

Back-to-School Planning for Co-Parents: Legal Tips for a Smooth Transition
Back-to-School Planning for Co-Parents helps Massachusetts families prepare for school with better communication and parenting plans.
Cathy A. Marino
5 days ago3 min read


Mid-Year Legal Checkup: Are Your Documents Still Protecting You?
A Mid-Year Legal Checkup helps ensure your estate plan, beneficiaries, and legal documents still match your life and goals.
Cathy A. Marino
Aug 124 min read


What Does a Massachusetts Real Estate Attorney Do?
Buying or selling property in Massachusetts involves contracts, title records, deadlines, and important financial decisions. Learn how a real estate attorney can protect your interests, address potential problems, and guide the transaction from the initial offer through closing.
Cathy A. Marino
Jul 315 min read


Understanding Alimony in Massachusetts: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding Alimony in Massachusetts: Learn how courts evaluate income, marriage length, and support obligations in 2026.
Cathy A. Marino
Jul 183 min read


Revocable Trusts Explained: How They Protect Your Home & Assets in Massachusetts
Learn how revocable trusts help Massachusetts homeowners protect assets, maintain privacy, and simplify estate administration.
Cathy A. Marino
Jun 163 min read


Summer Travel & Child Custody: How to Avoid Disputes Before They Start
Summer travel can create custody conflicts. Learn how Massachusetts parents can avoid disputes with better planning and communication.
Cathy A. Marino
Jun 53 min read


Filing for Bankruptcy in Massachusetts: What Really Happens Step-by-Step
Filing for bankruptcy in Massachusetts doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Learn what really happens step-by-step and what to expect during the process.
Cathy A. Marino
May 172 min read


Planning for Aging Parents: Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxies, and Long-Term Care Prep
Planning for aging parents can feel overwhelming. Learn how power of attorney, health care proxies, and long-term care planning protect your family.
Cathy A. Marino
May 52 min read


How Property Division Works in a Massachusetts Divorce: A Clear Guide
Learn how property division in a Massachusetts divorce works, including how assets are classified and what factors courts consider when dividing property.
Cathy A. Marino
Apr 213 min read


Spring Cleaning Your Legal Life: 5 Estate Plan Updates to Make This Season
Spring is the perfect time to review your estate plan. Discover five essential updates Massachusetts families should make to protect their future.
Cathy A. Marino
Apr 73 min read


Power of Attorney vs. Guardianship: Which Is Right for Your Family?
Understanding the difference between power of attorney and guardianship is essential for protecting your loved ones. In Massachusetts, each serves a different purpose depending on timing and capacity. Learn when each option is appropriate and how to choose the right legal path for your family.
Cathy A. Marino
Mar 173 min read


Divorce and Taxes in MA: What Massachusetts Couples Need to Know
Divorce can significantly impact your tax situation in Massachusetts. From filing status and child tax credits to alimony and property division, tax season can bring unexpected complications. Understanding how divorce and taxes intersect can help you avoid costly mistakes and protect your financial future.
Cathy A. Marino
Mar 33 min read


Understanding Short Sales & Foreclosure in Today’s Massachusetts Housing Market
If you’re facing missed mortgage payments, understanding the difference between a short sale and foreclosure in Massachusetts is critical. A Massachusetts foreclosure attorney explains your options, the risks, and how to protect your financial future before it’s too late.
Cathy A. Marino
Feb 173 min read


Top Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Divorce Attorney in Massachusetts
Hiring a divorce attorney is a major decision. Knowing the right questions to ask can help you feel more confident, informed, and prepared. This guide outlines the most important questions to ask before hiring a divorce lawyer in Massachusetts, so you can choose an attorney who understands your goals and supports you through every step of the process.
Cathy A. Marino
Feb 33 min read


How to Protect Your Family Home in Your Estate Plan
Protecting your family home is a critical part of estate planning in Massachusetts. This blog explains why your home needs special planning, the risks of having no estate plan, and the differences between wills and trusts. It also covers how a Massachusetts Homestead Declaration can add protection from creditors. Learn how the right estate planning strategy can help you avoid probate delays, preserve your home’s value, and protect your loved ones.
Cathy A. Marino
Jan 203 min read


Bankruptcy in Massachusetts: Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 Explained
Struggling with debt in Massachusetts? Learn the key differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. This guide explains eligibility, pros and cons, timelines, and how each option can help eliminate debt, stop foreclosure, or protect assets. Understand which bankruptcy chapter fits your financial situation and why speaking with a Massachusetts bankruptcy lawyer can help you make the right choice.
Cathy A. Marino
Jan 63 min read


How to Protect Your Assets Before the New Year: Estate Planning Tips for Massachusetts Families
Start the new year with a stronger estate plan. This article explains key steps Massachusetts families can take before January such as creating a revocable trust, updating beneficiaries, reviewing powers of attorney and health care proxies, organizing important documents, and considering tax and asset protection strategies to protect assets and reduce future stress.
Cathy A. Marino
Dec 16, 20252 min read


Holiday Custody Schedules: Reducing Stress During School Breaks
Holiday custody schedules can feel overwhelming, especially when balancing traditions, travel, and school break routines. With early planning, clear communication, and a focus on your child’s well-being, parents can reduce stress and create a schedule that works for everyone. This guide offers practical tips, flexible options, and when to seek legal help.
Cathy A. Marino
Dec 2, 20252 min read


Do I Really Need a Will? Estate Planning Basics for Massachusetts Families
Dying without a will in Massachusetts means the state decides who inherits. Learn how intestacy works and why creating a will protects your family and assets.
Cathy A. Marino
Nov 20, 20252 min read


5 Common Real Estate Contract Mistakes to Avoid
Real estate contracts in Massachusetts are legally binding, and even small errors can lead to costly problems. Learn about five common mistakes buyers and sellers make like missing deadlines or skipping attorney review, and how working with a real estate attorney can help you protect your investment and ensure a smooth closing.
Cathy A. Marino
Nov 4, 20252 min read


What to Do Before Filing for Divorce in Massachusetts
Thinking about filing for divorce in Massachusetts? Preparing early can help protect your finances, property, and peace of mind. Learn what steps to take before you file—like gathering financial documents, understanding custody options, and consulting with an attorney to make the process smoother and less stressful.
Cathy A. Marino
Oct 21, 20252 min read


Why Hiring a Local Attorney in Winthrop Matters
Meeting with a Massachusetts attorney to review important legal documents. When you are facing a legal issue, one of the most important decisions you will make is choosing the right attorney. In Massachusetts, you have plenty of options — from large downtown Boston firms to solo practitioners in smaller towns. But there are major advantages to working with a local attorney right here in Winthrop. Here is why hiring someone close to home can make all the difference in your c
Cathy A. Marino
Oct 2, 20252 min read


