Recently, and prior to its enactment, Karen Greenberg successfully argued the concepts of rehabilitative alimony, reimbursement alimony and transitional alimony part of the Act Reforming Alimony in the Commonwealth, and how each concept could be properly applied to a long term marriage, where the stay at home spouse had at least 20 more years before retirement age and possessed professional and marketable skills, which upon recertification would give her the opportunity to become economically self-sufficient.
Apr
02
Divorce Center Session
Karen Greenberg spoke at a session sponsored by the Divorce Center on child related matters including child support and custody. Attendees were individuals either contemplating or in the midst of a divorce.
Mar
28
Caution: Review Contracts Carefully Before Signing
Often, when handed a contract to sign, we do not take the time to review it carefully, and possibly even discuss it with an attorney. Sometimes, the contract pertains to an emotional matter, or a matter that the individual thinks is trivial. Yet this simple step could prevent a great deal of heartache, headache and expense in the future. One should always proceed with caution before putting pen to paper.
Mar
26
Giving a Voice to Those Often Silent
November is National Adoption Awareness Month, and each year the courts designate a National Adoption Day. Judges in the courthouses across Massachusetts clear their dockets to finalize the adoption of children and teens in state foster care.
While adoption is a wonderful thing, there is a voice in the adoption process that is too often silent. In Massachusetts and throughout the country they are often referred to as the “unknown,” the “unnamed,” or the “of parts unknown” fathers. Many unwed fathers are never given the chance to decide whether to parent their child or participate in the adoption planning. Why is this so?
Mar
23
Which Lawyers Can Be Trusted?
The longer I practice, the clearer it becomes to me that there are, in effect, two types of lawyers: ones you can trust and ones who do not know how to be trusted. In other words, can the lawyer achieve a trust-based relationship wherein he or she provides strategic advice that effectively and beneficially influences the decisions a client must make?
Mar
22
Did you know…? A Satisfied Client is Our Best Referral Source
In an interesting turn of events, I discovered that some of our clients don’t realize that we value, above all other sources, their referrals of family and friends to our office. Most of our new clients come to us as referrals from our existing clients. However, recently I learned that when clients are discussing legal issues with friends and/or family, they don’t feel that making a referral to their attorney is appropriate. We, on the other hand, see such referrals as the greatest compliment our clients can give us. Of course, it goes without saying that any of our clients’ legal matters are held in the strictest confidence and would never be discussed with anyone. If you are satisfied with the legal services K&G has provided, we welcome your referrals!
Mar
21
The Reluctant Estate Plan Client
The greatest challenge I face in my estate planning practice is motivating clients to follow through with an estate plan. I have seen firsthand the financial and emotional toll on families when the proper planning is not done. Yet as much as I try to educate clients and potential clients about how proper estate planning can help them and their families, and protect the assets they have worked hard to accumulate, the fact of the matter remains that many clients continually make excuses to put decision making about an estate plan on the back burner. Or, once they commit to making an estate plan, they put those plans on hold while they struggle to name guardians for their children, trustees of their trust, beneficiaries of their estate, or choose people they trust to make health care and financial decisions in the event they become incapacitated.
Nov
28
Divorce Center, Inc. Sponsored Public Education and Discussion Seminar
On November 29, 2011, I will be speaking at a Divorce Center, Inc. sponsored public education and discussion seminar, covering issues regarding child support, custody, parenting plans, moving out of state, and alternatives to litigation. The seminar will take place at 7:00pm at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital – Needham (Cardiology Conference Room), 148 Chestnut Street, Needham, MA. Although the event is free, there is a suggested donation of $20 to support the Divorce Center, Inc.