Going through the complexities of divorce proceedings in Massachusetts can be a daunting experience. The legal system involves its own language, comprising terms and phrases that may be unfamiliar to those outside the legal profession.  Understanding these terms is crucial for anyone going through a divorce, as it not only helps in comprehending the proceedings but also in making informed decisions.  So, it’s time we demystify the legal divorce terms often encountered in divorce courts, providing clear definitions and explanations to empower individuals with the necessary k ..read more

Suppose that two people are married for over 10 years, then divorced and the wife remarries. Then, her new husband dies after several years of marriage. Is she eligible to claim against the first husband’s benefits?” The rules surrounding survivors benefits The quick answer is that she is eligible to receive benefits, but there are many conditions associated with the eligibility of divorced spouses. As long as the original marriage lasted for 10 years and she is unmarried, she is eligible for Social Security benefits based on the record of her first partner. These include survivors benefits. O ..read more

A federal jury has awarded more than $134,000 in lost wages and damages to a Manchester man in an age discrimination lawsuit against DeMoulas Super Markets Inc., claiming his superiors at Market Basket promoted younger workers instead of him. Following a four-day trial at United States District Court in Concord, a unanimous jury found that DeMoulas Super Markets, Inc., owners of the popular Market Basket chain of supermarkets, violated the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) and a New Hampshire law against discrimination by failing to promote its employee, Rodney Martinez, from a part ..read more

Divorce isn’t just tough emotionally; it’s also a big deal for your wallet.  Did you know that a body of research has established that marital disruption has a substantial negative impact on a couple’s finances?  From dividing assets to managing debt, the emotional turmoil of divorce often overshadows the crucial task of financial planning for divorce. This essential guide equips you with the knowledge and tools to navigate this challenging process with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re contemplating divorce or already navigating the legal proceedings, having a so ..read more

67% of parents spend 20% or more of their household income on child care, up from 51% in 2022, according to an annual report by Care.com. To compare, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services considers 7% of household income affordable for child care. The cost of child care in the U.S. has been increasing, and many families spend more than what the government considers affordable. Two-thirds of parents, 67%, spend 20% or more of their household income on child care, according to a recent report by Care.com that surveyed 3,000 U.S. parents. That’s up from 51% who repo ..read more

Is charging extra for non-dairy milk an act of discrimination against people who are lactose intolerant? This is the question three Starbucks customers are raising by filing a $5m class-action lawsuit against Starbucks for making customers who do not consume dairy pay more for their lattes and frappuccinos. The three California customers – two from Los Angeles county, and one from Madera – are all lactose intolerant, and when they buy drinks at Starbucks, they are charged an extra fee of $0.50 to $0.80 per drink, according to a complaint filed in early March in a federal court in Fre ..read more

Stress is a natural response to a threat or a challenge. It’s our mind’s and body’s way of preparing us to respond to something difficult or unexpected. When we experience stress, our bodies have a physical reaction, and our minds race. Massachusetts family life can be overwhelming, and busy, and causes stress for all of us at times. High levels of stress can make it hard to be calm and consistent with our children. We may find it challenging to spend enjoyable quality time with our kids when we’re experiencing stress; however, children thrive when their parents are responsive and calm in the ..read more

Atlantic Properties Management Corporation and its affiliate, Diversified Funding, Inc., property management companies in Boston, violated Massachusetts and federal law by failing to provide a reasonable accommodation to a new hire with a disability and subsequently withdrawing her job offer, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a lawsuit filed today. According to the EEOC’s lawsuit, the individual was offered employment as an executive administrative assistant to the president and vice president of the two companies. Shortly after the offer of employment, the emp ..read more

A home appraiser is a professional who studies different aspects of your home to give a fair-market appraisal of how much it is worth. Their feedback is crucial when it comes to your home’s value. If you’re looking to refinance, for instance, an appraisal can help you avoid wasting money on your monthly payment. Before an appraiser looks at a property you want to buy or currently own, here are a few things you need to know. They work for the bank Appraisers aren’t in a position to help you or make it easier for you to get a loan. They may not even be in your corner when deciding ..read more

In January 2024 the state Attorney General’s office sued the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) over its treatment of a family with two girls with asthma and developmental issues, charging the authority ignored repeated complaints for three years about the unsanitary conditions in their Franklin Field apartment that were so bad the girls had to seek emergency care at a local hospital two to three times a month. According to the suit, the BHA moved the woman, her mother and the woman’s two nieces, who were living with them, into a four-bedroom Franklin Field apartment in 2016 – an apartment that wa ..read more