Boston Rising Star Award

On November 12, 2015 I was awarded as one of the National Law Journal's Boston Rising Stars. The nomination process for this award began in the summer of 2015 and a list of honorees was published in September. I was lucky enough to be chosen by many of my mentors and peers as one of the few recipients of the award. A Rising Star is a lawyer who has been practicing for 10 years or less and is younger than 40 years old. It was a great honor to receive this award and the acknowledgment for my work by so many important voices in this field that comes with being chosen. I extend my congratulations to the other recipients and I am excited to see who is chosen next year.

SERV

On Monday November 23, 2015 I volunteered at the SERV program at the Suffolk County Courthouse. This program is a free legal advice service where lawyers can volunteer their time to advise individuals and/or couples on family matters. I was one of three lawyers working that day and each of us worked with about four cases. I helped draft custody agreements, fill out financial statements, begin the divorce/separation proceedings, all while attempting to mediate all parties involved.
This program is great for both those who use it and those who volunteer. Individuals who cannot afford a personal lawyer and have not been able to make headway on their case due to logistical issues or the inability to find a resolution between the parties can have the opportunity to work with a neutral person trained in family law. But as a lawyer, it is a hands-on way to work on my meditation skills, practice with court forms in a fast paced environment, and to have the opportunity to help people for just a few minutes, which is a very different setting from working with a firm client.
I plan to be back at SERV soon and I encourage any in the Suffolk County in need of legal advice to stop by on a Monday morning.

Disabilities and Divorce reality v. myth

/http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2015/11/03/parents-buck-divorce-trend/20928

 a reason article posted by  DisabilitySCOOPE maintains that divorce case amongst parents of children with developmental delays are as likely to obtain a divorce.  This article is  a great read and surprise in the phrase in conventional stereotypes

Making a Difference 2015

On Tuesday Nov. 10th from 8:00am to 3:30pm at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel and Trade Center, Marlborough, MA, the 4th Annual Conference for SEPSs, DCF Foster/ Adoptive Caregivers, and the Professionals Who Sever Them will be held.
Join us for a conference supporting Special Education Surrogate Parents, foster and adoptive caregivers, and professionals in their important work helping DCF-involved children grow and succeed!
Learn about topics applicable to the work you do. Network with other surrogate parents, caregivers, child welfare professionals, educators, and exhibitors. Leave feeling more confident and empowered to help children and families in school and at home.
Keynotes
-The Behavior Code: Providing Support for Our Children
     Nancy Rappaport, MD; Cambridge Health Alliance, Harvard Medical School
-What's New in Special Education
     Marcia Mittnacht, State Director of Special Education
Workshops
-Developmental and Educational Implications of Toxic Stress
     Heather Forkey, MD; Univ. of Mass Children's Medical Center
-IEP and School-Wide Strategies to Prevent Bullying of Students
     Leslie Hughes, Massachusetts Advocates for Children
-Transition to Life After High School: How Do We Get There
     Marily Weber, NESCA
-Trauma Assessments and Trauma-Informed Programming in the School Setting
     Jennifer DelRey, PhD

Student Discipline Presentation

Tonight I will be presentation on student discipline on behalf of the Federation for Children with Special Needs. It will cover all matters relating to student discipline, in particular those relating to students with disabilities, and will be held at 88 Lincoln St, Framingham, MA.
Come one, come all! It is free :)

Federation for Children with Special Needs: fcsn.org

Vaida v. Vaida

November Case Summary

Vaida v. Vaida

13-P-I827

The plaintiff, Nancy C. Vaida (mother), appeals from an order for summary judgment on her complaint seeking that the defendant, George A. Vaida (father), pay post minority support for his twenty-three year old physically disabled son.

 

The parties had three minor children. While the parties were separated and divorce proceedings were pending, two of the minor children were injured in a terrible car accident. As a result of the accident, Evan became a partial quadriplegic. The father was wholly responsible for the injuries that the children sustained. The mother subsequently filed a civil suit against the father.  While the suit was pending, the divorce was finalized.

 

The question before the court on appeal was whether a person of full mental faculties could receive post minority child support. The court held that post minority support is not available to adult children who are not incapacitated persons placed under guardianship. The court went onto say that a guardianship would not be appropriate as Evan had full mental faculties. The court also found that equity jurisdiction was not appropriate as the court’s role is to “enforce existing obligations . . . and not create new obligations.”

Comment: This case is important because it establishes principal and post minority support is only allowed in guardianship of incapacitated persons. If you have a disabled child you will need to do some advanced financial planning.

Special Needs Alliance Website

Great Marathon Weekend!

Just want to express my sincere thanks to the Achilles International Foundation for allowing me to participate in the New York City Marathon. I have done several marathons in the past, none of which have been as accommodating regarding the extra logistical stuff concerning disabilities. Their expertise allowed me to focus solely on the race, rather than the headaches surrounding the marathon. By that I mean moving the wheelchair equipment from start to finish, making provisions for our bicycles, and arranging accessible accommodations. If you wish to learn more please click the following link to the Achilles International Foundation website!

New York City Marathon