2011 December

Alimony Reform Act of 2011

December 26, 2011 By Larri Parker

How is Alimony determined in Massachusetts?

The Alimony Reform Act of 2011, Massachusetts General Laws §§48-55, provides new guidelines for alimony in Massachusetts. The new alimony law goes in to effect March 1, 2012. The Act provides guidelines for alimony amount and duration. The new law will promote consistency in alimony orders and flexibility in the types of alimony ordered, while reserving judicial discretion for special circumstances.

Under the Alimony Reform Act of 2011, there are several types of alimony: General Alimony, Rehabilitative Alimony, Reimbursement Alimony and Transitional Alimony. The new alimony guidelines create a structure for determinations of alimony. The various types of alimony provide for increased flexibility in making alimony orders, while specific guidelines promote consistency in alimony orders. And because there are always special circumstances the New Alimony Act preserves judicial discretion in creating fair and equitable alimony orders.

Contact an experienced divorce attorney mediator to learn how the Alimony Reform Act of 2011 may affect you. If you are contemplating divorce, if you are currently receiving alimony, if you are paying alimony, or if you are a stay-at-home parent, you need to understand the impact of the new alimony laws. Contact us at 508 795 0200 to learn more.

Filed Under: Divorce Mediation

Joint Petition for Modification of Judgment

December 16, 2011 By Larri Parker

Joint Petition for Modification

A Joint Petition and Affidavit for Modification of Judgment soon will be available for use in The Probate & Family Court. This will be a welcome tool for folks utilizing mediation services. Parties will be able to mediate modification agreements and then file them with the court using a Joint Petition. The proposed Rule 412 will facilitate uncontested actions to modify judgments. The filing may be approved by the Court administratively. That means you won’t have to go to court, unless the court determines that a hearing is necessary or helpful for disposition of the petition.

The Massachusetts Probate & Family Court is planning to permit folks to file a Joint Petition for Modification of Judgment. Parties that wish to file a joint petition will file a signed and notarized agreement, accompanied with an affidavit. In matters involving changes to financial terms, the parties will also file financial statements and/or child support guidelines worksheets. This new process will save time, money and relieve the long lines in the Probate & Family Court. Unless the court schedules a hearing, you will have your decision in fourteen days.

This is a welcome tool to assist families that want to make changes to their divorce agreements. Filing a Joint Petition for Modification of Judgment will be less costly than going through a traditional process of filing a Complaint for Modification. Using mediation to discuss proposed changes to parenting plans, Alimony and child support, will keep open lines of communication. You stay in control of the process and avoid litigation. The divorce mediators at Parker Mediation will facilitate the process to modify your judgment. We keep it simple and confidential; call us today at 508 795 0200 to take the next steps.

Filed Under: Alimony, Alimony in Massachusetts, Child Support, Complaint for Modification, Divorce Mediation, Massachusetts Probate and Family Court

Parker Mediation Gifts for Teens

December 8, 2011 By Larri Parker

Parker Mediation is accepting gifts suitable for middle and high school aged children. Donations may be made at our Worcester offices through
December 21. All gifts will be delivered to local teens in need of a little joy this holiday season. Please drop by anytime Monday through Friday 9AM-5PM to drop off your gifts.

Your generosity will be greatly appreciated. Adolescents and children in the juvenile justice system or in foster care need your support.

This age group is often neglected during the holidays, partly because teens are hard to buy for! Some great ideas for teens are gift cards, sweat shirts, phone accessories, hair products, nail polish, alarm clocks, cameras, sunglasses, hats, scarves, gloves, bean bags, snow goggles, earrings, T-shirts, picture frames, jewelry holders, flash drives, flip camera, hoodies, art supplies, or maybe some ear buds. Check out these earmuff headphones! Happy Holidays and happy shopping!