- DivorceWhen a couple is divorcing and cannot agree on the issues related to their children or finances the divorce becomes a “contested divorce”. Often times, contested divorces can take a great deal of energy and time to resolve. Absent mutual agreement on all issues, a Judge will assign your matter for Trial where it will render a decision based on the facts and circumstances presented before the Court. It is important to retain an experienced divorce attorney to ensure that you are informed on all aspects of your divorce and ensure that your interest is protected.
- Child SupportChild support is ordered monetary support for the wellbeing of a child(ren) and paid by one parent to the other. The purpose of child support is to help meet a child(ren)’s basic needs of food, shelter, and clothing. Many factors determine the amount of child support ordered, such as parenting time, the parents’ incomes, health insurance costs, and cost of childcare. In Massachusetts, a calculation entitled the
- Child Custody and VisitationChild custody has two components in Massachusetts: legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody determines which parent has the right to make decisions regarding a child’s health and wellbeing, education, religious upbringing, and development. Legal custody may be shared jointly by parents or be held solely by one parent, depending on the circumstances. Physical custody refers to the parenting time arrangement (i.e. how much time each parent has with the child(ren)), which can vary greatly. One parent may have primary physical custody, while the other parent has reasonable parenting time based on what is in the best interest of the child, or parents may have joint physical custody in which each parent has equal, or near equal, parenting time.
- Adoption
- PaternityAssociate counsel Elizabeth Chernus has extensive experience with all aspects of family law. Elizabeth represents individuals in complex divorce and family litigation law matters including issues pertaining to: child custody and parenting plans, alimony and child support, asset division, modification and contempt actions, prenuptial agreements, and paternity actions. Elizabeth’s experience includes both litigation and resolving cases outside of the courtroom.
- Premarital AgreementHaving a clear understanding of your partner’s financial picture and future expectations is an important aspect in any relationship, however, it is a conversation that is seldom had. Many couples find the discussion in poor taste and others may find the topic generally uncomfortable. Despite their better judgment, couples are frequently deterred from entering a prenuptial agreement simply because of social stigma. The reality is that a prenuptial agreement is not meant to encourage divorce, but rather prevent issues while minimizing expenses and time if a divorce occurs.
- Spousal SupportAlimony is Court Ordered financial support paid by one spouse to the other. Financial support is not limited to divorcing or divorced spouses, in some instances spouses who are separated may also ask for and receive alimony through a Court action known as “Separate Support”. Separate support may be available in instances where one spouse has failed to financially provide support the other, deserted the other, or the spouses are living separately for “justifiable cause”, or the spouses are still living together despite having “justifiable cause” to live apart. “Justifiable cause” includes issues such as abuse, adultery, and desertion.
- AnnulmentThe Massachusetts Rules of Domestic Relations Procedure govern all proceedings for divorce, separate support, and custody of minor children, annulment or affirmation of marriage, an action for spousal and/or child support, an action to determine paternity and/or support for a child born out of wedlock, modification thereof, contempt and abuse prevention as enumerated in General Laws, Chapters 207, 208, 209, 209A, 209C, 215 and 209D in Massachusetts. A complete copy of the Rules is available here.
- MurderChildren; care, custody, and maintenance; child support obligations; provisions for education and health insurance; parents convicted of first degree murder
- Estate PlanningProceedings may be administered on a formal, informal, or even voluntary basis. Various factors, such as the size of the estate, whether the decedent owned property in multiple states, age of beneficiaries, how property is titled, whether a valid Will exists, are just a few of the many aspects that need to be considered. The probate process can be complex and at times litigious. Engaging an experienced and knowledgeable attorney to navigate your through the process is key. Our staff at the Law Office of Pamela J. Schaefer, P.C., have over 30 years of combined legal experience in various types of estate administration. We offer practical legal guidance and strategic advice while staying focused on each client’s needs, goals, and circumstances. Individualized attention to each client allows us to successfully navigate them through the process to achieve their desired result. To schedule an appointment, please call us at 617-494-0088 or email at officeadmin@pamelaschaeferlaw.com.
- WillsEstate planning is not limited to the wealthy, sick, or elderly. Everyone can benefit from planning for the future. If you are over the age of 18, you should start thinking about creating a plan. If you don’t properly prepare for the future while you’re sound and capable, you risk losing the ability of having input later on. Having an experienced and knowledgeable attorney to navigate you through the complicated process ensures that a plan most suitable for you and your family’s needs is implemented. At the Law Office of Pamela Schaefer, we offer thoughtful estate planning services that ensure that our clients’ goals are met. Our office offers services such as the drafting of Last Will and Testaments, Health Care Proxies, Durable Power of Attorneys, Standby Guardships, and Revocable and Irrevocable trusts.
- Trusts
- Probate
- ForeclosureAnnie joined the Law Office of Pamela Schaefer in May of 2014 and serves as the liaison between client and attorney. Prior to joining our firm, Annie served as a summer intern at the United States Department of Labor where she assisted in the litigation of many high profile job safety and employee protection matters. In addition, Annie has worked as a real estate paralegal in the foreclosure firm of Connolly, Geaney, Ablitt, and Willard of Woburn, Massachusetts and is experienced in skip tracing and asset searches.