Aug
20

The De Facto Parent

Non-traditional family arrangements are more common than ever. Single individuals are seeking to become the legal parent of a child outside of a marriage or committed relationship, whether biologically or through adoption. Often, the child’s legal parent enters into a relationship with someone who assumes caretaking functions for that child, and develops, over time, a… Continue reading »

Aug
20

Tax Free Gifting

You may be aware that the federal estate tax, which was repealed for 2010, resumes in 2011 on estates with assets exceeding $1 million dollars. The Massachusetts estate tax remains in effect and also taxes estate assets over $1 million. In addition to worrying about estate taxes, the law also requires you to pay a… Continue reading »

Aug
20

What’s in a Name?

I recall the time, as a joke, a relative made a piece of ceramic “art” and signed it “Picasso.” He then told our family that he had purchased an original ceramic ashtray by the late, great artist. We all had a good laugh. But had this event happened today, and if Picasso were still alive,… Continue reading »

Aug
20

Using Strategic and Tactical Decision Making to Control Litigation Costs

It is, perhaps, too obvious to be worth noting that the costs of litigation are a primary source of friction between clients and their attorneys. Though a good attorney will do his or her best to advise a client of the likely costs of litigation at the outset of a case, all too often, as… Continue reading »

Aug
18

The Many Costs of Divorce (Part 1)

This article is the first of several which will address the many costs of a divorce. The first cost to come to mind for most people is probably legal fees. Legal fees can add up quickly and are often problematic for many litigants who may already be emotionally distraught from their own circumstances. Fees vary… Continue reading »

Aug
17

Kid’s Law (Part 1)

Having written twice about “Dad’s Law” as it relates to my college-age daughter, I am now taking on a bit of a role reversal. As parents age, the process of starting to take over certain tasks and responsibilities for our parents can be one of the most distressing experiences of a lifetime. After a lifetime… Continue reading »