Practice Tips

• Review the New Child Support Guidelines that went into effect on January 1, 2009 and remember to use blue paper for the Guidelines Worksheet.

  Link to the Child Support Guidelines, Report, and interactive Worksheet.

• The Probate and Family Court has introduced two new petitions:

  Petition for Guardianship of the Person - and - Estate (effective 9/1/08)

  Joint Petition for Modifcation of Child Support Judgment (effective 8/1/08)

• When a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is allowed, request that the Probate and Family Court Judge sign two copies of the allowed QDRO, one copy for the Court file and one for the attorney to take immediately to the appropriate clerk to certify.  One needs to send to the plan administrator a certified copy of the Judge's order. 

• As of April 15, 2008, a new Medical Certificate form (CJ-P 112) must be used in guardianship cases involving individuals with disabilities.

• Scan files to a CD for clients at conclusion of case.

• Attend at least 20 hours of continuing legal education each year

• When preparing a client's financial statement, make sure income covers expenses, or provide an explanation, e.g. client uses home equity line of credit to cover weekly deficit.

• Have extra copies of pleading and documents for the court.  Sometimes case files are misplaced or unavailable.

• Redact portions of client's social security number and account numbers on financial statements to protect against identity theft.'

• Review daily slip opinions online at www.socialaw.com.