padding: 0in; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
<div style="border: none; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; padding: 0in; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: small;">2) I was
taught as a child to always say please and thank you. This is
excellent advice for email communications. If you are asking for
something, ask politely and say “please”. When you get a
response, say “thank you”. You should say “thank you” even
if you don't like the answer. It doesn't hurt you to say “Thank
you for responding.”</span></span></span></div>
<div style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; padding: 0in; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
<div style="border: none; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; padding: 0in; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: small;">3) Be clear in
your communications. The more clarity provided the fewer mistakes
are made.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; padding: 0in; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
<div style="border: none; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; padding: 0in; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: small;">4) Don't make
threats. At least don't make threats in the first communication.
While it may be appropriate to make threats later, starting with
threats is never a good idea.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; padding: 0in; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
<div style="border: none; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; padding: 0in; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: small;">5) Don't state
the obvious. If there is a court order for vision insurance, don't
start by stating the terms of the divorce judgment. Your ex-spouse
should know this. Politely ask for the vision insurance cards for
the children. This should be sufficient on the first communication.
Perhaps the second communication will require you to explain his
obligations under the divorce. On the first communication assume
your Ex knows what he is suppose to do.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; padding: 0in; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
<div style="border: none; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; padding: 0in; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: small;"> In short, treat
your Ex-partner like a stranger. </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="border: none; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; padding: 0in; widows: 2;">
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</div>
<div style="border: none; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; padding: 0in; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Successful
communications between former partners may reduce litigation and
attorney fees. </span></span></span>
</div>
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</div>
<br />APranskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698403426083180686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039108722999491571.post-14656445995195927502019-04-29T22:01:00.001-04:002019-04-29T22:01:20.961-04:00How to make property division in a divorce easier.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5z2bnct4nso/XMerjhPsf8I/AAAAAAAAAmk/qeBNICkYUu0jlFwwD8RN4JBO6PNTXE0wgCLcBGAs/s1600/property%2Bdivision%2B69-003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="205" data-original-width="404" height="162" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5z2bnct4nso/XMerjhPsf8I/AAAAAAAAAmk/qeBNICkYUu0jlFwwD8RN4JBO6PNTXE0wgCLcBGAs/s320/property%2Bdivision%2B69-003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">There
is no greater waste of money in a <a href="https://www.pransky.com/Divorce/" target="_blank">divorce</a> than fighting over <a href="https://www.pransky.com/Divorce/Property-Division.shtml" target="_blank">divisionof small personal property</a> owned by a couple. The attorney fees
spent to argue over beds, sofas, kitchen table, tvs, and other
household items usually exceed the value of the items. A dining room
set purchased for $5,000.00 may be valued in a divorce at $300.00.
As used furniture, the set may only be sold at a garage sale. Most
household furniture is valued based upon what can be realized for the
asset at a garage sale. It is simply cheaper to go out and buy an
equivalent item than to pay attorneys to fight over it. Of course,
higher value items such as house, retirement accounts, investment
accounts, and collections are worth the cost of paying for appraisers
and attorneys. I suggest that the parties approach division of
household items with consideration of the following issues.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">If
there are children, the children should be given priority. The
children's furniture should remain with the parent who has more
parenting time than the other. The rest of the furniture in the
house should also take into account the children. If there is only
one tv it should remain in the house with the children. If there are
two tvs then the parent with the children should get the better tv. </span></span></span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Most
households currently have a car for each parent. Unless a car is a
collector's item, each party needs a car to function in today's
society. In almost all cases, judges award the cars to the party who
primarily drove each car prior to separation. Cars are generally
viewed as a necessary tool and not as an asset. </span></span></span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Both
parents should try to be fair about division of household items. Any
unfairness is usually met with a large increase in attorney fees.
The problem is that the parent who doesn't get the household items
needs to go out and purchase new items. The need to make such
purchases as well as a rental security deposit and last month rent
should be recognized and money should be set aside for these
expenses. Treating each other fairly means that both parents end up
with adequate furniture and living arrangements. This can be
accomplished by possession of existing items or money to buy
replacement items. </span></span></span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Parties
need to identify items of sentimental value to the two parties and
cooperate to allocate the sentimental items to the appropriate party.
Family heirlooms should go to the party who broguht the item into
the marriage. Again, the countervailing value is money set aside to
purchase a replacement item.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Items
that are only used by one party should be offered to that party. A
riding lawn mower that had been used exclusively by the husband may
never be used by the wife who intends to hire a service to mow the
lawn. If the wife sells the mower without the husband's permission
it will be a violation of the automatic restraining order and have
the effect of a declaration of war that will cause the husband to
fight over trivial matters. Giving the husband opportunity to take
the mower or have both parties sell the mower and divide the proceeds
will result in a better attitude from both parties. </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<br /><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pictures
and videos are frequently the subject of litigation. It will save
money if the parties pay to have the pictures duplicated so that each
party can have a set. Sometimes the parties will agree to purchase a
scanner so that one party can copy all pictures and give the
originals to the other. </span></span></span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Division
of personal property can be a huge drain of financial resources if
the parties choose to fight over the assets. This large expense is
seldom worth the money required to have the judge resolve the
division. An experienced <a href="https://www.pransky.com/" target="_blank">divorce attorney</a> should be consulted to
learn how the law applies to your case and to look for an inexpensive
logical solution to property division.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
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</div>
<br />APranskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698403426083180686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039108722999491571.post-54753393936835514032019-02-24T20:16:00.002-05:002019-02-24T20:16:58.447-05:00When will an annulment be granted?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gWDuThVDDUQ/XHNBJA9r-iI/AAAAAAAAAj8/UuJJhGfxs_IcLWrzDJ2gP-NazSY4HeWnACLcBGAs/s1600/annulment%2Bcert0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="895" data-original-width="1335" height="214" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gWDuThVDDUQ/XHNBJA9r-iI/AAAAAAAAAj8/UuJJhGfxs_IcLWrzDJ2gP-NazSY4HeWnACLcBGAs/s320/annulment%2Bcert0001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A judicial decree of annulment is a
declaration that a marriage never existed. There are a number of
reasons why a judge may grant an annulment but this is disfavored by
judges who prefer to grant parties a <a href="https://www.pransky.com/Divorce/" target="_blank">divorce</a>.</div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A marriage requires two competent
people to go through a wedding ceremony performed by a person who is
vested with the power to marry people. The formalities of a wedding
require the parties to create a contract between and to comply with
all state requirements. An annulment can be granted if no valid
contract was created at the time of the marriage ceremony or if there
was a failure to meet certain state requirements. Not every failure
to comply with state procedures will permit an annulment and, in some
instances, the conduct of the parties over a period of time could
result in ratification of the marriage thereby making the marriage
valid. An annulment can be granted if there was a lack of consent to
the marriage, or a legal impediment to the marriage.</div>
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</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A lack of consent can occur if there
was fraud relating to the essence of the marriage, duress, or mental
incapacity. Not every fraudulent statement goes to the “essence”
of the marriage. Examples of fraud that arises to this level are:
false statements about intent to cohabit or have sexual intercourse,
false statements about pregnancy and paternity of the unborn child,
false statements about religion, and false statements about intention
to have children. Other false statements such as statements about
finances may not be sufficient to go to the “essence of the
marriage.” Fraud requires a fact to be misrepresented. However
misrepresentation is not the same as concealment. Failure to discuss
intent to have children is a concealment and not a fraudulent
misrepresentation. To obtain an annullment there must have been an
actual statement made on a topic that goes to the essence of the
marriage.</div>
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</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The grounds of duress means that at the
time of the wedding ceremony a party was under duress of a level that
they were unable to exercise free will. An example of this is a
shotgun wedding. The threat of bodily harm or death for failure to
go through the ceremony is sufficient for an annulment.</div>
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</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Mental incapacity can occur when a
party is under the age of consent or has a mental disease or defect
that interfere's with their ability to form the intent to enter into
a contract. However, if a party lacks mental capacity they may be
able to get married if a parent or a guardian consents to the
marriage. State law varies on the age of consent and procedures for
obtaining permission for incompetents to marry. It may be necessary
to obtain permission from a judge to make the marriage valid.</div>
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</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
An annulment can be granted if there is
an impediment to a marriage. This means that one party to the
marriage is married to another person and the prior marriage had not
terminated at the time of the new wedding ceremony.
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Every State prohibits certain people
from getting married. The list of people prohibited from getting
married is based on close family relationships. Siblings can't get
married and parents can't marry their own children. Most states
prohibit marrying step-children or parents-in-law. The list varies
from state to state.
</div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Annulment is a complicated area of the
law and is generally difficult to obtain. In comparison, divorce can
be obtained based on no-fault grounds. This means that the parties
could go through a protracted trial to determine if an annulment
should be granted but at the end still be married. In a no-fault
divorce, the parties never contest the issue of whether a divorce
should be granted. A judge must grant a no-fault divorce but does
not have to grant an annulment.
</div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If you are considering an annulment you
should consult a <a href="https://www.pransky.com/" target="_blank">family law attorney</a> who can discuss your options and
advise you concerning both annulment and divorce.</div>
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<br />APranskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698403426083180686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039108722999491571.post-57635744473686905742018-12-25T12:21:00.002-05:002018-12-25T12:21:19.864-05:00My spouse married me to get a green card. Can I get an annulment?<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TeQH7gZ5fB0/XCJm3guiyiI/AAAAAAAAAjk/uPv9ysquhxMco4tFyZTCiNd14REUWi8TQCLcBGAs/s1600/annulment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TeQH7gZ5fB0/XCJm3guiyiI/AAAAAAAAAjk/uPv9ysquhxMco4tFyZTCiNd14REUWi8TQCLcBGAs/s400/annulment.jpg" width="400" /></a>A <a href="https://www.green-card.com/what-is-a-green-card/">green
card </a>is a nickname for authorization from the United States
Government for an immigrant to live in the United States permanently.
In the past, an immigrant who married a U.S. Citizen could apply for
permanent residency.<a class="sdfootnoteanc" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6039108722999491571#sdfootnote1sym" name="sdfootnote1anc"><sup>1</sup></a> When a citizen concludes that their spouse married them for the sole
purpose of getting the green card and wants nothing to do with the
citizen spouse, what can the citizen do? Can the citizen get out of
the marriage?</div>
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</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
An annulment is a judicial decree that
that a marriage never existed. It is commonly thought that an
annulment is easier to get than a divorce and less can't result in
property division or alimony. However, in Massachusetts, this is
not correct. An annulment can take as long as a <a href="https://www.pransky.com/Divorce/" target="_blank">divorce</a> to obtain
through the courts. In an annulment, a judge can award <a href="https://www.pransky.com/Divorce/Spousal-Support-and-Alimony.shtml" target="_blank">alimony</a>,
<a href="https://www.pransky.com/Divorce/Property-Division.shtml" target="_blank">divide property</a>, determine <a href="https://www.pransky.com/Divorce/Child-Custody.shtml" target="_blank">custody</a> of children, and award <a href="https://www.pransky.com/Divorce/Child-Support.shtml" target="_blank">child support.</a> In other words, an annulment in Massachusetts is the same
as a divorce except that it is much harder to get.
</div>
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</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Massachusetts has no fault divorce
which means that there is no defense to a divorce action. If one
party says that want a divorce then that proves that the marriage is
irretrievably broken down. That is not the case in an annulment.
There is no such thing as a no-fault annulment. Every annulment must
be based on specific grounds. The other spouse can contest the
grounds and a judge has discretion and may find that the facts don't
prove that an annulment should be granted. The result is that
parties can go through a trial for an annulment and still be married
after the trial. This would never happen in a divorce.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
One of the reasons for obtaining an
annulment is fraud. In Massachusetts, not all fraud arises to the
level of obtaining an annulment. The fraud must go the “essence of
the marriage.” This means that the fraud must be of such that it
addresses one of the essential reasons people get married. These reasons include a desire to cohabit, have sexual intercourse, and to
have children. Other reasons could go to the essence of the marriage
but don't have to.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Usually, if a person gets married to
obtain a green card there is no discussion about green cards. As
such, there is no false representation constituting fraud. Failure
to disclose something is considered a fraudulent concealment.
Fraudulent concealment is not a basis for an annulment unless the
concealment goes to the essence of the marriage. Failing to disclose
an intent to not cohabit is sufficient for an annulment. Failing to
mention that the marriage is to obtain a green card does not. In
Massachusetts, failure to disclose an intent to get married to get a
green card, without other facts, is not sufficient to get an
annulment. However, intention to get the green card with other
facts may be sufficient for an annulment. If the parties get married, live together, have sexual intercourse and after a short period separate then it may be very difficult to show that the immigrant spouse did not intend to participate in a marriage when they went through the wedding ceremony.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If you got married and want out of the
marriage because your spouse wanted to get a green card you should
get a divorce and not an annulment. If you want to consider an
annulment you should consult an experienced family law attorney who
can advise you of your rights.</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div id="sdfootnote1">
<div class="sdfootnote">
<a class="sdfootnotesym" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6039108722999491571#sdfootnote1anc" name="sdfootnote1sym">1</a>Alan
Pransky does not practice immigration law and does not know the
current rules regarding immigrant spouses and green card
applications. Anybody interested in obtaining a green card should
consult an immigration lawyer.</div>
</div>
<br />APranskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698403426083180686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039108722999491571.post-19397555854720775642018-12-17T21:17:00.000-05:002018-12-17T21:17:06.092-05:00Has your spouse run away?<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k_LjNG_V8Ts/XBhX69wROlI/AAAAAAAAAjM/QyG5pV9mS8Igjc_fQjp0IKWXROzSXATQwCLcBGAs/s1600/Casting%2BFlyer%2B-%2BMissing%2BSpouses%2B%25281%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="496" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k_LjNG_V8Ts/XBhX69wROlI/AAAAAAAAAjM/QyG5pV9mS8Igjc_fQjp0IKWXROzSXATQwCLcBGAs/s640/Casting%2BFlyer%2B-%2BMissing%2BSpouses%2B%25281%2529.jpeg" width="496" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">An entertainment company is creating a<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
documentary TV series for a cable network about individuals with a
significant other (a spouse OR a long-term boyfriend/ girlfriend) who
has run away and is no longer in touch (ie: "disappeared"
or "gone missing"</span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">).
The company is looking for people who suffered a victimization of
this nature. The show seems to be based on selecting individuals an
then using experts from the TV series, including private
investigators, to locate the missing spouse or partner. Anyone in
this situation who is interested in having their story in the show
can contact </span></span></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="color: #0066cc;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>melissa.casting@gmail.com</b></span></span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Include:
Full name, age, phone#, current city& state, spouse's name,
number of years married, photo of the two of you together and brief
description of when/ how they disappeared.</b></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span>
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Of
course, people can get <a href="https://www.pransky.com/FAQ/FAQ-Divorce.shtml#86">divorced
even if their spouse has disappeared</a>. The law would not
sentence someone to perpetual marriage merely because the spouse
chose to disappear. Service of legal process can be accomplished by
other methods such as by publication, relatives, or even <a href="https://massfamilylawblog.blogspot.com/2015/11/how-to-sue-someone-in-digital-age-when.html">social
media.</a> While a person can get <a href="https://www.pransky.com/Divorce/">divorced</a>
with a missing spouse it doesn't mean that they can recover assets,
<a href="https://www.pransky.com/Divorce/Spousal-Support-and-Alimony.shtml">alimony</a>,
or <a href="https://www.pransky.com/Divorce/Child-Support.shtml">child
support</a>. The missing person may have to be located before money
can be collected. Experienced <a href="https://www.pransky.com/">family
law attorney</a>s know how to locate missing people. While no
attorney will have success in all missing person cases, they will be
able to find some people. They will also know what legal action to
take after a person is located. </span></span></span></span>
</div>
<br />APranskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698403426083180686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039108722999491571.post-91981249280171552732018-11-03T15:20:00.000-04:002020-07-16T20:48:55.900-04:00In Massachusetts the spirit of restraining orders must be obeyed as well as the letter of the order.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jUJHNqBh1_k/XxD1Z4nytUI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/C1JS-394UKwV7qw0k9p84TLo4CCDHueWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/tro%2B20200716_151747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jUJHNqBh1_k/XxD1Z4nytUI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/C1JS-394UKwV7qw0k9p84TLo4CCDHueWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/tro%2B20200716_151747.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Until recently I advised clients that
they could not be convicted of violation of a <a href="https://www.pransky.com/FAQ/FAQ-Abuse.shtml">restraining
order </a>in Massachusetts unless three elements were proven:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
1. A clear order</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
2. A clear violation; and</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
3. An ability to comply with the
order.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The first two elements are fairly
clear. The third element covers situations like a chance encounter
in a store or a restaurant. A chance encounter should not result in
criminal conviction. This still seems to be the status of the law. However, a series of recent cases
changed the element of a clear order. Now, a person subject to a
restraining order must obey the clear language of the order as well
as the intent of the order.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In the case of <a href="https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/10/17/17P1050.pdf">Commonwealth
v Telcinord</a> a woman was ordered to stay away from her husband and
to stay 50 feet away from him. She followed him in her car as he
drove his car. Presumably she stayed the requisite 50 feet away. She
was convicted of violating the restraining order because following in
her car was a violation of the order to stay away. The defendant's
behavior by the way she drove her car indicated that she wanted her
husband to know she was following him and that she intended to
confront him.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It appears that engaging in behavior
that is intended to cause the protected person to become aware of the
whereabouts of the defendant is a violation of the restraining order.
A restraining order is intended to insulate the protected person
from the presence of the defendant or from any form of unauthorized
contact. Any intentional contact that causes the protected person to
see the defendant may be considered to be a violation of the order.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In <a href="https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/10/17/16P1741.pdf">Commonwealth
v Goldman</a>, the Court explained what “stay away” in a
restraining order means. Stay away
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0.5in;">
prohibits a defendant from (1) crossing the residence's property
line, (2) engaging in conduct that intrudes directly into the
residence, and (3) coming within sufficient proximity to the property
line that he would be able to abuse, contact, or harass a protected
person if that person were on the property or entering or leaving it.
A protected person need not actually be present for such a violation
of the order to occur.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.5in;">
Stay away can no
longer be interpreted as a set distance. It is a concept that the
person should stay far enough away from the protected person and
their home so that the protected person can go about their activities
without coming into contact with the Defendant. Truly accidental
contact won't be a crime but contact in the vicinity of a protected
person's home or work is likely to result in a conviction for
violation of a restraining order.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.5in;">
If you are subject
to a restraining order I recommend that you contact a <a href="https://www.pransky.com/">lawyer
familiar with restraining orders</a> so that you understand what you
are permitted to do and what you are not permitted to do.</div>
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<br /></div>
<br />APranskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698403426083180686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039108722999491571.post-91636562313149729722018-10-01T22:35:00.000-04:002018-10-01T22:35:29.842-04:00October is National Bullying Prevention Month<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PfD5hnCsQVU/W7LZMG9dCLI/AAAAAAAAAic/C00JGzyz2mgk-eYCfDzl59txNKqREtXagCLcBGAs/s1600/bullyiing%2B-4131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="750" height="192" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PfD5hnCsQVU/W7LZMG9dCLI/AAAAAAAAAic/C00JGzyz2mgk-eYCfDzl59txNKqREtXagCLcBGAs/s320/bullyiing%2B-4131.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
National Bullying Prevention Month is
an annual campaign to <span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">unites
communities nationwide to educate and raise awareness of </span></span></span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bullying"><span style="color: #0b0080;"><span style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">bullying</span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">
</span></span></span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">prevention.</span></span></span>
Bullying can occur at any age and among any group in society.
Children are the usual victims of bullying. If bullying occurs in
school it can continue for years as the same group of children
interact in school year after year. As a result, the bullying can
continue year after year. Childhood bullying is frequently dismissed
as insignificant or as normal child activities.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Bullying can be devastating to victims.
Nobody likes to be a victim. When the bullying continues for a
prolonged period, it can destroy self-esteem, create depression, and
anxiety. In extreme cases, the victims may attempt suicide.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://www.pacer.org/bullying/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwi8fdBRCVARIsAEkDvnKi0Kkr5qh0IqSDpmBFtCNR_klO6g_P1QAZEmf_f5l6hNBjtQd4pxgaAnoHEALw_wcB">Pacer.org</a>
created National Bullying Awareness Month to combat bullying through
community partnerships and resources. Their goal is to decrease
bullying by education and support.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If you are a victim of bullying, you
need to report the conduct to parents, school, and even police.
Depending on the specific actions, the bullying may be criminal.
There are resources on the Pacer web site for victims of bullying.
Bullying should never be tolerated.</div>
<br />APranskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698403426083180686noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039108722999491571.post-80217898247265679422018-08-11T12:55:00.000-04:002018-10-01T22:37:46.871-04:00Massachusetts allows conditional guilty pleas.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P_7R6K_fSVM/W28UjhXn-kI/AAAAAAAAAhs/8I0nGpgrPlAoNgLx5ns6LP06hpVXgXuDgCLcBGAs/s1600/judge-gavel-and-handcuffs-1461290782YqZ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P_7R6K_fSVM/W28UjhXn-kI/AAAAAAAAAhs/8I0nGpgrPlAoNgLx5ns6LP06hpVXgXuDgCLcBGAs/s320/judge-gavel-and-handcuffs-1461290782YqZ.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In criminal cases defendants often
bring motions to suppress evidence (exclude evidence from trial)
based on arguments that the evidence was seized in violation of
defendant's constitutional rights. These motions typically argue
that evidence was seized in violation of constitutional rights
against unreasonable search and seizure or a confession was obtained
in violation of defendant's right against self incrimination. The
motion is filed in the trial court before the case goes to trial.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Previously, if the trial judge denied
the motion to suppress, the defendant had a very difficult choice:
either take the case to trial and preserve the right to appeal this
ruling or accept a favorable plea agreement from the District
Attorney which means that the defendant pleads guilty and gives up
the right to appeal the ruling on the motion to dismiss. <a href="https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/08/10/12437.pdf">The
Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court just changed this by allowing
the Defendant to make a conditional plea of guilty.</a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A conditional plea of guilty allows a
defendant to plead guilty to take advantage of an offer of settlement
from the District Attorney and still have the right to appeal the
trial judge's ruling on the motion to suppress. If the appeals court
rules that the evidence should have been suppressed, then the guilty
plea will be vacated and the defendant will be able to have his case
go to trial or have new discussions with the District Attorney for a
different plea agreement. In many cases, without the evidence that
can not be introduced the District Attorney may choose to drop the
prosecution and dismiss the criminal case.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Allowing conditional guilty pleas is
likely to cause more defendants to plead guilty thereby reducing the
cost of defending the case for defendants and reducing the number of
cases that go to trial. It is expected that the judicial system will
save money and resources as well. If you have a criminal case you
should consult an experienced <a href="https://www.pransky.com/">criminal
defense attorney</a> who can give advice on conditional guilty pleas.
</div>
<br />APranskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698403426083180686noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039108722999491571.post-12141102634334637992018-07-21T12:46:00.000-04:002018-07-21T12:46:05.237-04:00Smart Homes and Divorce<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pD23Bihk9cQ/W1NiqSbBMfI/AAAAAAAAAhU/icEPx8SeTWYwl80rJRmhlUx-5n3v2nR5wCLcBGAs/s1600/smart%2Bapp%2Bth6KMIOT3M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="474" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pD23Bihk9cQ/W1NiqSbBMfI/AAAAAAAAAhU/icEPx8SeTWYwl80rJRmhlUx-5n3v2nR5wCLcBGAs/s320/smart%2Bapp%2Bth6KMIOT3M.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
People now have the ability to interact
with their homes in a way that wasn't even imagined ten years ago.
We now have the ability to control things when we are away from our
homes. We can turn lights and appliances on and off. We can change
the temperature in the home by controlling the thermostat. We can
set off alarms, activate cameras and look inside the home, and speak
through devices to people in the home and outside. We can track cars
and cell phones. We can even monitor driving habits.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
All of these smart applications are
designed to make our lives better. However, they can allow a new
type of abuse and harassment when a couple split up and one partner
moves out of the home. The person out of the home can now control
all of these devices and use them to annoy or abuse the partner in
the home. Imagine the distress created if one partner finds out that
their whereabouts have been tracked by a smart application on their
phone or car. People can be hit with large heating and utility bills
if the heat is turned up or lights turned on when a person isn't
home.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
No matter how much trust exists within
a marriage, precautions should be taken when a couple separate. The
first thing that should be done is to change all passwords for all
devices. You may be able to block the other partner from using the
applications. All accounts for these items can be transferred into
the name of the spouse in the home. The other thing that can be done
is to get a court order that prohibits the other person from using
the applications.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In most divorces, the partner remaining
in the marital home obtains a court order that gives that person
exclusive use of the home. Sometimes a similar order issues for use
of cars. It is a simple matter to add language that prohibits the
other partner from using any smart applications or devices that
impact the home, car, or cellphone. Violation of this order can
result in sanctions from the court.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Perhaps the biggest fear is that one
spouse can track the movements of the other and then use this
information in court in a divorce trial. Obtaining an order that
prohibits use of the tracking applications should prevent any use at
trial of this type of information.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Any time a household breaks up and
results in a divorce or other litigation the parties should consult
an experienced <a href="https://www.pransky.com/">family law
attorney</a>. This attorney can give advice and propose a course of
action to minimize problems from smart technology and to obtain a
court order to prohibit abuse by smart technology.</div>
<br />APranskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698403426083180686noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039108722999491571.post-6762477979481271842018-07-07T16:24:00.000-04:002018-07-07T16:24:28.440-04:00Will the Child Tax Credit be a substitute for the Child Dependency Exemption?<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5WupWQ9-xXo/W0EhIUvTIeI/AAAAAAAAAg8/7rsH2PDDdS0gYSrQThWNbxamTiGkah9pQCLcBGAs/s1600/tax%2Brefund-300x243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="243" data-original-width="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5WupWQ9-xXo/W0EhIUvTIeI/AAAAAAAAAg8/7rsH2PDDdS0gYSrQThWNbxamTiGkah9pQCLcBGAs/s1600/tax%2Brefund-300x243.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #464646; font-family: "work sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Starting
with tax year 2018 the dependency exemption does not exist anymore.
Tax law, in an effort to simplify returns has eliminated the
dependency deduction. Instead there is a Child Tax Credit which can
be worth up to $2,000.00 per qualifying child.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: #464646;"><span style="font-family: "work sans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">The
IRS has not published publication 504 (</span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "source sans pro" , sans-serif;">Divorced
or Separated Individuals)<b style="font-weight: normal;"> </b></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "source sans pro" , sans-serif;">for
2018. As a result, it is not clear if parties may agree which parent
will receive the Child Tax Credit. While experts expect that the Child Tax Credit may be allocated from one parent to the other by agreement, it is possible that only the
custodial parent will be able to receive the credit. </span></span></span></span>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<br />
<span style="color: #464646; font-family: "work sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
IRS may allow parties to specify which parent will be able to claim
the credit. If that happens then existing judgments need to be
examined to determine if the language about dependency exemptions may
apply to tax credits. If not, then parties may need to file a
modification to have the Child Tax Credit treated as the Child
Dependency Exemption had been treated. A modification may be
necessary for obtaining cooperation of the other parent or it may be
a requirement under tax law for allocation of the credit. A modification by agreement of both parties can qualify for a simplified procedure as a joint petition to modify.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: #464646; font-family: "work sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
Interpretation of your divorce judgment, modification of a prior judgment, and understanding the Child Tax Credit may require the assistance of a <a href="https://www.pransky.com/" target="_blank">family law attorney</a>.</div>
APranskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698403426083180686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039108722999491571.post-91340188424546390142018-06-23T22:27:00.000-04:002018-06-23T22:27:12.286-04:00Don't fall for this alimony trap!<br />
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</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pS4QFKYZjw0/Wy8BJ27va3I/AAAAAAAAAgg/FRRUGuKYgK0KnqrFvKU0IQ7Yg65hD6XrwCLcBGAs/s1600/alimony_DIVORCE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1490" data-original-width="1600" height="297" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pS4QFKYZjw0/Wy8BJ27va3I/AAAAAAAAAgg/FRRUGuKYgK0KnqrFvKU0IQ7Yg65hD6XrwCLcBGAs/s320/alimony_DIVORCE.jpg" width="320" /></a>In 2014 I wrote about a <a href="https://massfamilylawblog.blogspot.com/search?q=trap">child
support trap</a>. In this article I described the trap happening when
two parents agree to change <a href="https://www.pransky.com/Divorce/Child-Support.shtml">child
support </a>between themselves without court approval. After years
of following the out of court agreement, the parent who received less
support files a contempt action. Typically the court will enforce
the order and order payment of back child support even if the out of
court agreement is fair, in writing, and signed by the parties. The
out of court agreement is not recognized as valid for any reduced
payments made before the filing of the contempt. A similar fact
patern was the subject of a case involving <a href="https://www.pransky.com/Divorce/Spousal-Support-and-Alimony.shtml">alimony</a>.</div>
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In the case of <a href="https://law.justia.com/cases/massachusetts/court-of-appeals/2018/17-p-765.html"><i>Smith
v. Smith</i></a>, Mass. App. Ct. No. 17-P-765 (6/7/2018) the divorce
left the Husband paying alimony to the Wife. Over the years, the
parties entered into a series of agreements resulting in the Husband
paying money for the benefit of the parties' adult children and
reducing the amount of alimony paid to the Wife. After a number of
years of these reduced payments, the Wife filed a contempt because
the payments by the Husband were less than the court order. Unlike
cases involving child support, the Husband argued equitable defenses
based on “detrimental reliance” called laches or estoppel. The
Court did not rule on the detrimental reliance argument. Instead,
the Court ruled that alimony can be modified retroactively to
consider the agreements of the parties. The retroactive modification
must be based on all of the statutory factors that a Judge is require
and permitted to consider when making an alimony decision. The
Appeals Court sent the case back to the trial judge to make a
decision based on the alimony factors. This probably will cause a
second trial for the parties but it is likely that the Husband will
have some benefit from a retroactive alimony modification. However,
if the Husband had a significant increase in income or the Wife had a
significant decrease, it is possible that the Husband could end up
paying more in alimony than the original order.</div>
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<br />
</div>
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The best course of action and the
correct cause of action is that if the parties make an agreement to
modify alimony or child support that they should seek court approval
of the agreement. Massachusetts has a simplified procedure for
modifications by agreement. They are typically approved based on the
documents only and don't require that the parties physically appear
in court.</div>
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</div>
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If the parties don't want to seek court
approval then they run the risk of one party paying large sums of
money for arrears of alimony or child support. In this instance,
they should put their agreement in writing and each party should sign
the agreement before a notary public. While no court has approved
this, I have a suggestion on how to write the agreement.
Massachusetts does allow alimony to be paid “in kind.” This
means that alimony can be paid directly to creditors instead of to
the ex-spouse. As an example, if the wife has a history of not
paying the mortgage, then the court may order the Husband to pay a
portion of alimony each month to the mortgage company and the balance
to be paid to the Wife. This concept can be applied to out of court
agreements. Using the <i>Smith</i> case as an example, I can
illustrate my suggestion.</div>
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<br />
</div>
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In the<i> Smith</i> case, the Husband
was ordered to pay $650.00 per week. One of the reasons for reduction
of alimony was that the Husband paid tuition for the daughter's
graduate school tuition. The could have written an agreement that
state that the two parties agree to pay $400.00 per week for the
daughter's tuition with each party paying $200.00 per week. They
could agree that the Husband will pay the Wife's $200.00 per week
directly to the school and pay the wife the remainder of $450.00 per
week. This could be viewed as a payment in kind and may not be
considered a contempt. The problem with this is that the Wife would
be taxed on the $200.00 per week and the Husband would have a tax
deduction.</div>
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</div>
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When considering an agreement to change
a child support or alimony award, the best way to proceed is to
consult an experienced <a href="https://www.pransky.com/">family law
attorney</a> who can draft an agreement and submit it to the court
for approval.</div>
<br />APranskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698403426083180686noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039108722999491571.post-18092833277725941562018-05-28T21:10:00.000-04:002018-05-28T21:10:33.198-04:00Massachusetts Revises Child Support Guidelines<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SffKX9Hv0fA/WwyoWcovlDI/AAAAAAAAAf8/7bM_KrcmMHANqw8IR9m6NSYQ17Rut1eUACLcBGAs/s1600/First-page-of-child-support-guidelines-worksheet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="620" height="170" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SffKX9Hv0fA/WwyoWcovlDI/AAAAAAAAAf8/7bM_KrcmMHANqw8IR9m6NSYQ17Rut1eUACLcBGAs/s320/First-page-of-child-support-guidelines-worksheet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Child support in Massachusetts is
controlled by <a href="https://www.mass.gov/info-details/child-support-guidelines">Child
Support Guidelines</a>. The Guidelines are a formula approach to
<a href="https://www.pransky.com/Divorce/Child-Support.shtml">child
support</a> based on the parents' incomes and certain expenses
(health, dental, vision, insurance, child care costs, and other child
support obligations.) These guidelines were issued to comply with
<a href="https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2017-title45-vol2/xml/CFR-2017-title45-vol2-sec302-56.xml">federal
law that mandates the state review the guidelines every four years</a>.
In 2017 the state issued updated child support guidelines. Now,
less than one year later, Massachusetts is revising the child support
guidelines. The “new” guidelines are not a revision of the 2017
guidelines. The new set is merely a correction from mistakes made
in the official child support guidelines worksheet.</div>
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</div>
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From almost the instant the 2017
guidelines were announced it was discovered that the worksheet
contained errors. This resulted in the state pulling the form from
the state website for a period of time. Apparently, the first
revisions did not correct all of the problems. The state has issued
revisions and a new worksheet that takes effect on June 15, 2018.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
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In 2017, the guidelines had a different
formula when one or more children are 18 or older than for children
under 18. The new worksheet corrects problems that occurred when a
one or more children were over 18 and other children were under 18
years old. Another correction relates to health care costs when the
parents have equal parenting time.
</div>
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</div>
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What do these changes mean? In many
cases, the calculator will result in the same amount for child
support as the 2017 calculator. I expect that for people one or more
children over 18 and other children under 18 that the amount of child
support will increase. The only way to find out is to use the new
calculator to calculate child support with your facts.</div>
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</div>
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People should consult a <a href="https://www.pransky.com/">family
law attorney</a> to understand their rights and obligations under the
revisions to the Child Support guidelines.
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<br />APranskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698403426083180686noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039108722999491571.post-5416621191680030872018-02-18T21:37:00.000-05:002018-02-18T21:37:27.660-05:00In Massachusetts you can't sue for fraudulent inducement to marry.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PFuFc4K6egA/Woo3hfCP6fI/AAAAAAAAAfU/pMPUJxZ-Y4IWIkZQaoHUJc7yVC90NxdQgCLcBGAs/s1600/fraud%2Binducth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="474" height="199" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PFuFc4K6egA/Woo3hfCP6fI/AAAAAAAAAfU/pMPUJxZ-Y4IWIkZQaoHUJc7yVC90NxdQgCLcBGAs/s320/fraud%2Binducth.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
What do you do if you find out that
your spouse lied to induce you to marry? What do you do if your
spouse married you just to get your money? What do you do if your
spouse lied to get you to marry for immigration status? What if you
find out your marriage was based on fraud and deceit? One woman,
after she discovered that her husband lied about loving her got an
annulment and then sued him for damages for the fraud and deceit
under a cause of action called “Fraudulent Inducement.”</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Fraudulent inducement is a cause of
action that occurred in an era when <a href="http://www.pransky.com/Divorce/" target="_blank">divorce</a> was uncommon and only
granted on particular fault grounds. Since Massachusetts created no
fault divorce the number of annulments in the state has dropped and
it is extremely rare to find a person suing for fraudulent
inducement. However, in the recent case of <u><a href="https://law.justia.com/cases/massachusetts/court-of-appeals/2018/16-p-1479.html" target="_blank">Shea v. Cameron</a></u> the wife sued her former husband for fraudulent
inducement after an annulment. She found out that Fraudulent
Inducement is no longer recognized in Massachusetts.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In 1938 Massachusetts enacted laws that
abolished three old causes of action relating to marriage: Breach of
contract to marry (G.L.c. 207, § 47A), <span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Raleway, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Alienation
of affection, and criminal conversation</span></span></span>
(G.L. C 207,§ 47B). The act which abolished these causes of action
was called the “Heart Balm Act.” Heart Balm is a legal phrase
that means compensation for emotion injuries to the heart. In other
words, money can soothe a broken heart. The legislature did not
specifically abolish fraudulent inducement. As a result, Ms. Shea
tried to sue using this old cause of action to get money from her
former husband. She was undoubtedly surprised when the Court
dismissed her action without awarding her any money.</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The court held that abolishment of the
tort of breach of promise to marry included other related torts such
as fraudulent inducement. The Court didn't state that there was no
remedy for a scoundrel who lied to induce marriage. The Court held
that a judge in a divorce action has discretion to consider
fraudulent inducement when rendering a divorce judgment. In this
case, Ms. Shea chose annulment over divorce and, in doing so, waived
any rights she had for fraudulent inducement to marry.</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If you believe that you were inuced to
marry by fraud then you should consult a <a href="http://www.pransky.com/" target="_blank">divorce lawyer</a> who can
discuss the choice between divorce and annulment.</div>
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APranskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698403426083180686noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039108722999491571.post-30810856784106184882018-02-12T21:28:00.002-05:002018-02-12T21:28:46.223-05:00Should you file for divorce because of the new tax law?<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FlgLRXENbLo/WoJMGUDvEhI/AAAAAAAAAeY/IbA_xbvWwnsIEdiq17y7YhuPRV057PS9gCLcBGAs/s1600/alimony%2Bx800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FlgLRXENbLo/WoJMGUDvEhI/AAAAAAAAAeY/IbA_xbvWwnsIEdiq17y7YhuPRV057PS9gCLcBGAs/s320/alimony%2Bx800.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
In
writing this article I am not encouraging people to file for divorce.
In my opinion, the decision to divorce or stay married should be
based on a desire to spend the rest of your life with your spouse.
It should not be based on financial factors. There are many people
who are contemplating divorce and others who are contemplating the
optimum time to file for divorce. These are the people that should
consider this article.<br />
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<br /></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> In
December 2017 Congress passed a <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/1" target="_blank">tax reform law.</a> One of the many
changes in this law is that the way that <a href="http://www.pransky.com/Divorce/Spousal-Support-and-Alimony.shtml" target="_blank">alimony</a> is taxed was
changed. Under current law, alimony payments are deductions to
taxable income for the payor and taxable as income to the recipient.
For judgments after December 31, 2018, that order alimony, the
alimony will no longer be deductible as taxable income or taxable as
income. It will be treated like <a href="http://www.pransky.com/Divorce/Child-Support.shtml" target="_blank">child support</a> and have no effect on
the taxes of the parties. The change in the law will not change the
tax consequences of alimony judgments that enter prior to December
31, 2018.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> For
people who are contemplating divorce in Massachusetts the following
questions should be answered before considering if you should file
for<a href="http://www.pransky.com/Divorce/" target="_blank"> divorce</a> quickly:</span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br /></div>
<ol>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> Am
I likely to pay or receive alimony?</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> If
I am likely to pay or receive alimony will the alimony award be so
significant that I should be concerned with the tax consequences?</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> How
does the December 31, 2018 deadline apply to Massachusetts divorces?
</span></span>
</div>
</li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> What
happens if a current judgment of alimony is modified or changed?</span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br /></div>
<ol>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><b>Am
I likely to pay or receive alimony?</b></span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br /></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> In
Massachusetts, alimony is ordered when there is a need for spousal
support. There are a number of factors that a judge looks at but a
simplified view is that there is no need if each spouse earns enough
money to support themselves. Alimony is not designed as an income
equalizer. It is designed to provide support to a spouse who can't
support themselves without additional funds. In an ideal situation,
the standard is the ability to maintain the lifestyle that the couple
enjoyed before divorce. In many divorces, neither party can maintain
the same lifestyle because they are now supporting two households
instead of one. In this case, there may be a need when there is a
significant difference in income between the parties. </span></span>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> When
the court considers alimony the court also considers child support as
a factor. If child support is being paid, then alimony should not be
ordered unless the combined income of both parties exceeds
$250,000.00. In other words, if the combined income is under
$250,000.00 then alimony is probably not a possibility. Some judges
may order alimony despite the payment of child support when the
parent with the greater income is the recipient of child support. </span></span>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br /></div>
<ol start="2">
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><b>If
I am likely to pay or receive alimony will the alimony award be so
significant that I should be concerned with the tax consequences?</b></span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br /></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> Of
course, one can consider that any increase or decrease in taxes is
significant. On the other hand, the amount of alimony paid may be
such that parties may decide that it is better to save on attorney
fees than to fight for alimony. In Massachusetts, there are limits
on both the amount of alimony paid and the length of time that
alimony is to be paid.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> The
amount of alimony ordered in Massachusetts is between 30% and 35% of
the difference between the income of the recipient and the payor.
Income for alimony purposes does not include capital gain income,
dividend income, and interest income from assets evenly divided
between the parties and the first $250,000.00 in income when child
support is ordered. This means that if there is a $10,000.00
difference in income between the parties the court could order
alimony in the amount of $3,000.00 to $3,500.00 per year. If there
is $100,000.00 difference in income the court could order alimony in
the amount of $30,000.00 to $3,500.00. If child support is being
paid and there is a combined income of $260,000.00 then only
$10,000.00 should be eligible for alimony determination.</span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br /></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> The
length of time that alimony may be paid in Massachusetts varies from
50% of the length of the marriage in short term marriages (under 5
years) to lifetime alimony for marriages over 20 years. In very
short marriages, it may not be worthwhile for the parties to seek
alimony.</span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br /></div>
<ol start="3">
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><b>How
does the December 31, 2018 deadline apply to Massachusetts divorces?
</b></span></span><span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">
</span></span>
</div>
</li>
</ol>
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<br /></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> The
Tax Reform law effects any divorce or separation instrument executed
after December 31, 2018. It appears that any separation agreement or
judgment executed prior to December 31, 2018 would be under the
existing tax laws with alimony deductible if paid and taxable if
received. However, Massachusetts divorces have a three month waiting
period after the initial divorce decree enters (called decree nisi)
and the divorce judgment becomes final (called decree absolute.) It
appears that the IRS has not issued regulations explaining how the
effective date is to be applied to Massachusetts divorces. In order
to be completely certain that any alimony judgment is under the
current tax laws then the decree nisi must enter by October 2, 2018.
If the parties are divorcing by an uncontested divorce which is
called a 1A divorce then the judge must approve the separation
agreement by August 31, 2018. </span></span>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<ol start="4">
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><b>What
happens if a current judgment of alimony is modified or changed?</b></span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br /></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> Any
current order of alimony that is modified or changed after December
31, 2018 will lose the current tax deductibility and will be
controlled by the tax reform law. This means that even if your
current agreement calls for payments to be deductible from taxable
income, Federal law will control and you will not be able to deduct
alimony payments if modified after this date.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><b>Additional
considerations</b></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> The
change in tax law only effects taxes paid to the United States.
Taxes paid to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will still be
deductions to taxable income for the payor and taxable as income to
the recipient.</span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br /></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> A
contested divorce in Massachusetts that does not settle takes about
two and a half years to litigate and conclude. This means that you
can only rush a divorce to preserve the current tax treatment if it
is an uncontested divorce or a contested divorce that settles before
August 31, 2018. A contested divorce filed in 2018 won't go to trial
in time to beat the December 31, 2018 deadline. Litigation is not
the only way that parties can reach an agreement on terminating a
marriage. Mediation and other forms of alternate dispute resolution
can help the parties reach a settlement.</span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> This
is a complicated area of law. If you are considering a divorce and
think that alimony is a possibility then you should consult an
experienced <a href="http://www.pransky.com/" target="_blank">divorce lawyer</a> to discuss the applicability of the
Massachusetts alimony law and if the Tax Reform Law may be an issue
for you to consider.</span></span></div>
APranskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698403426083180686noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039108722999491571.post-7173079360323863452017-11-04T14:54:00.001-04:002017-11-04T14:54:46.543-04:00When asking for a lawyer be clear in your request.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0kXL586eq-g/Wf4M680rbHI/AAAAAAAAAd8/9evIV8sp38IOKC0PobV_WQpkuc6aNpGgQCLcBGAs/s1600/lawyer-dog.w710.h473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="710" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0kXL586eq-g/Wf4M680rbHI/AAAAAAAAAd8/9evIV8sp38IOKC0PobV_WQpkuc6aNpGgQCLcBGAs/s320/lawyer-dog.w710.h473.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In a <a href="http://www.lasc.org/opinions/2017/17KK0954.sjc.addconc.pdf">case
in Louisiana</a> a suspect in a case said the following: “if
y’all, this is how I feel, if y’all think I did it, I know that I
didn’t do it so why don’t you just give me a lawyer dog cause
this is not what’s up.” There seems to be a dispute about the
exact verbiage as he later claimed that he said “lawyer, Dawg”
and not lawyer dog.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If a person in police custody asks for
a lawyer the police are prohibited from asking any questions until a
lawyer representing the suspect is present. This right is part of
the “Miranda rights” which protect suspects from incriminating
due to undue pressure from the police. Upon a request for a lawyer,
police must stop all questioning of a suspect. In order to obtain
this protection, the request cannot be ambiguios or equivocal.
Unless it is a clear request it won't stop the police from
questioning the suspect. If the police think a person might be
requesting a lawyer instead of thinking that he did request a lawyer
then they can question the suspect.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In the Louisiana case the police
continued their interrogation and used the suspect's answers to
convict him of a crime. At trial and on appeal, his lawyer claimed
that he requsted the police get him a lawyer. The courts did not
view this as a clear, unequivocable request for a lawyer and allowed
his incriminating statements to be used to convict him.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When a person in police custody
requests a lawyer they should do so clearly and without conditions.
They should not use slang or street language. They should never
combine a request for a lawyer with an insult to the police. Anytime
someone is questioned by the police they should have a <a href="http://www.pransky.com/" target="_blank">lawyer</a>
present. </div>
APranskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698403426083180686noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039108722999491571.post-82650646844646267652017-09-27T21:26:00.000-04:002017-09-27T21:26:18.358-04:00Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines Address College Expenses (Finally).<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s1Ispnpiy_A/WcmmNWaNDbI/AAAAAAAAAcs/oc01NNa45twiaCLyiW2f5G44JyorHBmRQCLcBGAs/s1600/college%2Bexpensesth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="237" data-original-width="264" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s1Ispnpiy_A/WcmmNWaNDbI/AAAAAAAAAcs/oc01NNa45twiaCLyiW2f5G44JyorHBmRQCLcBGAs/s1600/college%2Bexpensesth.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Massachusetts
child support law allows for payment of child support until age 23 if
the child attends an undergraduate college. Judges can also order
parents to pay for the cost of college. This has resulted in onerous
orders where parents are ordered to pay significant college costs as
the cost of private college has skyrocketed past $50,000.00 or
$60,000.00 per year. This does not include the cost of weekly child
support payments which usually continued until emancipation of the
child.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">In
Massachusetts, court orders for child support are governed by child
support guidelines which are reviewed an re-promulgated every four
years. The latest version of the </span><span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><a href="http://www.mass.gov/courts/selfhelp/family/child-support-guidelines.html"><span style="font-size: small;">Child
Support Guidelines</span></a></u></span></span><span style="font-size: small;">
took effect on September 15, 2017 and for the first time address
college expenses and child support during college.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">In the movie </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Pirates
of the Carribean</i></span><span style="font-size: small;">
there exists a “Pirate Code.” The code is described as “more
what you'd call 'guidelines' than actual rules.” In contrast, the
Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines are more like actual rules
than guidelines. It seems rare that judges enter an order that does
not strictly follow the guidelines. As a result, the new Guidelines
which finally address college should give relief to parents who see
the skyrocketing cost of college as a path to financial ruin. The
new Child Support Guidelines address both weekly child support and
college expenses.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Weekly child support.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">According to the Guidelines, child support should
continue to be paid while a child is in college and living primarily
with a parent. However, child support is reduced for a child in
college by twenty percent (20%). The child support guidelines have
tables to calculate the amount of child support while incorporating
this reduction. The tables address various combinations of children
in and at home so a family that has three children can calculate the
total amount of weekly child support whether is one, two, or three
children in college and younger children still fully dependent on the
parents. The result is that the child support payments are decreased
even if younger children live with the recipient parent. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">College expenses</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />When making an order for payment of post-high school
education costs, the court has to consider a number of factors
including the cost of the post-secondary education, the child’s
aptitudes, the child’s living situation, the available resources of
the parents and child, and the availability of financial aid. This
means that parents can argue that the educational program is not
appropriate for the child as well as arguing that the parents lack
resources to pay for college. Litigation may focus on high school
performance and attendance and grades in the first year or two of
college as a measure of a child's aptitude. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The guidelines state that “[n]o parent shall be
ordered to pay an amount in excess of fifty percent of the
undergraduate, in-state resident costs of the University of
Massachusetts-Amherst, unless the Court enters written findings that
a parent has the ability to pay a higher amount.” A judge can
still order a parent to pay 100% of college costs at a private
college but must make specific findings concerning the parent's
ability to pay this amount. Since this is a new concept in
Massachusetts Courts there are no cases that help parents understand
when they have the ability to pay these increased costs. At this
time, it is likely that Judges will focus on parent's net income and
net assets rather than on expenses and liabilities. Parties should
not be able to manipulate their expenses and liabilities to avoid
paying for their children's education. It is easier and simpler for
Judge's to assume that parties may be manipulating expenses and
liabilities rather than try to understand the necessity of each
expense and the history for each liability.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The
Guidelines define college costs to limit litigation. College costs
are defined as mandatory fees, tuition, and room and board for the
University of Massachusetts-Amherst, as set out in the “</span><span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><a href="https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-university-search/university-of-massachusetts-amherst"><span style="font-size: small;">Published
Annual College Costs Before Financial Aid</span></a></u></span></span><span style="font-size: small;">”
in the College Board’s Annual Survey of Colleges. The University of
Massachusetts-Amherst was designated as the benchmark for maximum
orders because it was the flagship, and most expensive, Massachusetts
state college when these guidelines became effective. Other expenses
such as transportation, books, computers, cell phones, clothes,
linens, SAT exams, application fees etc. are not addressed by the
child support guidelines. It is logical to assume that these should
be paid by the parent with whom the child primarily resides. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">While
the Child Support Guidelines use UMass Amherst as the benchmark for
costs, the cost of the school has to be introduced into evidence at
trial. The language of the Child Support Guidelines indicate that
Judges should accept a printout of the “</span><span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><a href="https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-university-search/university-of-massachusetts-amherst"><span style="font-size: small;">Published
Annual College Costs Before Financial Aid</span></a></u></span></span><span style="font-size: small;">”
in the College Board’s Annual Survey of Colleges as evidence or
take judicial notice of the information on the web page. A party
intending to introduce this as evidence should provide the opposing
side with a copy of the information well in advance of the court
hearing as the Judge may refuse to consider the information in the
absence of notice to the other side. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">College
expenses and child support for children attending college can be
complicated matters. The new child support guidelines finally
address these matters but they still allow Judges to deviate from the
Guidelines by making written findings. An experienced </span><a href="http://www.pransky.com/Divorce/http://www.pransky.com/Divorce/"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u>divorce
lawyer</u></span></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> should be able to give
individuals guidance on how a Judge is likely to apply the
guidelines. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
APranskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698403426083180686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039108722999491571.post-43284294322874019822017-03-15T21:27:00.000-04:002017-03-29T21:19:54.911-04:00Planning for death is more than writing a will.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F-1nc-45ctk/WMnpgh3IxkI/AAAAAAAAAcA/kcUDdSa2BPwRuDEMoWTAvPLl3Ua5fVPYwCLcB/s1600/familyestateplanning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F-1nc-45ctk/WMnpgh3IxkI/AAAAAAAAAcA/kcUDdSa2BPwRuDEMoWTAvPLl3Ua5fVPYwCLcB/s320/familyestateplanning.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: SimSun;">Planning
for your own death is more than writing a will and instructions on
how you want doctors to treat you. You should take steps to provide
information to your family and heirs to make </span><span style="color: navy;"><u><a href="http://www.pransky.com/Practice-Area-Overview/Estate-Administration-and-Probate.shtml"><span style="font-family: SimSun;">administration
of your estate</span></a></u></span><span style="font-family: SimSun;">
easier. Anticipating potential problems can avoid problems and
reduce the cost of administration of the estate.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: SimSun;">Of course, the first steps in
planning for your death is creation of an estate plan. The minimum
step to be taken is creation of a Will. Some people may also need a
trust to administer assets for the benefit of children or other
incompetent heirs. When drafting a will you should also consider
other end of life instruments such as a power of attorney, health
care proxy (in some states a living will), and an anatomical gift
document. </span>
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">One of the most stressful events
following a death is planning the funeral and burial. Funeral
directors, like other sales people, may use high pressure tactics to
increase the cost of the funeral. Funerals can be planned in advance
and paid in advance. Cemetery plots can be purchased at any time.
Pre-selection of the funeral plans will save money and stress to your
loved ones.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Planning for death is similar to
planning to evacuate for a hurricane. Gather your important papers
and make sure your family knows where to find them. The following
list is a start and should be individualized for your needs:</span></div>
<ol>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> List your date of birth and social
security number</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: SimSun;"> If you don't live with relatives
you should create a family tree with names and addresses so that the
authorities and lawyers can contact the appropriate people. </span>
</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Your will and trust including the
location of the original will</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Documents relating to your funeral
and cemetery plot</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: SimSun;"> List
of professionals that need to be contacted after death such as
</span><span style="color: navy;"><u><a href="http://www.pransky.com/"><span style="font-family: SimSun;">lawyer</span></a></u></span><span style="font-family: SimSun;">,
accountant, religious leader, and funeral home</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Mortgage documents or rental
agreements</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Homeowners, renters, and
automobile insurance polices</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Life insurance policies</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> List of bank accounts,
retirements, and investments accounts. The list should include
account numbers, institution names and phone numbers, and
identification of any account managers or financial advisors.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Stock certificates</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Tax records</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Records of money owed to you such
as promissory notes or letters acknowledging the debt.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Records of employee benefits owed
to you like stock options</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> List of any debts you owe to
others. Include a list of all credit cards and account numbers</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> The key to any safe-deposit box
and the address of the bank.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Appraisals of personal property</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Records of government benefits.
Social security or veterans benefits may pay for funeral costs</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Records of litigation in which you
are a party</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Marriage certificate and, if
applicable, a copy of your divorce decree.</span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> If you have social media accounts
or other on-line accounts you may want to give your heirs the ability
to post to these accounts to announce your death. While the social
media accounts have limits on what can be done by heirs on your
account, if you give your heirs access, then they can post consistent
with the rules of the account. An example is that Facebook allows
heirs to memorialize the account but not post on it as if they were
the owner of the account. A list of on-line accounts and passwords
can be helpful to your heirs.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> All of these documents should be
kept in one location and make sure your relatives know where to find
the documents. They can be kept in a file cabinet, safe deposit
box, or even a box in the basement or attic. Many of these documents
can be scanned and stored electronically.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: SimSun;">If you take these steps you will
make the process of settling your affairs much easier on your
survivors. </span>
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "simsun";"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<br /></div>
APranskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698403426083180686noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039108722999491571.post-39352553406103343562017-02-25T16:59:00.000-05:002017-02-25T16:59:05.064-05:00Don't give in to peer pressure bullying negotiations<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Don't give in to peer pressure bullying
negotiations.<a class="sdfootnoteanc" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6039108722999491571#sdfootnote1sym" name="sdfootnote1anc"><sup>1</sup></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F5nR7NA8Fj8/WLH-Cvh3C6I/AAAAAAAAAbc/ncGVXCxRqaY-CzhmYzWeCtuCwiOSXzOXQCLcB/s1600/peer-pressure2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F5nR7NA8Fj8/WLH-Cvh3C6I/AAAAAAAAAbc/ncGVXCxRqaY-CzhmYzWeCtuCwiOSXzOXQCLcB/s1600/peer-pressure2.jpg" /></a>From the time that I started practicing
law others have told me do act in a particular way or do things
differently using the argument “that's how everybody else does it.”
In most instances this advice was accompanied by an explanation
based on law, facts, or logic. In many instances I accepted this
advice and changed my behavior. If a logical argument exists to do
things in a better way then I support the better way. In many
instances the advice could be summed up as the difference between how
things are taught in school and how they are done in the real world.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In a number of instances other lawyers
have presented arguments to do something differently but without any
basis in law, fact, or logic. I have always experienced these
arguments in the course of trying to negotiate an agreement to
resolve litigation. I have never accepted these arguments in the
absence of logic. The argument of doing something because everybody
else does it is usually a compelling argument. Nobody wants to be
different because doing something differently creates a sense of
inferiority. However, arguing that a <a href="http://www.pransky.com/" target="_blank">lawyer</a> should do something or
include a particular concept in a settlement agreement because
“everybody else does it” without logic should be viewed as an act
of malpractice. If a lawyer is reluctant to change their position
then the last reason they should do so is because all other lawyers
do so.</div>
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I recently settled a <a href="http://www.pransky.com/Divorce/" target="_blank">divorce</a> case and
the negotiations almost failed because the opposing lawyer wanted to
include an <a href="http://massfamilylawblog.blogspot.com/2017/02/separation-agreements-cant-contract.html" target="_blank">anti-bankruptcy clause</a>. When I rejected this the other
attorney argued that I should include it because everybody else
includes it. I sent the other attorney legal research which
indicated that this paragraph would violate bankruptcy law to which
the other attorney responded “all other attorneys include it.”
She never provided any law or logic to explain why this clause did
not violate bankruptcy law. Instead, she repeatedly told me that
everybody else does it. She even told me that the Judge will
instruct me to include it if we ask the judge. In other words,
because she had no basis in law to support her position she resorted
to bullying.</div>
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This sort of bullying should have no
place in legal negotiations. Lawyers should always negotiate in
good faith complying with the law as it applies to the facts and the
litigation and the ethics that govern lawyers. Arguing that
everybody else does it has no place in good faith negotiations.</div>
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<div id="sdfootnote1">
<div class="sdfootnote">
<a class="sdfootnotesym" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6039108722999491571#sdfootnote1anc" name="sdfootnote1sym">1</a> I
thank my wife, Sheila g Pransky, M.S.W., L.I.C.S.W. who explained
the offensive behavior as “peer pressure bullying.”</div>
</div>
APranskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698403426083180686noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039108722999491571.post-42786220540316568792017-02-20T11:55:00.000-05:002017-02-20T11:55:47.057-05:00Separation agreements can't contract away bankruptcy protections<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ItzqVreNoew/WKsblJq8kEI/AAAAAAAAAa8/90C_qOyLFsYWKuToNCBA_tdO4uqJy4rMgCLcB/s1600/bankruptcy%2Bth.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ItzqVreNoew/WKsblJq8kEI/AAAAAAAAAa8/90C_qOyLFsYWKuToNCBA_tdO4uqJy4rMgCLcB/s1600/bankruptcy%2Bth.jpeg" /></a></div>
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I recently negotiated a separation
agreement in a <a href="http://www.pransky.com/Divorce/" target="_blank">divorce</a> in which the opposing attorney insisted on inserting a
clause that on its face prevented the parties from receiving the
benefit of bankruptcy laws if one of them filed a bankruptcy petition
in federal court. The clause that she tried to insert was as
follows:</div>
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<br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>"Each
Party agrees that neither shall attempt in any way to discharge any
obligations contained
in this Agreement in bankruptcy proceedings, and that in the event
that s/he does, any discharge
in bankruptcy for any such obligations shall have no effect upon
his/her responsibility as
contained in the Agreement. The obligations of the Parties set forth
in this Agreement shall survive
and supersede any subsequent discharge in bankruptcy. The filing
Party shall indemnify and
hold harmless the non-filing Party from any and all losses suffered
as a result of the bankruptcy
proceeding, including costs and legal fees."</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In my opinion,
this clause is illegal in that it violates federal law a</span>nd is
unethical because it misleads the parties and can cause them to
litigate frivolous issues in the event of a bankruptcy filing by a
party.</div>
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Bankruptcy law
is established by federal law. While it may incorporate state law
and even look to state law for various elements of the overall
bankruptcy scheme, on the issue of a party's ability to file
bankruptcy and the effect of filing a bankruptcy petition, these are
within the exclusive jurisdiction of federal law. State court judges
in family court have no ability to take away a party's right to file
bankruptcy or to restrict the effect of such a filing. The parties
also lack the power to contract away bankruptcy rights. If an
individual could contract away bankruptcy rights then every contract
would contain an anti-bankruptcy clause.</div>
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In some regards,
bankruptcy law protects obligations created by Family Court in a
divorce. Child support and alimony are <a href="http://massfamilylawblog.blogspot.in/2013/09/alimony-and-bankruptcy.html" target="_blank">domestic support obligations</a> which are protected categories of debt.
<a href="http://www.pransky.com/Divorce/Property-Division.shtml" target="_blank">Property division</a> does not receive protection under bankruptcy law.
The proposed clause does not effect child support or alimony as these
are already protected would not be effected by a contract clause that
caused separation agreements to survive bankruptcy. This clause is
aimed solely at property division.
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In the case of
<a href="https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/1907401/in-re-kroen/">In
re Kroen</a>, the court addressed a similar clause. The court found
that the clause violated bankruptcy law and could not be enforced.
The court found that this clause violated public policy. There are
are long line of federal cases that hold that an agreement to make
contracts non-dischargeable in bankruptcy are void as they all <span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US">offend
the public policy of promoting a fresh start for individual debtors.
</span></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US">Since
the proposed clause is illegal and void under bankruptcy law, it can
never be given any enforcement in either state or federal court. As
such, the only possible purpose of the proposed clause is to make the
parties think that property division in a divorce is
non-dischargeable under bankruptcy law. In other words, the purpose
is to mislead the parties into an incorrect understanding of the law.
This is a violation of the ethical rules that lawyers follow.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US">The
Rules of Professional Conduct for Lawyers prohibit lawyers from
engaging </span></span><a href="http://www.mass.gov/courts/case-legal-res/rules-of-court/sjc/sjc307-rule8-4.html"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US">in
conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation or
</span></span></span><span style="color: #222222;">conduct
that is prejudicial to the administration of justice</span></span></a><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">.
</span></span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US">
The proposed clause would mislead parties into thinking that they
can file litigation in bankruptcy court and prevent the discharge in
bankruptcy of property division obligations. Such a misleading
action is conduct that involves misrepresentation. Since it
encourages frivolous litigation it is also prejudicial to the
administration of justice. </span></span></span></span>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US">Drafting
a separation agreement is a complicated process. People getting
divorced should consult an <a href="http://www.pransky.com/" target="_blank">lawyer </a>experienced in family law before
signing a separation agreement. </span></span></span></span>
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APranskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698403426083180686noreply@blogger.com3