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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.
Areas of Practice
Nearly 20 Years of Professional Experience
The Law Offices of Christine G. DeBernardis have been helping families through difficult times for nearly 20 years, assisting clients with the different aspects of both New Hampshire and Massachusett’s family law.
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Specializing in Family Law
Christine focuses on issues related to family law. Uniquely experienced as both a trial and appellate attorney enables her to provide legal advice and representation for divorces, separation, annulments, child support and custody, adoption, grandparents’ rights and more.
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Providing Civil and Criminal Expertise
Christine has been a trial attorney for both civil and criminal cases in Massachusetts for 20 years. She is also a seasoned appellate lawyer in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts for a variety of civil and criminal cases.
After Divorce: Why is my Child So Angry?
Part of my practice in family law deals in working with parents after the divorce and the adjustment of the families after the "dust settles", so the speak. Often the parents...
Family Vacation After the Divorce
The reality of a divorce or separation often hits families the hardest over holidays and vacation time. Family vacations may have been where many memories were created over the...
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...
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...
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...
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. ...
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...
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,...
My best divorce advice: Don’t listen to your family & friends!
Sounds silly, right? It’s the best divorce advice that any attorney can give is don't listen to your family & friends. Your family and friends always want what’s best for...
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...
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,...
My ex won’t pay child support. Can I refuse to let him see the kids?
My ex won’t pay child support. Can I refuse to let him see our daughter? Absolutely not! If you do it, you are in contempt. Child support and parenting time are two separate...
What is a CWOF? Continuance Without a Finding
People often ask me "What is a CWOF?" in Massachusetts? It's a funny term but it's really just an acronym. A CWOF is a “continuance without a finding.” This is a disposition...
Save Money During Divorce
How to Save Money During Divorce Gather/organize/prepare. During the process, there will be requests for information and documents. When you receive these, take the time to...
Why Do I Need an Estate Plan?
Recall in our first article on estate planning that we introduced you to some general information question about estate planning. Let’s start our series out now with a very...
Can my parents get their money back that they loaned us when we got married?
My parents lent my husband & I money while we were married. I now want to make sure that they get their money back during our divorce. Can my parents get their money back...
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...
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...
What Constitutes Parental Abduction?
It's a sickening thought, wondering if your child may be abducted by your ex-spouse and taken without your consent, outside of the court's order, maybe even across state lines....
Do I have to pay child support without a court order?
Do I have to pay child support without a court order? This is a question that I see often in my practice. The answer is two-fold: there’s the legal advice and the practical...
Supervised Visitation: The Brad and Angelina Case
Brad and Angelina I’m sure you’ve seen recently that Brad and Angelina have made strides in settling their parenting agreement. Angelina is maintaining primary custody of the...
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...
A Child’s Right to Decide: New Hampshire
New Hampshire: When can my children decide in whose home they want to live? Okay, New Hampshire readers – I promised you would hear my thoughts on a child's right to decide...
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...
What Does Child Support Cover? Part I
Paying child support is a double-edged sword. Parents are court ordered to pay but have little, or no, say-so on how it is spent day to day. There are some court mandated...
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...
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...
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...
Can I lose my inheritance to child support?
Can I lose my inheritance to child support? The question you are asking can also be stated as: Can the Court award child support based on the money I received in an inheritance?...
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...
Am I Going To Jail for Shoplifting?
Many times I speak to a new client that is charged in a criminal case and their main concern is “am I going to jail?” That is a logical question when you commit a criminal...
How to Complete a Financial Statement
One of the biggest concerns in family court is the creation of a financial statement (or in New Hampshire, a financial affidavit). I see clients stress day after day about the...
Should I Use Software Law Rather than an Attorney?
When I was in law school, my brother gave me a box of software used for estate planning as a gift. He thought that since I was in my first year of law school, it would be a great...
Myths of Divorce
If you are considering divorce or even in the middle of one, it's critical that you are receiving good advice. Advice from family and friends may seem helpful but can lead you...
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...
For my Massachusetts Divorce, do I need my marriage certificate?
In Massachusetts, when you file a Complaint for Divorce, you must also file a certified copy of your marriage certificate. You may want to keep your copy or you may not have it....
When to seek counseling for your child?
Divorce and separation issues are very hard on children. Whether parents are starting the divorce, discussing the break up or have already gone their individual ways, children...
Can I Stop Him From Selling Our Home While Child Is Still in School?
Question: My husband moved out of our home two years ago and moved in with another woman. We have guardianship of my granddaughter who will be graduating from high school in...
Re-establishing Parenting Time
In August, I wrote about the Parent that Used to Be Absent. This is a follow up article to that post about re-establishing parenting time and what to realistically expect when...
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. ...
I Want to Fire My Lawyer!
If you have every said "I want to fire my lawyer, you are not alone". Many times during a case it can seem confusing or overwhelming. If you are frustrated or dissatisfied with...
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...
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...
Can my wife take my inheritance in the divorce?
Very popular question! I often get this question - can my wife take my inheritance in the divorce? or can my husband take my inheritance in the divorce? In my experience, most...
Massachusetts: Joint Petition or Complaint for Divorce
In Massachusetts, there are two ways by which a party can file for a divorce. The first is commonly known as a “joint petition.” The second is commonly referred to as a...
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 –...
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...
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 –...
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...
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...
If I signed my parental rights away can I get them back?
I often get questions from overwhelmed parents who feel that, for one reason or another, it would be in the best interest of everyone concerned, if they just give up their...
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...
Getting a Divorce Without Notifying the Spouse
The heading reads: "Man Got Divorced Without Ever Telling His Wife, Police Say". ...
Parental Alienation: the Aftermath
In a previous article, I wrote about parental alienation. It is one of the most vicious things a parent can do to another parent because it can destroy the relationship...
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...
Parental Alienation: Divorce and Custody Series
Divorce can have a variety of effects for both parents and children. Children often feel misplaced and at fault so it’s the parents’ responsibility to assure the child that the...
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...
I am going to file for divorce myself. I may hire a lawyer later. However, when do I have to move out of the home?
This is a tough question to answer without knowing more about your case. The status of the marital home varies from case to case and is different in New Hampshire than it is in...
Can I get an Annulment, please?
What is an Annulment? In Massachusetts, an annulment is a statement by the Court that you were never legally married. Unlike divorce, which acknowledges that you were married and...
Protecting Your Children From Sexual Predators – Part III
In our last two related posts, we wrote about ways you can take precautions to protect your child from sexual predators who are related to the child - either by blood or marriage...
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...
It’s Vacation Time: Don’t Take it Out on the Kids
Holidays and vacation time can be stressful. There seems to be more to do than your average day. If you are a parent going through a divorce or separation, it's magnified. Not...
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...
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...
Using Social Media During Divorce
Social Media During Divorce You May Have a Right to Post But Should You? Our article today happens to many families going through separation, divorce and working through child...
Marital Property: What is it?
Far too often I meet with a client for consultation who is concerned that a certain asset is not a marital asset because it is not “in [their] name.” A client may say “well, we...
How to Build Financial Security When Facing Divorce
How to Build Financial Security When Facing Divorce If you see divorce or separation looming in your future, there are ways to plan ahead and build financial security to prepare...
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...
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...
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...
Annulment: Legal vs Religious
Annulment: Legal versus Religious – an important distinction In the past I wrote an article about annulment in each state: Massachusetts and New Hampshire. As I wrapped up...
Can My Childs Dad Go To NH Court for Physical Custody?
Question: I am moving to NH can my childs dad go to NH court and try and get 50 physical custody? He has shared legal right now. Answer: If you have an order, it might address...
Estate Planning After Divorce
Estate Planning After Divorce After a divorce, the last thing that anyone wants to think about is seeing an attorney, legal matters, planning the future, that sort of thing. 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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Legal Lessons From a Mistress
The following is from someone who asked to share her story so others could learn from her Legal Lessons From a Mistress. Several years ago I went through a nasty divorce after 17...
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...
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...
Communicating on Social Media During Divorce
If you have read the news recently, you probably noticed that social media has come under fire for a couple of things. First, social media outlets have been accused of creating...
The Queen Had Soul But No Will
Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, was recently laid to rest. Her service was like no other in our history. Musicians from all genres came out to pay respects with praise and...
Absent Parents: The Parent Who Used to be Absent
Absent parents is a topic that I see frequently in my practice. Here’s a perfect example: Mom was pregnant but dad wanted nothing to do with her, or the baby, during pregnancy...
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...
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...
Custody: Can My Child Decide?
Very often I am asked “when can my child decide choose where he lives?” or “at what age will the Court listen to my children’s input?” The short answer to this question is that...
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...
Can my spouse take my inheritance when we divorce?
Can my spouse take my inheritance when we divorce? Often my clients arrive concerned for their divorce consultations and are very worried about their spouse taking an inheritance...
Should my Ex’s New Girlfriend/Boyfriend visit with my child?
You’ve separated from your partner and he now has a new girlfriend. He sees nothing wrong with that girlfriend being present during visitation with your kids. You think that she...
What Does Full Disclosure Mean for My Divorce?
Each litigant involved in a paternity or divorce action is required to complete and submit a form to the Court, and the opposing party, must provide “full disclosure" of your...
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...
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...
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...
Parenting Your Special Needs Child
Penny and Zach had a stormy relationship from day one. They argued over food, traveling and holidays. After they were married, they could not agree on anything except their...
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...
Estate Planning in Detail
Since estate planning is on my mind this week, I decided to feature a series of blogs that will give information about the many areas of estate planning in detail. With these...
Kid’s Corner: The “Do’s”
This is part two of my advice for dealing with your children in divorce. I’ve already made my disclaimer that I’m not a therapist by any means. I do have children of my own. I do...
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...
NH: Can I Hire an Attorney During COVID-19
For my New Hampshire clients, here’s the update: Currently, the Courts are closed. You may not go to the court, but the Family Division is conducting some of the court's...
New Hampshire: Child Impact Seminar – Updated Link
In New Hampshire, all parties to a divorce, or any case that surrounds parental rights, activities and/or responsibilities, must attend the Child Impact Program. This program is...
Who Gets Our Family Dog in the Divorce?
It's a common scenario. Boy meets girl and they fall in love. They buy a home or rent an apartment. Wanting to share their love, they adopt a dog. Over the next year or so,...
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...
Modification: The In’s and Out’s
As life changes, you may find yourself in a situation where your current order (or judgment) no longer applies to your circumstances or seems fair, given your life changes. If...
Protecting Your Children From Sexual Predators – Part II
In our last post, we wrote about ways you can take precautions to protect your child from sexual predators who are related to the child - either by blood or marriage. In the...
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...
CWOF – May I have another?
A while back I wrote an article telling you about a CWOF. What is it? How does it work? What does it entail? You can check that article out here: What is a CWOF. Recently I...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Is Your Child Being Abused?
A common worry for parents often centers around protecting their child from people who prey on children. Most children spend their days away from their parents in the care of...
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...
What is Sole Custody?
Often people come to me and want “sole custody” of their child. What does this mean? Is it often awarded? Why? How can you convince the Court to award it to you? Sole Legal...
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. ...
Prenuptial Agreements: Why Would I Want That?
It's hard to think that a divorce might happen when you are in the midst of planning your marriage and happily dreaming about the rest of your life, isn’t it? How do you plan a...
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...
COVID – The Impact on Families
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and its variants are continuing to have significant impacts throughout the world. This pandemic came out of nowhere and has changed lives personally and...
Appeal a Judgment
I recently came across this article "How to Appeal a Judgment without an Attorney." Being fairly intrigued, I read the article looking for holes that I could use in writing this...
Am I the right attorney for you? Schedule a phone free 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 me in confidence.