Andover Massachusetts Legal Blog

Should Fetal Alcohol Syndrome be a factor in criminal charges?

On behalf of Feinman Law Offices on Friday, July 12, 2019.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) s a condition that can affect people their entire lives in a range of severity. FAS is caused by the mother consuming alcohol during pregnancy, often resulting in restricted growth, including growth of brain synapses. While the effects can vary case-by-case unfortunately the condition is not reversible. FAS can present itself in many ways, including physical birth defects, social and coping problems, and cognitive disabilities.

Some experts in the field of FAS studies think that as high as 75 percent of the U.S. prison population suffers from some degree of the condition. But before we discuss that, let's examine how FAS affects the body and mind.

What are the most important steps to take after an accident?

On behalf of Feinman Law Offices posted in car accidents on Monday, July 8, 2019.

In the wake of a car accident in Massachusetts, many victims have trouble focusing on the details of the crash. In most cases, they are immediately concerned with making sure everyone involved is okay and alerting the authorities about the crash. This is exactly the right response to car accidents, but victims must also give some attention to the crash itself if they are able to do so.

Unless you have suffered severe injuries and need immediate medical care, following a few simple steps can save you from trouble down the road. These steps can make it easier to file auto or health insurance claims. They can also pave the way to a successful personal injury lawsuit under the guidance of an experienced attorney.

Exchange contact and insurance information with all involved parties
Ask the responding police officer to file an official report on the car accident
Take down the officer's badge number and name
Talk to witnesses who saw the crash and take down their names and contact information
Take pictures of the accident scene from all angles
Take photos of the damage to your car and other personal property

How does parallel parenting work?

On behalf of Feinman Law Offices posted in divorce on Wednesday, June 26, 2019.

Those who suffered through a high-conflict marriage feel relieved once their divorce is over. However, if you have children with your ex, do not expect all of your conflict to end. Sharing kids usually means that you will still have to deal with your ex to some degree.

However, traditional co-parenting plans may not work in high-conflict situations. Many co-parents in Massachusetts have found that parallel parenting is an effective way to minimize conflict that can be harmful to their children.

A look at the pros and cons of a Chapter 7 bankruptcy

On behalf of Feinman Law Offices posted in bankruptcy on Thursday, June 13, 2019.

There are many reasons for a financial crisis such as the loss of a job or a medical emergency. It is typically impossible to predict these life-changing events and the financial damage they cause. When the time comes to remedy this financial damage, many people consider filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

In many cases, this is absolutely the right decision. However, most Massachusetts residents still hesitate to file. It can help your decision if you take some time to look at several of the pros and cons of Chapter 7. Weighing the advantages against the disadvantages can provide you with a clearer picture of what your bankruptcy journey will look like.

How does alcohol affect the brain and its ability to function?

On behalf of Feinman Law Offices posted in car accidents on Thursday, May 30, 2019.

When you look at consuming alcohol through a scientific lens, it is no surprise that alcohol-involved car accidents occur. In truth, it is a wonder that they do not happen more frequently. Consuming intoxicating beverages has many immediate and delayed effects on the brain and on one's ability to function properly.

According to American Addiction Centers, alcohol affects both moderate and chronic consumers in several ways. For the occasional drinker, the effects of alcohol include:

Impairs memory
Causes blackouts
Causes recklessness and loss of inhibitions
Impairs the ability to make sound decisions

Using social media may be hazardous to your divorce

On behalf of Feinman Law Offices posted in divorce on Thursday, May 16, 2019.

Using social media outlets like Facebook or Instagram has become a habit for many Massachusetts residents. People use social channels to share news and pictures of their interests or their families. Most do not think that the use of social media can have a negative effect on their lives, but it can and does in many cases.

When couples are getting a divorce, social media can be particularly problematic. Because what you post on the Internet is usually open to the public, your spouse's divorce attorney is probably monitoring your activity. He or she may use your activity as evidence against you in your divorce. The following section shows how social media use can have a negative effect on three elements of divorce.

Spending: If you are in the midst of a property division conflict, discussing extravagant new purchases online can impact your final decree.
Romance: A skilled divorce attorney can use your Internet discussions about a new romantic interest to harm your case or raise allegations of adultery.
Behavior: Making social media posts describing behaviors that compromise you as a parent can threaten your chances to acquire custody of your kids.

Three types of divorce in Massachusetts

On behalf of Feinman Law Offices on Tuesday, April 30, 2019.

Divorce has become more common than ever. Statistically speaking, it’s just as likely that you will divorce as it is that you will remain married. If you’re considering a divorce, you may have questions on the process. Among those questions is what the differences are between the different types of divorce in Massachusetts.

Car accidents: Getting help when you need it the most

On behalf of Feinman Law Offices posted in car accidents on Monday, April 29, 2019.

Victims injured in avoidable car accidents suffer in many ways. They must typically cope with physical pain as they work to recover. In most cases, these victims must also overcome financial burdens in the aftermath of an accident. Emotional and mental suffering such as depression and unusual levels of anxiety are also a problem for many car accident victims.

As injury lawyers serving residents in the Andover region of Massachusetts, we know the challenges that victims of car accidents face. We also know that they are rarely equipped to overcome these challenges without assistance. Our attorneys would like to share with you the many ways we serve and assist victims who are struggling to find a new normal after suffering accident injuries.

Investigate and uncover liability for the accident
Communicate with the other driver, his or her attorney and his or her insurance provider on your behalf
Gather and organize all information about the accident and your injuries
Work with your own insurance providers to make certain that they pay you the claim amounts you are due
Communicate with your medical providers to ensure that they provide the full documentation of your injuries and your treatment
Represent you throughout all legal actions associated with your injury

Your intro to a less-stressful Massachusetts bankruptcy

On behalf of Feinman Law Offices posted in bankruptcy on Wednesday, April 17, 2019.

The word bankruptcy is one of the most terrifying terms hardworking Massachusetts residents will hear in the course of their lives. To many, it is a symbol for total failure when it comes to acquiring--and maintaining--the American dream.

We understand why people feel this way about filing for bankruptcy, but you can reduce the stress you may experience by altering the way you view the entire process. For example, refrain from looking at it is a failure of any sort. We know that this is difficult, but trying to look at bankruptcy as a lesson in smart financial management is a much better choice.

Massachusetts may finally ban driving with handheld phones

On behalf of Feinman Law Offices posted in car accidents on Wednesday, April 3, 2019.

One of today’s most urgent traffic safety issues is distracted driving. As smart phones become an ever-larger part of our daily lives, drivers young and old just can’t seem to put them down while behind the wheel. And the consequences of all this distraction are obvious. About 8 percent of fatal crashes in Massachusetts (and 10 percent nationwide) are caused by distracted driving.

The problem is not limited to just texting while driving, which has been banned in most states. Even talking on a handheld cellphone is dangerous, which is why every other New England state has outlawed the practice. If recently proposed legislation passes, Massachusetts will be joining them.