Weberg Law Sharon

09/18/2026

*NEW ARTICLE ALERT* This article examines how long it can take to get a divorce in Massachusetts. Click the link to read!
https://www.weberglaw.com/articles/mediation-and-litigation-compare/

08/27/2026

*NEW ARTICLE ALERT* Who Keeps the Family Pet After a Massachusetts Divorce?
Find out more info here!
https://www.weberglaw.com/articles/family-pet-when-marriage-ends/

07/30/2026

NEW ARTICLE ALERT! How is a parenting plan restructured when one parent moves out of state? The Massachusetts courts provide workable solutions. Click this link to find out more!
https://www.weberglaw.com/articles/parenting-schedules-out-of-state/

07/14/2026

*NEW ARTICLE* Hiring the right attorney is a crucial step in the divorce process! This article explains how to determine the right time to reach out to an attorney.

Deciding when to hire a divorce attorney is a big decision. For most people, it’s not as simple as deciding when the marriage is over, but rather when is the

06/30/2026

Protecting your private information in a divorce should be a priority. Read this article to find out what you can do!

During a divorce, it's vital to take steps to keep your private information secure, even though some documents become public records.

06/17/2026

A new Massachusetts Family and Probate Court standing order provides important updates to in-person and remote hearings! Please read this article to find out more.

Effective June 1st, 2026, the Massachusetts Family and Probate Court's Standing Order 1-26 addresses in-person and remote hearings for better efficiency.

06/16/2026

Have you ever considered who sees the documents filed in a divorce or custody case? It may surprise you to know it’s not just the judge, but anyone with a computer can find them. In Massachusetts almost all court documents are public records. They can be found on the MassCourts website which is a free, comprehensive public database of all Massachusetts court documents.
Please click this article to read more about what scholars have said on this topic.

Throughout time, this issue has been brought to the Federal and States' Supreme Courts, highlighting the importance of privacy rights.

03/06/2025

We have a new guide to Mediation in Massachusetts!

In Massachusetts, divorce mediation offers a constructive alternative to traditional litigation, prioritizing collaboration over contention. Understanding how mediation works can provide a clearer path through this complex process.

Divorce mediation is a structured method where a neutral third-party mediator helps spouses negotiate their divorce terms. This process offers both emotional and financial benefits, making it an appealing choice for many couples. By focusing on communication, mediation fosters problem-solving and can lead to more satisfactory outcomes.

This guide will explore the ins and outs of divorce mediation in Massachusetts. From the roles of family law mediators to preparing for sessions, you will learn everything you need to know to effectively navigate your divorce.

Definition of Divorce Mediation
Divorce mediation in Massachusetts is a voluntary and confidential process involving a neutral third-party mediator. This mediator helps couples discuss and reach an agreement on terms such as child custody, alimony, and property and marital estate division. Unlike a lawyer, the mediator does not represent either spouse’s interests but facilitates productive dialogue.

During mediation sessions, various aspects of divorce are covered, including parenting plans, child support, and the division of assets and debts. This collaborative and non-adversarial approach occurs outside of the courtroom, ensuring privacy and reducing conflict. Successful mediation can avoid the litigation process and resolve family law disputes.

Essential elements for successful mediation include transparency from both spouses, full disclosure of financial information, and a mutual willingness to consider each other’s perspectives. By fostering open communication, divorce mediation helps couples create fair and amicable agreements.

Read the complete guide here:

In Massachusetts, divorce mediation offers a constructive alternative to traditional litigation, prioritizing collaboration over contention. Understanding how

02/24/2025

What is a Pathways Case Management Conference in MA Probate and Family Court?

Pathways Case Management Conferences in Massachusetts Probate and Family Court are alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes to help resolve conflicts between parties, especially for those without legal representation. The focus is on resolving cases more quickly and effectively. Started in Massachusetts Probate and Family Court in 2019 by Chief Justice John Casey the Pathways program's goal is to provide a problem solving venue to modifications filed with the court and to help litigants avoid the need to travel to court.
The conferences utilize Zoom for meetings with an Assistant Judicial Case Manager (AJCM), making participation easily accessible for self-represented litigants.

Purpose of Case Management Conferences.
Case Management Conferences in the Probate and Family Court focus on negotiation and settling contested family matters. They typically range from half an hour to several hours, depending on case complexity. Unlike traditional court hearings, these sessions are more about negotiation and mediation, led by the AJCM. Pathways Conferences are different from other hearings such a pre-trial conferences in that the parties do not appear in person and the parties do not appear in front of the judge. Pathways conferences are usually held via Zoom.
Participants should prepare by identifying the specific issues, why the issues are occurring, and what would be a reasonable solution to the problem. Key actions during the conference include discussing settlement progress and identifying what can and cannot be resolved before going in front of a judge. It's crucial to have all relevant court documents, including financial affidavits, to aid in resolving the case efficiently. In many cases, the court will issue an order before the Pathways hearing instructing the parties to file certain documents in advance. If there are any financial issues, you will be ordered to file your financial statement ahead of time.

Key Components of a Case Management Conference
Preparation and a willingness to negotiate can significantly impact the outcome. Conferences often result in the issuing of stipulations (agreements). Both parties are encouraged to engage in good faith to facilitate effective resolution.

Role of Court Staff
Court staff play a crucial role by providing feedback and drafting stipulations during the conference process. A stipulation can be administratively approved by the Judge based on the agreement of both parties. The AJCM holds the authority to draft and secure signatures for stipulations.

How to Prepare for a Case Management Conference
Being fully prepared for a case management conference is essential for a successful outcome. These conferences help streamline legal matters in Family Court by identifying key actions and future court dates. Thorough preparation facilitates an efficient process for family cases.

Gathering Necessary Documentation
Start by gathering all necessary paperwork and documentation well in advance. Essential documents may include financial affidavits, personal information related to your situation, and any additional relevant court documents requested by the judge. Organized documentation supports your case and facilitates productive discussions.

Identifying Key Issues to Discuss
The case management conference often follows initial divorce filings to expedite the process. Key issues typically include the division of property, spousal support, child custody arrangements, and other issues affecting minor children and the legal rights of the parties. Try to avoid getting weighed down or distracted by things that don't directly bear on the issue at hand.

The Bottom Line
Before Pathways, modifications heard in court were either sent directly to the judge, or referred to probation for dispute intervention. These routes still exist but both often result in the need for the parties to spend hours in court and might do little to reduce the tension of the disagreement.
Pathways: the new option. In the past few years the pathways program has been implemented and has offered a third option when dealing with family matter disputes. The Pathways approach is an online meeting, allowing you to stay in the comfort of your home creating a much less stressful situation. In addition you are meeting with your judge's AJCM, who is typically an attorney that knows how the judge typically decides certain issues. Both parties are able to present their sides, include details they find pertinent and get feedback from the AJCM. Most importantly, Pathways is a venue for creative problem solving to complex issues. It allows for a back and forth between the parties. If there is an agreement that agreement an be drafted by the AJCM and entered as an order of the court administratively.

See the article here: https://buff.ly/417Obwe

02/21/2025

Name Change in Massachusetts: What You Need to Know

In Massachusetts, the process involves navigating legal procedures that can seem daunting without the right information. Before embarking on a name change in Massachusetts, it's important to familiarize yourself with the necessary steps and considerations involved. From filing a formal petition to gathering pertinent documentation, each phase plays a crucial role in ensuring your request is processed smoothly.

This article serves as a comprehensive guide to changing your name in Massachusetts, offering insights into essential steps, legal requirements, and common FAQs. By breaking down the process, we hope to provide you with the clarity and resources needed to navigate your name change successfully.

Steps for Changing Your Name in Massachusetts
Changing your name in Massachusetts involves several steps, which are all crucial to ensure the name change is done correctly.

Completing a Change of Name Petition
The legal process begins with completing a Change of Name Petition. This petition form must be carefully filled with accurate details about your current name, desired new name, and the reason for your name change. It's important to note that if the name change is related to marital events, such as after a divorce judgment or marriage, additional considerations might be required. If you are involved in a divorce, you may need to review the Counterclaim for Divorce or Joint Petition for Divorce documents.

Gathering Necessary Documents
Next, you will need to gather all the necessary legal documents. These typically include your birth certificate, marriage certificate, and any divorce decree or divorce judgment if applicable. If a minor child is involved, additional documentation such as consent forms from both parents or a deceased parent’s records may be required. Individuals with specific legal statuses might also require a criminal record check. Having these documents prepared will streamline the filing process.

Filing with the Appropriate Court
Once your petition and accompanying documents are ready, you will need to file these with the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court. It's crucial to file in the correct jurisdiction to avoid processing delays. Additionally, be aware of the need for an original citation or a citation for publication, especially if the case requires public notice to inform others of your name change request.

Understanding Publication Requirements
Understanding publication requirements is vital when navigating the legal process of changing your name in Massachusetts Family Court. The publication must appear in a local newspaper, the purpose of this is to inform the public of your intended name change and ensures that your name change is transparent and publicly accessible. This publication allows concerned parties the opportunity to contest the name change if necessary. This step is crucial for maintaining the integrity of public records and preventing any potential identity fraud or financial deception, such as evading debts like credit cards and loans.
In certain situations, such as if your safety might be at risk, you may request from the court to waive the publication requirement. Judicial discretion is applied to determine whether the circumstances justify bypassing this requirement.
The court will issue an original citation, typically a "citation for publication," instructing you to publicize your name change in a designated newspaper. This notice must include your current name, proposed name, and the hearing date. There is a fee associated with publication, the amount varies based on the newspaper.
The timeline for publication will be specified in the citation, generally requiring notice at least once a week for a period set by the court. After the announcement, you'll need to provide a return receipt from the newspaper confirming the publication's completion.

Paying Required Fees
A crucial step in the process is paying the filing fee, which is necessary for your petition to be considered. The amount might vary, and additional charges such as a publication fee for legal notices might apply if public notice is required by the court. In some instances, you may also need to send a return receipt to prove the notice was published.

Additional Considerations
Do not forget to update any essential documents post-name change, such as your Social Security card, voter registration, and credit cards, to ensure continuity in your legal and financial identity.

See the rest of the article here: https://buff.ly/3EIK3LM