Military divorces involve unique legal and practical challenges that set them apart from civilian cases. Libby O’Brien Kingsley & Champion (LOKC) is a veteran-owned and operated law firm that deeply appreciates the complexities and sacrifices of military service—and how it impacts divorce, custody, and support decisions. Key Differences in Military Divorce: Jurisdiction: Active-duty military members… Read more »
Federal Estate Tax and the Big Beautiful Bill
The Bill was signed into law by President Trump on the 4th of July. Many of its tax provisions are extensions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, as to its application to federal estate tax. The new law raises the federal estate tax exemption amount to $15,000,000 per person and $30,000,000 per married… Read more »
Arrested for Boating Under the Influence in Maine? What You Need to Know
Summer in Maine means time on the water—whether you’re fishing on Sebago Lake or enjoying a day on the Saco River. Maine law prohibits boating under the influence (BUI), and the consequences can be severe. If you’ve been charged with BUI in Maine, it’s critical to understand your rights and consult an experienced criminal defense… Read more »
PROCRASTINATION
PROCRASTINATION – (Noun.) Def: (1) “The action of delaying or postponing.” (2) “To keep delaying something that must be done.” — The Cambridge Dictionary. Finally, I have gotten around to writing this article. You might ask: “What does procrastination have… Read more »
Child Support: What It Is & What It Does
Generally, child support can be defined as money paid directly from one parent to the other for the general purpose of sharing the financial burden of raising a child. This amount is determined by a court in divorce, post-divorce, or parental rights & responsibilities cases brought before it. In Maine both parents have a… Read more »
Military Discharge Upgrades
If you’re a veteran with a less-than-honorable discharge, you may be eligible to upgrade your characterization of service. A discharge upgrade can restore access to VA benefits, open employment opportunities, and correct the record of your military service. What Is a Discharge Upgrade? A discharge upgrade is a formal request to change the terms of… Read more »
What is a Health Care Directive / Proxy — & Why Do I Need One?
You need one because accidents and unexpected illnesses happen all of the time! I am certain that your calendar does not show that you have an automobile crash scheduled for next Tuesday at 7:45 AM. Of course not — the same holds true for illnesses. A health care directive, or proxy, is a preplanned document… Read more »
What is a Trust and Should I Have One ?
Trusts are nothing more than a legal relationship and contract agreement, where the owner of some type of assets (the Donor, Grantor or Settlor), transfers possession of those assets in a written agreement (the Trust) to someone who agrees to be the holder of the assets (Trustee), and who also agrees to make the distributions… Read more »
To Blow or Not To Blow
As a criminal defense attorney, I have to say that one of the most popular questions I am asked repeatedly by friends, family, and colleagues alike is, “Should I blow?” Most people understand the context of this question, which refers to consenting to a breathalyzer test if arrested for operating under the influence (OUI). Please… Read more »
First Time In 20 Years Massachusetts Revises Estate Tax Law
On October 4, 2023, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed sweeping tax changes into law. One of the most important of these changes was to the Commonwealth’s estate tax exemption. Historically, the exemption amount was one of the lowest in the country ($1M/ per estate). The new law raises that amount to ($2M/ per estate) and… Read more »