Free Divorce Seminar Series - Spring 2010

The Divorce Center
in association with the Waban Improvement Society
is proud to present

Everything You Want to Know About Divorce in Massachusetts
And Now You Can Ask.....

Tuesdays, starting April 27, 2010 at The Waban Library Center
Wednesdays, starting May 5, 2010 at Braintree Rehab Hospital
Both venues: 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Metrowest Address: Waban Library Center, 1608 Beacon St, Newton (Waban)

Braintree Address: Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital, 250 Pond St., Braintree


Session 1: What is the process and where do I start?
Date: April 27, 2010 - Waban
Date: May 5, 2010 - Braintree

This session provides valuable, practical information about the divorce process and its alternatives (litigation vs. mediation/arbitration vs. collaboration) and how to choose the right attorney.

You will:
Learn where and how to begin
Hear what needs to be filed and where
Gain appreciation for the important role of the Family Service Officers

Presenters:
Laura Unflat, Esq., Rebecca Gagne, Esq., Barbara Marcus, Mediator - (Waban)
Rebecca Gagne, Esq., Lisa Lewis, Mediator, Karl Topor, Esq. - (Braintree)


Session 2: How do I protect my finances?
Date: May 4, 2010 - Metrowest
Date: May 12, 2010 - Braintree

This session delivers tips about mandatory financial disclosures, court rules, the "discovery" process, the form and importance of motions for temporary orders. Learn the criteria considered by the courts to determine alimony and child support orders and whether a spouse should be ordered to move out of the marital home.

You will:
Hear who should pay for medical insurance and expenses
Learn about the tax benefits (and burdens) to paying (and receiving) alimony vs. child support
Gain knowledge of what is considered “marital property” and how to divide it equitably and efficiently (including gifts and inheritances)
Receive tips on what judges look for and how to maximize your chances of getting a better financial award or settlement

Presenters:
Karen Buckley, Esq., Barbara Shapiro, Financial Planner, Barbie Jetter, Mortgage Expert - (Waban)
Barbara Shapiro, Financial Planner, Barbie Jetter, Mortgage Expert, Karen Buckley, Esq. - (Braintree)


Session 3: What about my children?
Date: May 11, 2010 - Waban
Date: May 19, 2010 - Braintree

This session offers valuable information on the different types of custody arrangements available to divorced parents.

You will:
Gain a full understanding of the roles and utilities of a Guardian ad Litem and a Parenting Coordinator
Receive tips on writing a reasonable, workable parenting plan
Learn what judges look for when crafting custodial orders and how to maximize your chances of getting the most favorable custodial order or settlement
Learn whether you or your spouse may relocate with the children in or outside the state, if court approval is required, and, if so, what judges look for when making move-related decisions.

Presenters:
Justin Kelsey, Esq., Deb Smith, GAL/Parent Coordinator, Beth Ross, Mental Health Expert - (Waban)
Sue Klueppel, Esq., Alan Albert, Mental Health Expert; Tanya Gurevich, Parent Coordinator/GAL; Larry Dannenberg, College Solutions - (Braintree)


Session 4: Where do I go from here?
Date: May 18, 2010 - Waban
Date: May 26, 2010 - Braintree

Topics: This session focuses on delivering strategies for coping with divorce stress and pressure that can be brought on by managing changes in your daily life, helping your children adjust, coping with time-sharing holidays and vacations and dealing with overall schedule changes.

You will:
Gain understanding about the psychological stages of divorce and its impact on you, your life, your family and your settlement possibilities
Learn ways of developing coping strategies to manage stress, balance family and work and gain control of your life
Hear how a satisfactory divorce judgment and/or agreement can be modified

Presenters:
Bryna Kleven, Esq., Fran Davis, Mental Health Expert - (Waban)
Rachel Condon, Esq., Beth Ross, Mental Health Expert - (Braintree)


Question and Answer period after each session

Program is being provided free of charge

(Suggested Donation $20. per session)

Register via mail at
The Divorce Center, P.O. Box 1207, Framingham, MA. 01701
Include your name, address, phone and email (for verification of registration), and desired class location.