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The Banning of Cell Phone Use While Driving in Massachusetts
/by Sclafani & MoriartyEarly last week the Massachusetts Senate voted 38-1 to ban the use of hand-held cellphones while driving, and today, Monday, November 25, 2019, Governor Charlie Baker signed the bill into law, which means it will take effect in 90 days. Senator Joseph Boncore said that distracted driving claims about 3,000 lives a year. “These deaths […]
Vaping Products Ban in Massachusetts
/by Sclafani & MoriartyOn September 24, 2019, Massachusetts Governor, Charlie Baker, declared a public health emergency, and prohibited the sale or display of all vaping products in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to consumers in retail establishments, online, and through any other means. This was in response to an outbreak of severe lung disease associated with e-cigarettes and vaping […]
What is Joint vs. Sole Custody?
/by Sclafani & MoriartyIt’s tough, sometimes, to come to an agreement with your ex-spouse. When it comes to decisions about your children, things may become a little sticky. If the two of you cannot come to an agreement on your own, you may have to attend a custody hearing, where a judge will determine custody. Keep in mind […]
8 Tips to Avoid Getting Hacked
/by Sclafani & MoriartyIt seems like if you haven’t already been hacked, you know someone who has. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your personal information online. Create strong passwords that you only use once. Instead of using your dog’s name and birthdate, because, seriously, those passwords can be targeted with brute force techniques that […]
Knowing When Child Support Ends
/by Sclafani & MoriartyTypically it is very clear when child support ends. The child support order may indicate that it ends on a specific date or on the day a child turns 18, 21, or 23. But sometimes, the child support order may not indicate a date. Sometimes this happens when the child support is part of the […]
Do I Need A Lawyer To Get A Divorce?
/by Sclafani & MoriartyThe answer is no, you do not need a lawyer to get a divorce. However, in most cases, the stakes are high and having a lawyer in your corner is having someone who knows the law, and is looking out for your best interests. A lawyer can answer any questions you might have with regard […]
Relocating to Another State With Your Children After Divorce
/by Sclafani & MoriartyRelocation after a divorce isn’t uncommon. It gets complicated, however, when there are children involved. Remember, the court’s primary goal is always to support the best interests of the child. The court may automatically assume that relocation is not in the best interest of the child, as it will more than likely disrupt the child’s […]
How is the value of real estate and stocks determined during the process of divorce?
/by Sclafani & MoriartyWritten by Diana Velez Harris Because the value of real estate and stocks fluctuate with the market, you may wonder how the value is determined during the process of divorce. There is no law that dictates the time at which any marital assets are valued. In some cases, it is appropriate to value all items […]
Marijuana and Massachusetts Law
/by Sclafani & MoriartyMarijuana and Massachusetts Law Marijuana is legal in Massachusetts for people 21 and older. However, you can’t use it anywhere you want. You can’t use marijuana in public or on federal land. You can have up to 1 oz. on you and up to 10 oz. in your home. You can grow up to 6 […]
What Right Does A Step-Parent Have After a Divorce?
/by Sclafani & MoriartyWhat legal rights does a step-parent have after a divorce? Diana S. Velez Harris, Attorney at Johnson, Sclafani & Moriarty in West Springfield, Massachusetts, asserts that “In the Commonwealth (of Massachusetts), a step parent does not have any legal rights relative to the care and custody of any children of your current or ex spouse. […]