When pondering the inevitable, put an estate plan in place

Many families have vacation plans this busy summer travel season, but they may not have their estate plans in place. Still, taking that next vacation can sometimes trigger a family member to think about the benefits of “estate planning,” that is, planning for what happens to your money and assets after you die. Other examples of when to consider estate planning may include marriage, divorce, remarriage, birth of children, changes in domicile, as well as changes to assets and tax laws. The estate... More

Teed-off lawyer takes swing at girl-golf bias

By David E. Frank david.frank@exhibitAnews.com Imagine working more than 100 hours on a project for work and not getting paid a dime. That was the way things were shaping up for Springfield lawyer Thomas A. Kenefick III — until a judge recently ruled he was entitled to more than $18,000 in attorneys’ fees for the groundbreaking gender-bias lawsuit... More

Was she stoned? Woman marries Berlin Wall

A farmer who married someone he met on the Internet has asked for the marriage to be annulled after finding out that his bride, Randy Victoria, is actually a man named Ralf. In happier news, a woman with a “bizarre fetish for inanimate objects” has been legally married to the Berlin Wall for 29 years. God is not mentioned anywhere in the U.S.... More

Should there be term limits for the governor and lawmakers in Massachusetts?

“I think executives should have term limits.” — Fay Yarbrough Norman, Okla. “I think that the governor should have term limits, but not the state representatives and senators. What you want to avoid is that word ‘entrenched.’” — Joanne Melisch Wakefield, R.I. “I think politicians should be limited to eight years, because people like change. There might be somebody else who would do the job better.” — Karl Kazaka Boston “I would like to see what the model is for other states.... More

Unmuzzle the judges

Here’s an idea: Let judges talk to the public! Judges are often the center of controversy. And, yet, in Massachusetts they are rarely allowed to speak publicly, as strict ethical rules usually bar public comment. A newly released report, however, could help change that. It may not completely lift the “gag order” that binds sitting judges,... More

A cop’s view: Are we really performing community policing?

by Scott Bushway So, we’re pretty good at talking the talk. You know, saying those feel-good buzz words associated with community policing: “We are working closely with the community,” “We are a very proactive department with innovative ideas,” “Problem-solving and forming partnerships are our expertise” and so on. But are we really... More