The Supreme Judicial Court's momentous decision in Cavanagh v. Cavanagh interpreting the Massachusetts Alimony Reform Act creates far-reaching changes to how family law judges are to assess whether to award child support or alimony in divorce cases. The court's opinion not only imposes a new three-step analysis for determining whether to award alimony or child support, but also impacts the scope of permissible spousal testimony, and what is considered income for purposes of child support and alimony.
Join our panel of family law experts to assess best practices moving forward in the wake of the SJC's landmark decision.
Join our panel of family law experts to assess best practices moving forward in the wake of the SJC's landmark decision.
Course Content
1:00 - 1:05 pm- Welcome and Introduction
- Co-Chair Welcome
- Cavanagh: What is income? Changes in the law and practical applicability
- Michael P. Judge, Esq., Casner & Edwards LLP, Boston
- Marc D. Bello, CPA/ABV, CVA, MAFF, Edelstein & Company LLP, Boston
- Hon. Terri K. Cafazzo, Middlesex Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Lowell
- Cavanagh: Evidence (proof of income, tax consequences)
- Marc D. Bello, CPA/ABV, CVA, MAFF, Edelstein & Company LLP, Boston
- Hon. Katherine A. Field, Bristol Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Taunton
- Networking and Refreshment Break
- Cavanagh: Applicability of changes in the law, calculations
- Michael P. Judge, Esq., Casner & Edwards LLP, Boston
- Hon. Jennifer M. Allen, Probate and Family Court, Lowell
- Hon. Terri K. Cafazzo, Middlesex Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Lowell
- Hon. Katherine A. Field, Bristol Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Taunton
- Networking and Refreshment Break
- Cavanagh: Spousal Disqualification
- Michael P. Judge, Esq., Casner & Edwards LLP, Boston
- Hon. Katherine A. Field, Bristol Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Taunton
- Cavanagh: Questions and Answers
- Panel
- Please Note
- MCLE webcasts are delivered completely online, underscoring their convenience and appeal.
- There are no published print materials. All written materials are available electronically only.
Speakers
Cochairs- Michael P. Judge, Esq., Casner & Edwards LLP, Boston
- Richard Novitch, Esq., Todd & Weld LLP, Boston
- Hon. Jennifer M. Allen, Probate and Family Court, Lowell
- Marc D. Bello, CPA/ABV, CVA, MAFF, Edelstein & Company LLP, Boston
- Hon. Terri K. Cafazzo, Middlesex Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Lowell
- Hon. Katherine A. Field, Bristol Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Taunton
- Maureen C. McBrien, Esq., Brick, Jones, McBrien & Hickey LLP, Needham
