Family Law Section Newsletter
Fall 2012

In This Issue...

The Impact of the New Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code on our Family Law Practice.
By Bradford N. Vezina & Theresa B. Ramos

The New Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code (“MUPC”) has brought sweeping changes to those practicing within the probate courts. As courts and practitioners slowly become acclimated to the new law, it is important for family law practitioners to pause and consider the MUPC’s impact on the family law field and how family law practitioners should advise their clients moving forward. Below is a brief discussion of some code provisions most likely to impact family law attorneys as well as a summary chart...more

Should divorce lawyers ask clients about Sexting?
By Alan Pransky, Esq.

Sexting is a term used to describe “the act of sending sexually explicit messages or photographs, primarily between mobile phones.” Wikipidea. According to a study from the University of Texas Medical Branch, over 30% of all people between ages 18 and 25 have exchanged naked pictures. Although this practice is not limited to young people, it is fair to assume that a significant number of young married couples have exchanged naked pictures. Some of these people are bound to get divorced. What will they do with these naked pictures of their spouse in the heat of a highly contested divorce battle?...more

Help Your Clients Avoid Easy Post Divorce Mistakes
By Wendy O. Hickey, Esq.

With another detailed separation agreement approved by the court, my satisfied client and I left the court house together last week agreeing to chat soon. As I walked away from her, I started drafting the post divorce housekeeping email I would send her in my mind - this time my email would be much easier as I was representing the spouse with relatively few assets in her own name who would be receiving a series of transfers from her ex-husband. Thinking about this got me wondering how many practitioners send their clients post-divorce to do letters or emails. If this is not something you regularly do, perhaps you should start....more

Pro-Bono Spotlight
By Brian McLaughlin, Jr., Esq.