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2017 Child Support Guidelines – Overview

As most of you know, the new version of the child support guidelines has now been released and were effective beginning September 15, 2017. Every four years, a task force reviews input and issue regarding the guidelines, making changes to accommodate problematic,...

I missed my (criminal) court date! What do I do?

You’re going about your day and suddenly realize that you were supposed to be in court. Last week. You thought it was next week, but it was actually last week. Oh no! What do I do!? First, understand that you are in default and a warrant has likely been issued for...

You Want Me to Communicate with Her? You Don’t Know My Wife!

Sound familiar? I hear this comment on a regular basis. It seems counter intuitive to ask that a couple going through a divorce, sometimes a contested and harsh divorce, do the unthinkable - talk to one another. But that's exactly what I ask of my clients. You...

Should You Date Before Your Divorce Is Final?

You filed a Complaint for Divorce and are ready to move on with your life. Should you date before your divorce is final? Can dating someone hurt you while you are going through the divorce process? Could dating hurt you at all? Although it is always best to wait...

2021 Update! Still Missing – Maura Murray

March 2021 Update: For those of you following this case, you are probably aware of Tim & Lance's podcast, Missing Maura. For years, the podcast was its own entity. Over the years, they began highlighting other cases as well. To learn about Maura's case, there...

Filing a Protective Order

Filing a protective order (209A) can be a scary time. Maybe you aren't sure where you will go. Maybe you have children to consider. Perhaps your family is not as supportive or available as you need. There are places and ways to get help so that you are not alone. ...

Paternity: How can I establish paternity of my child?

If you are wondering how to establish paternity of your child, chances are, you have read up on some of the variety of ways and may have become confused on the right path to take. There are a number of valid ways you can go about this and there are good reasons on...

Can you get a restraining order on behalf of your child?

As a parent it is our number one job to protect our children. In today's world, with all of the technology, there are more ways than ever for a child to be targeted. Children can be targeted by their own peers, by adults pretending to be other children or by...

Surviving Divorce Through the Holidays

Happy Holidays! – even during divorce. “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” During a divorce, or even after a divorce, the holidays can be a very difficult time of the year. Since the holidays are upon us, here are a few pointers to keep your kids happy, save...

New Hampshire: The First Appearance

You’ve filed for divorce and you’ve received a notice that you must attend something called a First Appearance. So, what is this? If you are a party to a divorce action, and you have children of the marriage that are...

Children and Divorce: It’s Me or Her!

Moving on after a divorce by pursuing a new relationship can be difficult for the children of the previous marriage. While the parents may be ready, even eager, to move on and engage in new relationships, a child can only see how the breakup of the marriage affects...

How do keep my divorce moving forward?

This is a common question in my field and it’s one of the most difficult to answer, unfortunately. Divorces can take many paths. The outcome of each case is truly dependant on the parties. So, how can you keep your divorce moving forward...

Creating an Irrevocable Trust Can Save Your Loved Ones

The words "irrevocable trust" often seem intimidating to many of my clients. However, when used properly, this can be an effective estate planning tool. If designed properly, it can prevent an estate from staying tied up in probate for years. It can help families...

Massachusetts: How does Separate Support Differ from Divorce?

In Massachusetts, I am often asked about the difference between Separate Support and Divorce. Actions for Separate Support and Divorce are two very distinct options that are separate filings in the Probate & Family Court. It is important to understand the...

Divorce Without Consent: Can I divorce without my spouse’s consent?

A very common question is whether you can get divorce without consent. Of course! The old adage that you need your spouse to “give you a divorce” is no longer. You can proceed with a divorce even if the other party does not want to divorce. You don’t need a spouse’s...

Custody Case Takes a Turn – The Brad Pitt Saga

If you’re not living under a rock, and if you are a loyal reader here on my site, I am sure you’ve heard about the custody battle between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Some months ago, Angelina claimed that Brad abused their child and sought full custody of all six...

Statutes, Retrials & Double Jeopardy

If you have seen the news this week, you may have noticed that actor and comedian Bill Cosby is back in court over charges of sexual assault. While that may not be big news, the overall landscape regarding his crimes is big news. His alleged crimes, the way they...

2017 Child Support Guidelines – Part 3

In part 3 of our series on the 2017 Child Support Guidelines, we will be addressing child support for children between 18-23 years old and parental contribution to post-secondary educational expenses. If you would like to read about other changes, please see Part 1 -...

Divorce and Drama…oh the Drama!

We laugh about it when we see it on TV. We shake our heads in disbelief when our friends tell us about it in their lives. But suddenly, you find yourself in the midst of a divorce and right smack in the middle of a real life reality drama series just like those made...

Is It Safe To Leave an Abusive Marriage?

A co-worker, "Pat", confides to you during lunch one day that her "marital bliss" has all been a sham and that she thinks she has just learned to accept her husband's abusive behavior. All of the stories she shares at work about her family are lies and have been for...

Can my husband force me to sell our marital home?

This question is dependent on many factors. The very general answer is that the home will be awarded to one party or sold to a third party. To decide what will happen, the Court will look to the wishes of the parties (who wants to stay in the home?), the ability to...

5 Appeals Cases To Follow and Why

Although there are a number of high profile wrongful conviction cases in the news, they are still a small percentage of all convictions. The news media would like to have us believe that all police investigations are tainted and that all detectives are on the take...

Can I have an attorney for mediation?

Often I have people consult my office that either want to or have agreed to attend mediation (through a court process or otherwise). They tell me that they can “work it all out” or that they “don’t want to argue.” Often people tell me that they...

Fight For Your Right – For Child Support

I get calls from clients on a regular basis who ask me if they should "go after" child support. Some clients are preparing for a divorce, some are previously divorced and others are parents who were never married. There are a couple of things to point out here. If...

Delphi Murders Update

May 2021 Update: As we all work to keep this case in the headlines for as many eyes as possible, we often see other arrests that may appear to be similar to the person who killed Abby & Libby. Those persons will be investigated thoroughly by the local police, the...

Who wants a Life Estate?

I am sure that you’ve all heard the recent news that Hugh Hefner put the Playboy Mansion up for sale. For a mere $200 mill, you can purchase the mansion and call it your own – with one catch! Hugh will live out the remainder of his life at the mansion before you can...

Should I contact an Attorney about Divorce?

If you’re having trouble in your marriage, you feel overwhelmed. You feel like it's going to get better, yet it never does. Your friends and family may be unaware of the true depth of your situation. Often this is when you may think: "should I contact an attorney...

Who is Using Your DNA?

Who is using your DNA? If you have watched any television recently, you may have noticed an increase in the DNA profile commercials. You know the ones – “I thought I was from Italy, but turns out I am mostly Scottish” and they promote that you can also learn your...

What is the Automatic Restraining Order?

When a Divorce is filed, an automatic restraining order on assets immediately applies. This prohibits you, and your spouse, from encumbering, selling or transferring certain marital assets during the pendency of the divorce proceedings. Notice of this automatic...

Divorce and Social Media: Don’t

Whether you are simply contemplating the idea of divorce or in the middle of a full-on legal battle, your best bet with your social media accounts is to disconnect them. Turn them off. Shut them down. Stop posting. Make it impossible for people to post to your...

Things To Know About Your Family Lawyer

Family law can encompass many aspects of law. It covers divorce, child custody, separation agreements, post and pre nuptials and much more. Some families have an attorney they can go to for estate planning. As you can see family law is a wide field so it's...

Massachusetts Divorce: “What’s this going to cost me?”

Whether you’re the husband or the wife, the bread winner or the stay-at-home parent, cost is typically a factor in consideration of a divorce. At some point during every consultation, a person turns to me and says “So, what’s this going to cost me?” My response is...

Keep Your Divorce A Private Matter

You have probably seen it in the news. Johnny Depp and his wife are divorcing. You may have even searched for details of the settlement. After all, he's bound to be worth millions (or more!?)!! How are they going to split that vast estate? Well, you may have...

Relocating with Children After Divorce

Clients often tell me that when their divorce is complete they are "done with marriage". The hurt has jaded them. The fight over custody, home, financial assets, and more has left them emotionally void. Until next time, that is. People have a wonderful ability to...

How to Survive the Holidays During Divorce

The holidays are a time for family. It's supposed to be a time to look back and reflect on those wonderful memories together. When you are in the midst of a divorce, or you’ve recently completed the divorce process, it's not always easy to recall those happier...

Just When We Thought He Was Beyond Reach

By now you may have heard that Bill Cosby was recently criminally charged by one of the women who claims that she was drugged and touched by him in the past. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania charged Bill Cosby today with aggravated indecent assault, sneaking the...

The Safe Driving Law in Massachusetts

There is a lot of press recently about texting while driving all over our country but particularly in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Many states have banned texting while driving. There are commercials on TV about texting while driving. There are signs on the...

West Memphis 3 – Reopening of Original Murder Case

UPDATE April 2020: Oxygen Network aired its long awaited show about this case. It featured Bob Ruff's Truth & Justice working with famed former FBI profiler Jim Clemente and others to re-start an investigation in a manner they believe it should have been done...

Massachusetts: The Annie Dookhan Drug Lab Scandal

Update: if you have not watched Netflix’s “How to Fix a Drug Scandal”, we recommend you do so. It discusses this case and the Sonja Farak case. If you feel you have been impacted by either of these, please contact us. By now I am sure that a lot of you have heard of...

Family Law: How to Choose Your Attorney

Your family is the most important thing in your life. Whether you are facing a divorce or a custody battle or a child support dispute, you want to have the “right” attorney by your side through this very difficult process. So, how do you decide? Here are some...

The New Tax Bill & Alimony

It's a new year and we thought we would start it off with an article about something that's been all over the news for weeks - the new tax bill. Some love it. Some hate it. Some have no idea that there is a new tax bill. One thing is for sure: there will be...

Massachusetts Contempt: Need to Know

Massachusetts Contempt: What is it? How do I address it? What are the remedies? I hear people use the word “contempt” all of the time, but there is a lot of confusion about contempt and what to do about contempt. Here’s more information about this issue. What is it? ...

What are temporary orders in Massachusetts?

What are temporary orders in Massachusetts? When a divorce begins, rarely do the parties consider temporary orders in Massachusetts to be a necessity, however they ask the court for many things. When the divorce begins, the parties rarely sit in a position to agree...

What does Child Support Cover: Medical Bills

We are continuing the series about Child Support and the things it covers. This article will focus on expenses incurred that are outside the actual child support payment but perhaps still required by the court as a form of supporting your child. Our previous article...

Grandparent’s Rights in Massachusetts

The issue of visitation rights for grandparent’s rights is governed by Massachusetts G.L. c. 119, s. 39D. Grandparents may seek visitation, “grandparent’s rights,” through the Court with their “unmarried minor” grandchildren if: (1) the parents are divorced, married...

Divorce: Moving on When Others Won’t

Divorce is rough. It's an emotional roller coaster for everyone involved. Just getting to the point where a couple decides that divorce is the only solution left is often devastating. After the dust settles, and the divorce is completely finalized, both parties are...

Parental Alienation – Things to Watch

Over the recent month I have written about parental alienation in a couple of articles. It is one of those painful situations for both the parents and the children and it's something that does not have to happen at all. Often the process begins slowly and builds...

Five Tips for Attending Court

Often I am asked "what do I wear?" or "is there anything that I need to know about going to Court?" Below are tips for attending Court that I find rather useful. 1. Dress appropriately. It is not necessary to wear a suit or formal outfit to Court. Wear an outfit that...

Topics You Should Discuss With Your Divorce Lawyer

Hiring a divorce lawyer is the first important step in a long list of your divorce. Once you retain a lawyer it is vitally important that you communicate openly and honestly with her. She is there to to advocate for you to get the best solution for your situation. We...

Should I Stay Married For the Sake of My Children?

I often see the question posed to me in the middle of a conversation with a potential client, current client or even an acquaintance who knows I practice family law: should I stay married for the sake of my children? Should I wait until they are older before we...

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Contact me now at: 978.225.0661 or 603.373.0545. You may also email directly at: [email protected] in confidence.

©2021 The Law Office of Christine G. DeBernardis. Any information contained on this website is for general information purposes only. It is not legal advice, nor is it intended to be. A retained attorney is best able to give you advice on your individual situation. Please be aware that contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Until an attorney client relationship is established, please withhold sending confidential information to us.

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Appeals

An appeal is a request for relief from a decision of a lower court. It’s basically asking the Court to overturn a lower court’s ruling, order or finding based upon the fact that the lower court’s decision was in error. Christine is an experienced lawyer; both at trial and appeals. She can help if you’ve been convicted at trial. You have the right to appeal — contact us today for a free consultation of your case.

Criminal Law

When you are in a difficult situation that requires the assistance of a knowledgeable, caring representative, turn to the Law Offices of Christine G. DeBernardis. Christine has the experience to help you get the best results. The outcome of a criminal matter will affect your future. Make sure that your interest is protected and that you have an experienced advocate on your side. You can contact Christine G. DeBernardis in her Massachusetts office at (978-225-0661).

Divorce

Divorce and separation are tough on a family. Everyone want to provide advice and it's hard to know who to trust. You need an advocate that is fair, experienced and compassionate. Christine has nearly 20 years experience working with families both in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Contact us here to schedule a free phone consultation.

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