Date & Time: Wednesday, January 18, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. ET
Webinar Fee: $65

This program is online only

Cosponsored by the Greater Boston Fiduciary Law American Inn of Court, the Greater Boston Family Law American Inn of Court and the Massachusetts Family and Probate American Inn of Court. 

Faculty

Hon. Melanie Gargas, Probate & Family Court

Hon. Nan Sauer, Probate & Family Court

Lisa Cukier, Esq., Burns & Levinson

David Lee, Esq., Lee & Rivers

Catherine Spanu, Esq., Burns & Levinson

Published and unpublished decisions from the Supreme Judicial Court and the Appeals Court change, refine and interpret the vast body of relevant statutory and case law in the family law arena every year. 2022 was no exception, with significant (and even ground-breaking) appellate decisions addressing issues including alimony and child support, income for support purposes, and pensions, among others. This CLE will review the most notable family law appellate decisions from the past year to give practitioners additional tools that they can use when litigating Massachusetts family law matters.

A number of significant cases will be discussed. Examples include:

Cavanagh v. Cavanagh, 490 Mass. 298 (2022), a case that introduced significant changes in how Probate and Family Court judges must approach support, introducing a new three-part analysis in cases where alimony and child support are contemplated, and making changes or clarifications to the definition of income in the alimony and child support contexts.

Jones v. Jones, 101 Mass. App. Ct. 673 (2022), which provides guidance on the treatment income from stock options for the purposes of child support as well as a lesson in the importance of clear drafting in separation agreements and the significance of the parties’ intent.

King v. Cerbone, 101 Mass. App. Ct. 783 (2022), a case that provides useful direction in divorces where pensions, and specifically federal pensions, are divided.

Griffin v. Kay, 101 Mass. App. Ct. 241 (2022), a cautionary tale about making sure that the merger and survival language in a separation agreement is clear and that the parties agree on what such language means.

Online registration is encouraged. For assistance, questions on group discounts, accommodations requests, special billing, program content, out-of-state CLE credits, and general contact CLE Coordinator, Michael Saporito by email at msaporito@socialaw.com. Registrations accepted in order of receipt. Registration fees are non-refundable. Most Social Law Library CLE events are recorded and recordings are sent to all who are registered. The recording is available by digital download, generally within a week after the program date. CLE credit, when applicable, is only granted when the live webinar is attended.