To Do List

We love nothing more than a “to do” list. It’s oddly satisfying to check of things that we have accomplished!

There are typically three (3) times of year when we recommend that co-parents revisit their to do list, making sure that all of their ducks are going in the right direction and quacking appropriately: the beginning and conclusion of each school year, as well as at the end of the calendar year. Some of the matters can be addressed in an informal writing, such as a text, email or parenting app, while others may benefit from either a formalized writing or court intervention:

1. Determiming who is getting the children to and from school.
2. Discussing activities will the children be participating in during this school year.
3. Confirming how any school and extra circular costs be initially paid, inclduding a plan in place for remibursement(s).
4. Verifiying who will be included on the school emergency and medical forms.
5. Clarifying will be providing the school with legal or medical documentation as needed.
6. Ratifying that both parents will be receiving newsletters, attending events and have access to the school’s portal.
7.Sharing any thoughts or constructive criticism about the last school year which could help them to better co-parent in the upcoming.
8. Establishing consistent, reasonable and age appropriate bed times and homework routines.
9. Certifying who will be claiming the children on their taxes for the current calendar year.
10. Arranging and bringing the children to routine medical appointments which might be required.
11. Determining who will pick up or stay home with the children when (not if) needed.
12. Exchanging contact lists for any regular babysitters, doctors, therapists, tutors who have a relationship with the children.
13. Syncing family calendars and adding important dates/ events as they become available.
14. Reviewing upcoming holiday parenting schedules, including arrangements for half days, long weekends and potential vacations during the school year.

Even if the content in this newsletter is not relevant to you, we encourage you think about how it may apply to your life by revisiting your current estate plan. We typically suggest that people at least ponder how their life has changed since an estate plan was establshed: children/ grandchildren, marriage, divorce, retirement, significant change in assets or any other big event, including passing of a beneficiary or someone who has agreed to a responsiblity as a Personal Representative, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney.

As always, we appreciate that you took the time to read our newsletter. We are always available to answer your questions regarding this or any other matters!

/by

Dolly.



The world is forever a changed place without Dolly. We will miss not only her rhinestones, but also her sparkle.

Dolly was an inspiration to many, not only for her talent, but for her wisdom. Some of our favorite Dolly-isms:

1. Be yourself. You’re awesome the way you are so don’t change for others.
2. You only real competition is yourself. Challenge yourself to be the best version of you possible.
3. Be kind and give back to the community. We cannot all donate hundreds of millions of books but we can do little, meaningful things to enhance our community by donating our time.
4. Remember your roots and honor them. Your upbringing is a part of who you are, but it’s up to you how you apply those lessons.
5. Protect your value and ownership. If Dolly could stand up to Elvis, you can stand up for yourself too.
6. Go outside of your comfort zone. Who ever had a duet with Motley Crue on their bingo card in 2025? Not us but it was awesome:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3Xw6Sm3lQY&list=RDU3Xw6Sm3lQY&start_radio=1

As always, we appreciate that you took this newsletter. RIP Dolly.

*** We intentionally chose the library books photo in her honor!***

/by
, ,

Well….



We know how much everyone loves it when we do not give a yes or no answer to their questions. Realistically, sometimes, the question can not be so easily answered. For instance, are you allowed to start dating during a divorce?

Simple answer- yes.
Real answer- maybe. It depends on the totality of the circumstances and the real question is whether you *should* date.

To hear our thoughts on the matter, please check out our reel on Instagram:
https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.instagram.com_reel_DYmyt9Fy1sG_-3Figsh-3DdXg5dGt2d2lpdTZr&d=DwICAg&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=Mj7fry4mBudBr0hy3UVW0IW5LjHPEM6DJMVrLmFkfx8&m=msBHRg7CxO6Upp6O4Wbl3bdTQ3NNx6G69pX5kD9ah6x4ldyWv0Xn7EylA7OHyxpj&s=ErN1Ivd5RpNJPKBspkvo0LgM2R839-5usFn0hvoF3zs&e=


Or Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1JCBmcYomQ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

As always, we are grateful for your support of and trust in us for the most personal aspects of your life.

Regards,
John & Faye

/by
, ,

Lifestyle Matters.

Lifestyle choices amongst couples can be SO different; sometimes the decisions made are directly related to income, but other times it is a conscious choice of how the couple wishes to handle their finances.

Massachusetts Probate and Family Courts made a ruling which provides clarification as to how alimony may be calculated based upon lifestyle Openshaw v. Openshaw, 493 Mass. 599 (2024). In Openshaw, the court determined that a spouse receiving alimony may be entitled to an order which includes a savings component IF the couple previously focused on building a retirement portfolio rather than spending. This ruling expands the definition of “need” in determining an appropriate amount of alimony. Factors include:
1. Consistent contributions to savings or retirement during the marriage and the reasonable expectation that it would continue in the future; and
2. The ability of the payor to continue to fund the savings or retirement post- divorce.

The ruling has generally been well received, as it is intended to equalize post divorce standards of living. As always, we’re curious whether you think of this decision.

/by
, ,

Never a Doubt (fire).



Robin Williams was unquestionably one of the most memorable personalities of our time. His roles in Mork & Mindy, Good Will Hunting, Jumanji, Dead Poet’s Society and Mrs. Doubtfire were iconic.

We have no idea how many times we’ve seen Mrs. Doubtfire, but when we recently fell upon it, something hit differently. For the first time, we couldn’t help but reflect on the last couple of years of practice, packed with so many parents who really just wanted to parent. Historically, a good number of our clients have been focused on the financial aspect, but recently it’s been more on parenting rather than paying (which makes us SO happy).

Mrs. Doubtfire showcased the extreme desperation that some of our have been feeling about the potential of losing time with their children. Have any of them taken on a whole new persona with hopes of preserving their rights? Not that we know of, but we have definitely witnessed people act out of character for themselves.

We could come up with a billion reasons why child custody matters have become more intense, but we suspect that it is related to the “information” available online. We suspect that some people watch a 20 second reel on how to manipulate a situation without truly understanding the long term application or how it might effect their children.

In reality, when the dust settles and emotions dissipate, things usually turn out as they should. The hatred and vigor that the parties held for one another is replaced by returned focus on effective communication and co-parenting.

/by