Three Things to Know About Uncontested Divorce

When you decide to end a marriage in Massachusetts, spouses may be able to avoid some of the typical downsides of court by pursuing an uncontested divorce. An uncontested divorce may resolve more quickly, allowing both spouses to move on with their lives. When the parties agree on all key issues for marital dissolution, an…

Read More

Can Mediation Speed Up the Divorce Process?

Getting divorced is an emotional and difficult experience for most people, but going through the court system adds another layer of complexity, and the increased legal fees that go along with it. A court-centric approach can also extend the amount of time it takes for you to end your marriage and move forward. Multiple options…

Read More

Is it Time to Revisit Your Child Support Order?

Mother and son looking out of window

About every four years, Massachusetts and other states are required by federal law to review their state child support guidelines. In Massachusetts, this responsibility is fulfilled by the Child Support Guidelines Task Force. The Task Force considers economic trends, policies, and other data and obtains input from various stakeholders such as family law practitioners and…

Read More

Massachusetts Probate & Family Court Suspends Requirement for Parenting Education Classes

Sad little girl is looking at camera while her parents are arguing in the background

On July 8, 2021 Chief Justice John Casey of the MA Probate and Family Courts announced a suspension to the requirement for divorcing parents to complete the mandatory parent education program specified in the court’s Standing Order 2-16, Parent Education Program Attendance, issued in 2016.  The announcement surprised many MA divorce lawyers and mediators. Besides…

Read More

Parent Education Programs & Covid-19

June 11, 2020: Before the era of Covid-19 (the good old days), the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court required that parents of children under 18 registers for a Parent Education Program within 30 days from when the original complaint was served on the defendant, or within 30 days from an order from the Court. When…

Read More

Coronavirus Challenges and Solutions at NPL

Next Phase Legal & Dispute Resolution LLC of Norfolk, MA (and now several other locations!) remains ready to assist current and new clients. All meetings, including mediation sessions and consultations, are available by video-conference or telephone, and the office is staffed by one person. Let us know how we can help.

Read More