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 »
Getting Your License Back After an OUI
In Maine, drunk driving is called “operating under the influence,” or “OUI”. The officer who arrested you will send a police report to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, which will administratively suspend your notice. If you are ultimately convicted of OUI In court, the court will also suspend your license. For a first offense… Read more »
Prenuptial Agreements
Do they say: “I don’t trust you and expect that we are going to wind up getting divorced anyway” ; or Do they say: “You and I have once before gone through a very contentious, hurtful, hateful and litigious divorce in the past and we do not ever want that to occur between us“? If… Read more »
Drunk Driving in Maine With An Out-Of-State License
Being arrested for drunk driving or operating under the influence (OUI) in Maine with an out-of-state license can create problems in your home state. States share information about drunk driving convictions and license suspensions, and many states treat an out-of-state OUI conviction as if it were an in-state conviction. How OUI Arrests Of Out-Of-State Drivers… Read more »