Experience

in and out of the courtroom

Compassion

for each situation

Integrity

in every case

Physical Custody

Series Part II - Physical custody/Residential responsibility Often people come to me and want “sole custody” of their child. I wrote last week about sole legal custody (MA) and decision making (NH). This article will continue that series discussing physical custody...

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...

Substance Abuse and Parenting

A parent or other caregiver with an alcohol or drug addiction has a profound impact on their children. Substance abuse and parenting are more common than most people realize. Unfortunately, the parent does not always see that his or her behavior is harmful or won’t...

What qualities do I look for when hiring an attorney?

Choosing an attorney is not a simple process. Do your best to make a good decision at the outset of your case and you will win in the long run with a respected advocate on your side and confidence in every decision that you make along the way. Generally speaking, you...

Should You Ask For a Lawyer?

Asking for an attorney, whether you have committed a crime or not, is not only smart - it's YOUR right. In spite of news media or the way TV portrays our legal justice system, the right to counsel is one of the most fundamental parts of our justice system. Every...

Can I sign away my rights to my child?

I am asked the question, "can I sign away my rights to my child" rather often, whether it be asked by the father or the mother of a child. Here’s an example of what I see in my practice: You were in a relationship where a child was conceived and you have been...

What Happens If a Spouse Dies During Divorce

Over the past few days, we’ve seen a “celebrated” story that reminds me of a topic that arises every so often within my practice. Have you seen the stories about Lamar Odom fighting for his life after being found unresponsive earlier this week? The media reports...

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...

When Children Take on Parenting: After Effects of Divorce

The son of recently divorced parents finds Mom crying in the kitchen. "What's wrong, Mom?" he asks. "Your Dad doesn't love me. He has a new girlfriend. How could he do that to us?" The boy is angered and hurt. He hugs his mother as she cries. He consoles her in...

I Want Her Out Now!

I want him/her out - now! When a married couple agrees to divorce, it signals the end of the union. However, it is easy to recognize that there are still many unanswered questions. I am often asked this question by one of the parties: "We have already agreed the...

Visitation: Part 1: What happens if a parent never shows up for visitation?

While you hate to give up time with your child, you know that the visitation with his other parent is good for their relationship, can be a very positive thing and (let’s face it) is a little break for you. Even if you don’t look forward to that time when your...

Massachusetts OUI Laws

People often ask me what can happen in the event they (or a family member or friend) are pulled over and suspected of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Here is some information from the Massachusetts website to help explain the Massachusetts OUI...

Questions You Should Ask Your Divorce Attorney

When seeking a divorce attorney, there are a million questions running through your mind. It’s wise to make a list of the topics you wish to address so that you can make the most of your time together. Here are some questions you should be sure make that list: 1. ...

Can an Attorney Represent Both Parties in a Divorce

I receive calls frequently from potential clients who are seeking an attorney to counsel the parties, together, for a divorce. This happens for a variety of reasons. You want to save money. You feel as if you are in agreement on many of the issues. You want the...

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...

My husband filed for divorce and tells me I have to leave. Do I?

Question: My husband filed for divorce. He had me served with the papers at my office. I did not know this was coming and he tells me I have to be the one to leave our home – with our children! He says this is his home. NH: Do not leave your home. You don’t have to...

What To Do (and Not Do) If Your Spouse Is Cheating

It’s a difficult prospect to think that your spouse may have strayed from your marriage. Most people find this shocking and upsetting, not knowing what to do (and what not to do) if your spouse is cheating. It's hard to decide at that moment about your marriage,...

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...

Can I stop paying my child support without going to Court?

Often things happen that makes a parent think that they are no longer required to pay child support. A daughter joins the military. A son drops out of college. A child graduates high school and is going to college part time and working part time but still living with...

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...

Who Gets the Engagement Ring?

The contemplation of marriage, instituted by the engagement of the parties, traditionally brings with it an engagement ring given from one to another. Some have sentimental value: engagement rings are handed down and are often heirlooms. An engagement ring may have...

Is Sexting Cheating?

Some say it's harmless; just flirting and having fun. Others say it's much more than that - it's a form of cheating whether there is physical contact or not. While the term "sexting" is certainly not new, it has been in the media more in recent weeks, both with the...

Massachusetts Complaint for Contempt – Serve that Summons!

Many times a case gets dismissed for failure to provide adequate notice to the other party that a complaint has been filed. This is because the the other party has a right to be given notice of any actions taken against them or that they are named in a proceeding. ...

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...

Paying Child Support Without a Court Order

Paying child support without a court order Paying child support without a court order is a question that comes up very often in my practice. This can apply anytime there is a child between two people, whether the couple is married, or unmarried. Here is a common...

Parenting During COVID-19 FAQ

We understand this is an unusual time in our history. We are writing FAQ's as we receive questions. Please keep those questions coming in and we will do our best to respond. This...

Visitation Part 2: Pick up, Drop off and Last Minute Schedule Changes

It’s very rare that parties to a divorce, or parents who are no longer in a relationship, get along very well. After all, if you did, you’d likely still be together, right? It is more typically the case that parents do NOT get along. As a result, dealing with...

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...

Changing Attorneys Mid-Case

Changing Attorneys Mid-Case Often, folks just like you call me part way through a divorce, or even after a divorce is over, that say that are not satisfied with their attorney. Most people feel that if they have hired someone, they “probably shouldn’t” switch...

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...

MA: Can I Hire a Lawyer During COVID-19

Q: Can I hire a lawyer during COVID-19 with the courts being closed? Can they still work on my family law related case? A: Even if the court is closed, having an attorney assist you is so important. Most importantly, you should not go through this alone. Having an...

Child Support and Attribution of Income

I hear this statement a lot (more out of frustration than anything else): “You can’t get blood from a stone. I will just quit my job and she won’t get any support!” It sounds like the perfect move in theory. Too bad that it is not true! Child support and...

Do I Need a Holiday Schedule?

Question: Do I need a holiday schedule in my parenting plan/divorce agreement? I see this question a lot in my practice, particularly where the parties seem to be working together and getting along well during the time that they are drafting an agreement. We can work...

Estate Planning: Planning Ahead

Nobody wants to think about their death. It's unpleasant no matter how you look at it. However, planning ahead is more than simply dividing up your worldly assets. It can ensure that your children are cared for by the person that you prefer. Planning ahead can...

Shared Physical Custody: A Growing Trend

Years ago, when a couple parted ways, it was simply assumed that the children would live with their mother and have visitation with their father. Typically, the father's visitation with his children was for two weekends per month and if feasible for him, a "dinner...

Missing Mollie – Trial Update

UPDATE According to the Des Moines Register, a trial date has been set for the man accused of abducting and killing Mollie Tibbetts. The trial date is set for April 16th, 2019. He is accused of kidnapping and killing Mollie while she was out for a run. Updates can...

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...

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...

Divorce After 50

Picture This: You married your high school sweetheart. You settled down and had a couple of kids early in life whom are now out of school and have families of their own. Through the early years of your marriage things were great, but as you both matured, and the...

What Type of Attorney Should I Hire?

This article is part of a series about why it's important to hire an attorney and the reasons behind hiring an attorney. The purpose of this series is to help you determine the types of situations where a lawyer is most needed and to know when to reach out for...

Cheating Spouse: How Do You Know?

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have been all over the news lately about their divorce. There have been numerous reasons cited for the divorce. Everything from drug abuse to physical abuse to affairs. Both have been married AND divorced more than once. In this and...

New Hampshire Law: Alimony

Alimony is always hot topic in matters of divorce. Not everyone understands on what basis it is determined and if awarded, how the amount and length of the award is determined. In New Hampshire, the mystery...

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...

Avoiding Legal Issues

In my previous article, “What Type of Attorney Should I Hire,” I wrote about the importance of speaking with an attorney early on in your case to maximize any potential outcome you may have as well as choosing the right attorney for the type of situation, rather than...

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 -...

Post Divorce Parenting: Helping Your Child Succeed

Life for a child of divorce can feel like a war zone. They often feel torn between two people who have completely different opinions and different life styles. The rules can vary from household to household which leaves the child with a sense of confusion and anger....

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? ...

Blanchette: Case on Appeal

Recently the New Hampshire Supreme Court overturned the conviction of Ernest Justin Blanchette, a former deputy sheriff charged with sexual assault of an inmate during transport from the Belknap County jail to the state prison for women in Goffstown. This case shows...

Expectations after Divorce

In a relationship, we have certain expectations of our spouse, our partner and perhaps the other parent to our children. Often, the other party will try to do what you’d like. But what happens when the relationship is no longer? Is it realistic to have the...

Can a Child Choose Their Parent After Divorce in Massachusetts

Massachusetts : When can my children decide in whose home they want to live? Often I am asked "can a child choose their parent after the divorce"?, so I thought this would be a great topic of discussion. It is important to remember that each state handles this...

Am I the right attorney for you?

Schedule a free phone consultation today to discuss your case and decide if I am the person you want on your side.

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.

Ways to Contact Us

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.

Experience

Compassion

Integrity

Am I the right attorney for you?

Ways to Contact Us

Subscribe

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Thank you for subscribing!

Ways to Contact Us

Subscribe

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Thank you for subscribing!

Appeals

Criminal Law

Divorce

Testimonials

Pin It on Pinterest