One Law Blawg

A Trend of Cohabitation vs. Marriage

2012-01-17T12:04:00.000-05:00

A number of recent articles have touched on the subject of couples cohabitating rather than get married. According to a recent Time Magazine article, young couples may be reluctant to get married our of fear of being 'trapped" in the relationship should things start going badly. According to this Time article, in the 1960's, about 72% of Americans were married. From 2009 to 2010, the marriage rate in the United States dropped another 5% alone. What I find interesting is the presumptive talk of "risk" prior to marriage. Seemingly a dour outlook on a traditionally happy time for most couples, what social and economic factors have contributed to the grim attitudes?

Get Your Finances on Track after a Divorce.

2012-01-04T17:24:00.001-05:00

Interesting article about financial issues to consider after the divorce is done. Contact an experienced family law attorney to discuss your specific situation.

A 99 Year Old Italian Divorces Wife after Discovering her Affair .... Over 60 years Later!!!

2012-01-04T17:19:00.001-05:00

So just before Christmas, Antonio (99) was ruffling through a bureau and came across some very old letters. After reading them he realized they were written by his 77 year old wife to her lover ... in the 1940's. Now, I happen to know Italian men can maybe possibly be a little bit difficult. Alas, the divorce was filed in Rome and is now pending. My question is why did she keep the letters in the bedroom bureau?? Contact an experienced family law attorney to discuss your specific situation.

Estranged Couples Struggle Financially to Get a Divorce.

2012-01-04T17:09:00.001-05:00

A recent article by NPR is an interesting read on how couples thinking of getting a divorce are affected by the poor economy. It is not uncommon for divorcing couples to be more creative and tolerant of alternate living and housing arrangements when faced with moving and relocation expenses. Contact an experienced family law attorney to discuss your specific situation.

Is it Common to Wait Until After the Holidays to File For a Divorce?

2011-12-18T23:55:00.000-05:00

It is if you want to just get through the holidays, likely for the sake of the children. Not too many people look to start a contested divorce around the holidays. Certainly, its not an absolute. Many spouses are forced, under the circumstances, to navigate custody disputes around the major holidays. Often not by choice, issues may appear that simply cannot be overlooked until after the New Year. Whenever the best interests of the children are concerned, immediate action cannot and should not be delayed.

If you are considering filing a divorce around the holidays, I came across an interesting article that's worth a read. [see here]. Contact an experienced family law attorney if you are considering filing for a divorce.

Sources: Only Half of Custodial Parents Get Full Child Support.

2011-12-18T23:33:00.000-05:00

The most recent U.S. Census statistics seem to confirm that despite court orders, most custodial parents are not getting the support money they deserve. [click here] An experienced family law attorney can held in collecting or establishing child support orders. Roncone Law Offices, P.C.

Cheating Spouse? There's an App for that!

2011-12-18T23:25:00.000-05:00

Interesting case involving the use of an iPhone 4S "app" to located a suspected cheating spouse!
http://www.forbes.com/sites/mobiledia/2011/10/18/iphone-4s-detects-cheating-wife/?partner=obtech

New Jersey Court ok's tracking spouse via GPS.

2011-12-18T23:19:00.001-05:00

Modern technology is being integrated more and more into today's court battles. http://www.mobiledia.com/news/97424.h

Interesting Article recently seen in the Huffington Post.

2011-12-18T23:15:00.000-05:00

I came across this article written by a NY divorce attorney. It offers a decent, albeit generalized overview of very basic custody issues in probate court matters. read here. Anyone who anticipates a future contested custody dispute should consult with an experienced family law attorney; the earlier the better.

Massachusettes Passes New Alimony Law

2011-10-05T11:30:00.000-04:00

Massachusetts has enacted what has been referred to as the Alimony Reform Act. The new alimony law finally imposes guidance and parameters for Judges to enter alimony orders in divorces and post divorce actions. The law goes into effect in March of 2012.

Highlights of some of the changes to the new Massachusetts alimony law are:

Time limits on the duration of alimony dependent upon the length of the marriage;
Recalculation or termination of alimony upon showing a recipient spouse's co-habitation in certain circumstances;
Termination of alimony upon retirement of the payor spouse in certain circumstances; and
General recommendations as to alimony amounts dependent upon the parties' income and other factors.

The law also sets specific time periods within which current parties paying or receiving alimony may seek modification of their current orders. The schedule is dependent upon the age of the support order.

The new Massachusetts Alimony Reform Act provides much needed clarification and structure to one of the most contentious aspects of divorcing couples. Contact a Massachusetts alimony reform attorney to discuss how the new law may affect you.

Wall Street Exec lavished big gifts on mistresses according to estranged Wife.

2011-08-20T11:34:00.000-04:00

According to reports, a wall street executive allegedly lavished millions of dollars in homes, gifts and jewelry on three of his mistresses according to allegations of his estranged wife. The couple, who had been married for 35 years, are in contentious divorce proceedings in a New York Probate Court. The Wife has alleged adultery and is seeking the divorce. The couple lived a lavish lifestyle, with five homes, country club memberships, and high income.

Often, high asset divorces can be quite contentious. Couples who have acquired significant assets and income during their marriages often dispute alimony, debt allocation and asset division. Valuation of assets, extensive due diligence and oftentimes, expert analysis can be useful in resolving contested high income and high asset divorces.

An experienced family law lawyer can assist in getting a spouse what they deserve in a divorce involving significantly valued assets. Massachusetts Probate and Family Courts have specific caselaw and statutory guidelines when considering alimony, asset and debt allocation between divorcing couples. Contact an experienced family law attorney today.

Pennsylvania Man Arrested for $ 34,750.00 in back child support.

2011-08-20T11:15:00.000-04:00

A Pennsylvania Man was arrested for owing more than $ 34,750.00 in back child support. According to reports, the man, a former insurance agent and state legislator, failed to appear for numerous court dates prior to his arrest.

Massachusetts Probate and Family Courts take child support arrearages very seriously. Consequences for owing back support can include, in more serious cases, a committed jail sentence. An experienced family law attorney can advise how best to collect court ordered support payments. If you owe past due child support, you should consult with a lawyer to protect your rights.

Fourth of July, Alcohol, Fireworks and Roadblocks.

2011-07-01T15:53:00.000-04:00

With the summer about to kick off in high gear, it may be a good time to kick off those beach sandals and open that can of beer in the comfort of your own home. Most state police roadblocks intentionally coincide with the high traffic volume and festivities surrounding the Fourth of July celebrations. If you are going to drink, as they say in the disclaimers: "drink responsibly!" Other alternatives are to select a designated driver, take a taxi or just don't drink. In the unlikely event that you fail to heed my advice and find your self accused of a DUI, call me next week, make an appointment and I'll be happy to help you!

Divorce and Taxes

2011-06-28T18:14:00.001-04:00

Property division, alimony, mortgage interest payments, real estate taxes and dependency exemptions are just a few of the most common areas of contention in a divorce case. These issues also present daunting tax consequences which must be addressed during a divorce proceeding. Divorcing parties should consult with their tax advisor relative to their tax filing status for state and federal income tax returns. If the parties have children, the issue of the dependency exemption can offer quite a financial benefit to the declaring party. If you are going thru a divorce (and a taxpayer), be sure to consult with an experienced attorney and your tax advisor regarding what may or may not be owed to Uncle Sam.

The 35 Minute Walk.

2011-06-22T23:02:00.000-04:00

These days it takes a lot to humble me. I've been exposed to such extremes in my profession over the years that seldom do I come across something or someone that makes me ... well... just shut up. Caught in the ongoing drive for material success, better cars, clothes and the latest ideation from Apple, I think its fair to say a good majority have become numb to the guilt of immorality and "self-centeredness." Most times I can shut the door, walk away and erase that troubled encounter that should have caused me pause.

I tend to deal with upsetting situations by waiting for an opportune time to announce the next best sardonic comment for the sake of a laugh. I would like to think I'm not alone. Its not unusual to see someone do so at the expense of someone less fortunate. We tend to justify by declaring the target of the comment was most likely a jerk. I can usually tell if someone is an ass by what they wear. I have been right about 38% of the time. The latter comment has nothing to do with this rant actually.

To my credit, I found myself in church recently. I am not advocating religion. Its a subject I have no interest in tackling. I know there are those whose lives revolve around their faith and others, like me, who are part timers. It wasn't so much what was said on this Sunday morning that struck me. In fact, I could have told this story had I not heard a single word from that priest or the little boy in front of me picking his nose.

When I walked into the church, I noticed an elderly lady walking in the parking lot with a cane. She had a younger fellow with her that I assume was her son. She was well into her 80's with thinning gray hair. While she looked disheveled, she clearly had dressed for the occasion.

She required assistance with every step. I watched as she struggled to move less than a foot, dragging the cane, leaning on her son for balance. Each step seemed agonizingly long. She couldn't stand up straight. By the looks of it, osteoporosis had its way with her spine. I couldn't see her face -- as she was so hunched over as she walked. To say I embellished her dismay would be a lie. I didn't otherwise pay much mind to her than to note I was late again for church. Looking at my watch, I thought "good, I'm checked in now. Only 45 more minutes to go! "

After a while, I forgot about the old lady in the parking lot. More than half the mass passed. My attention was then drawn to my immediate right. I was dumbfounded to see the woman from the parking lot shuffling to the pew in front of me. (I wonder how many times one uses the word "pew" in everyday speak?) It took me a moment to process what she was doing, but I finally realized this poor woman had been shuffling inch by inch from the parking lot to that pew since I sat down. That was about 35 minutes prior! It took me less than a minute to go from my car to the door of the church.

I sat there wondering why wasn't this woman in a wheelchair? It would have been so much easier. She would have made it in plenty of time for the start of the mass.

After, someone sitting near me explained she does this walk every weekend. She refuses to be pushed in a wheelchair. She refuses to be carried. With the help of her son, she takes the 35 minutes walk from the parking lot to the church to catch the last 15 minutes of the mass. That walk would take you or I about a minute. It was a marathon of sorts for this woman. After her 15 minute mass, she would start the walk back to the car. Her success was measured by making it to the car despite how long it would take. By the time she got back to that car, I'd probably made it home to read half of the Sunday paper.

Regardless of whether you are religious, her resolve was admirable. Her goal was immaterial. The location, irrelevant, How could one not be humbled by what she went through to make that trek? I think of her often yet we never exchanged a word. I wasn't going to complain about anything for a while. Maybe we should all take note.

Comparing Death and Divorce -Financially Speaking.

2011-06-13T14:52:00.002-04:00

Anyone who is contemplating a Massachusetts divorce should begin by educating themselves about the nature and extent of assets and debts of the parties. Many spouses are indeed in the dark when it comes to their family's finances, often having deferred to one spouse to handle the "checkbook" over the years. The time to educate oneself should not be in the midst of a divorce case. Think of it as a business transaction and try to remove emotions from the mix. Take some time to prepare yourself by examining asset and account values, tax returns, paystubs and mortgage statements. Most family law lawyers will expect some details of the family's financial estate at the first meeting.

Massachusetts Bill Proposes Parents Who Live Together Shouldn't Play Together!

2011-06-13T14:35:00.003-04:00

A Massachusetts lawmaker submitted a bill on Beacon Hill prohibiting divorcing parents from engaging in consensual sex while cohabitating. Not sure one would prove if one were to "break" this rather restrictive proposed law. Read the story here.

Facebook and Other Sites vs. Alumni

2009-05-20T14:33:00.006-04:00

May 20, 2009. (I) begrudgingly attended my 25th high school reunion recently. I really did not want to go. A couple friends bugged me so I went. I really only keep in touch with one or two friends from high school. The rest, from the small New England prep school my parents sent me to, are scattered all over the globe. I hadn't heard from many for years and years, until I got a Facebook account. People who I had not seen or spoken to since high school or college were popping up. I was getting multiple "adds" daily. I felt so popular. We were exchanging old stories, pictures and memories, all from the confines of my desk or Iphone.

It was interesting to see what everyone looked like. The men were mostly balding and some hadn't aged well. The women often had 6 kids in their laps. (I'm embellishing friends!) It was a lot of information and I went thru it all. To this day, after having Facebook
for about 6 months, I have re-connected with dozens of friends, acquaintances and reluctantly with people who I "just went to the same school with." Let's call them the "Others." Damn Lost!

When I graduated from high school and college, the only means of connecting or keeping in touch was by exchanging phone numbers. Mind you, this was a home phone number - there were no cell phones in 1988 that I ever saw. Though my father had a huge contraption in his big Lincoln that looked like a C.B. radio. After graduation, my friends moved around a lot and went to different schools. We lost touch. There was really no way to find anyone unless you called their parents and bothered them. Work and graduate school were taking up my time. We didn't have email accounts or accounts with any of the social media sites. Looking back now, how primitive a thought! It suddenly seems so obvious to me to put the technological timeline in perspective with my anti-social behaviour. Now, I have an excuse.

About two decades would pass until Facebook, Linked-In, Myspace and others changed all that. I suspect that when today's graduates move on, they carry with them the same email accounts, the same Facebook accounts and likely the same cell phones. They don't need to reconnect. They never lose touch. My peers ALL lost touch and reconnected after two decades of living in a vacuum. Granted, it seems we may be at the upper end of the Facebook age bracket, but the site serves a useful purpose to make up for lost time.

I would guess gung ho alumni offices must be squirming. I'm curious as to what percentages go to reunion weekends anymore. Out of my class of 99, I heard about 25 showed up. It causes me pause in considering why fly to Gettysburg to see old friends when I can see them and reconnect at home? I agree that its interesting to see the old campus and hang out with friends, but the AURA of mystery when you show up at the reunion is gone. Gone is the shock of confronting the school bully, the hot cheerleader or the geek squad. The only confrontation I expect is "Hey, why don't you have a Facebook account?"

Take a Breathalyzer ? It depends...can you afford not to?

2009-02-23T22:41:00.008-05:00

May 13, 2009. If someone knows I am a criminal lawyer, invariably I'm asked. Most likely, its at a bar (ironic I know) or a restaurant -- often with a beer in hand (even more so). "Hey, you're a lawyer.... should I take the breathalyzer if I get pulled over?" My usual retort is just as brazen "Hey buddy, you get what you pay for..." Besides, I don't usually have enough time to go over all the variables and contingencies that go into giving a proper answer. I want to finish my beer! The answer really does require a well thought out review of the facts of each case or circumstance, but there are certainly some guidelines the public should consider before they subject themselves to such a test. Besides, no matter what I or anyone else says, the likelihood of you remembering what I write here at 3:00 a.m. after you have been pulled over by the state police....is virtually Nil.

Consider that the breathalyzer is a machine, you plug it in, turn it on and let it warm up. Machines are fallible and also subject to human operator error. Breathalyzers machines are designed to
use infrared technology to detect the level/presence of alcohol in a subject's breath and convert the results into a reading. (that's as technical as I get) They are the only acceptable method of introducing alcohol into evidence (in Massachusetts) via a breath sample. For the record there is no brand "Breathalyzer." There are several manufacturers of these machines. So, I digress, do you actually think someone/anyone who has consumed enough alcohol is clear-minded enough to make a well thought out decision to pass/take the "BT?" I don't.

In Massachusetts, there are increasingly harsh license suspension consequences if one refuses to take a BT test (the person has been accused of a DWI/DUI.) If its their "first" refusal (yes there are people who have had several refusals -- just ask my client who has 4) the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles will take their driver's license for 180 days. That's pretty much a deal breaker for most people. Lose your license, lose your job, your source of income....you do the math. Sounds odd, but its often an economic decision if you really think about it. Its hard to justify unless you live near where you work or if you have enough money to pay a driver (like Lyndsey Lohan...wait she just kept driving. ) Six months (the minimum) is a long time not to drive.

Consider that if one were to "blow" over a .08 in Massachusetts (and now in most states) there is a presumption of intoxication. If one is intoxicated while driving, well ... let's say you are screwed. With that presumption, the burden then shifts to the defendant to attack the validity of the failed test result. As a defense attorney the focal point of defending the drunk driving suspect has to be to attack the validity of the breath test by seeking to exclude its admission into evidence. If the prosecutor can't get it into evidence at trial, obviously their case is weaker. Its kind of like pulling the rug out from under the prosecutor's case. How do you do it? I can't tell..if I did you wouldn't hire me! Actually, there are very detailed and specific regulations concerning the administration of the "BT" test...i.e., observing a suspect for a minimum of 15 minutes prior to the test (no burping allowed!). It is quite possible the breath test operator may have done something wrong.

If someone takes a breath test and fails, they have an uphill battle in successfully defending their case in court. By no means is it the kiss of death, however, it does make things much more complicated (and expensive.) If someone passes (don't see it but it happens), my job is pretty easy. If the accused refuses, the evidence of intoxication (in court) is restricted to the police officer's observations and opinion of intoxication. It's the one crime that a police officer can testify that s/he "thinks you did it." That's quite a powerful statement. Can you imagine if during a murder trial, a witness testified "I wasn't there, but by the looks of that guy....I think he shot the victim."

Most attorney's who practice in this area take the position that no on should ever take the test. I suspect this is grounded in the general feeling that a false reading may occur due to a suspect's ingestion of something which may trigger a high BAT result (consider there is alcohol in mouthwash, cough syrup, etc.) I agree, but its not that simple a decision.

Hey don't drink and drive and no hate mail from MADD please!

Ashley Madison.com ... Good for Business?

2009-02-13T16:33:00.007-05:00

February 13, 2009. So, it's nearly Valentines Day. The roadsides are strewn with vendors pawning flowers that may or not live the weekend. Couple are planning the most expensive meal out of the year. Hallmark is trying to get me to buy a $ 5.00 dollar greeting card that plays 80's music or Homer Simpson burping. Its such a romantic time of the year. Not too long ago, I remember hearing stories from my parents about how they met. I think my father first saw my mother in church one day. My grandfather, so the rumor goes, met my grandmother at a coming out dance (I embellish, sorry Nana) .

Today, we have become accustomed to hearing stories of our friends trying out online dating sites like match.com. Another site, eharmony, plasters television ads enticing us with a "free compatibility test" (I checked, no one is compatible with me). One friend of mine even met his wife on a Jewish singles dating site. Whatever you may think of it, good or bad, Internet dating is here to stay. We are busy. We don't have time to say hi to the cute girl we see across the room anymore. Instead, we go to craigslist and checked "missed connections" every night (again, no luck here).

I don't think anyone would have guessed what was coming next. I guess there was a gray area between these dating sites and a swingers/porn type site. I never noticed. But someone else sure did. Ashleymadison.com touts itself as a "dating' site where married or attached people can have an affair." That's right, cheating just became mainstream! Just set up a profile and pay with your credit card (they will anonymously bill you in case your significant other looks at your credit card statement!). Set up a profile and start searching away. Refine your search by location, age, height, weight or body type. Its a veritable grocery store for the straying hearts. Of note is an "affair guarantee." If you sign up for the $ 249.00 plan, they guarantee you an affair. What I figured out is that they have a reserve of troll like men and women lined up to ensure they never have to make good on this guarantee. At the last possible moment, expect an offer of an affair by Trina the cross dressing, toothless "guarantee buster!"

In all seriousness, as a divorce lawyer I can see the writing on the wall. Some hapless sap is going to leave himself (or herself) logged into the site and get caught! Subpoena's will be flying into the Ashleymadison corporate offices faster than a new season of "Survivor" (will they ever get back to the island?" I really do believe that its just a matter of time before this site breaks up a marriage, a couple, a relationship, a family. But hey, it takes the willing and no one is forcing people to join or participate. Some may say to blame the members. While this is true, the temptation to surf in relative anonymity may be too much for some. This is what the site hopes for.

Curiously, the most confusing thing I came across on their site was the following: When asked if the site encourages infidelity, their answer: "No, Ashleymadison does not encourage anyone to stray. In fact, if you are having difficulty with your relationship, you should seek counseling." I had to find an authority on infidelity so I looked to the folks at cheaters.com. (that's their trademarked logo above) According to their informational site, the definition of "infidelity" is clarified:

"While adultery is more concretely defined as voluntary sexual intercourse between a married man or woman with someone other than his or her spouse, experts disagree on precisely what infidelity entails. There is, however, a growing consensus that infidelity is not limited to sexual unfaithfulness, but that it also occurs when a spouse forms a strong emotional attachment outside of marriage."

Of course, that's exactly what AM.com strives for, the EMOTIONAL ATTACHMENT. Following up on their disclaimer, I looked and looked but to my dismay I could not for the life of me find a link to any couples' counseling websites on AM.com. I have a great idea for the people at AM. How about a link to my website? I do plenty of divorces and accept referrals. This may work out better than I thought.

~ Jay Roncone

What Do Kellogg's, Michael Phelps and Marijuana Activists Have in Common ?

2009-02-11T13:03:00.004-05:00

February 11, 2009. Michael Phelps, America's most decorated Olympic athlete, recently was the subject of tabloid fodder when a picture of him allegedly using a "bong" surfaced on the Internet. Yup that's him! Leave it to the British to uncover the photo. I've read reports indicating that the pictures were from an incident that happened before the Olympics. (I for one would have focused on his watch!) His Olympic achievements aside, Phelps faces scrutiny from his fans, the public and especially his commercial sponsors.

Phelps' agents have confirmed that he has deals with a number of big corporations including Speedo (surprise), Hilton, Visa, Omega Watches, and AT&T, to name a few. His agents have refused to release the value of the endorsement deals but suffice it to say Phelps won't have to work anytime soon. I'm sure he and his family for generations to come will be set financially. (I sure hope he buys his mom a house, I grew fond of her cheering him on in the stands).

Now Kellogg's has announced they will let their current endorsement deal with Phelps expire. He was also suspended from competition by the US swim team. This has prompted marijuana activists groups to start calling for us to boycott Kellogg's products. (There has been no mention of them boycotting swimming - I assume because even marijuana users like to swim) Petitions are circulating and the publicity machine for both camps are in full swing. I thought it was interesting that Kellogg's was apparently aware of Phelps' prior drunk driving charge and didn't make an issue of that. Phelps hasn't been charged with anything yet and given the carefully crafted wording of his public apology for some regrettable decisions he has made, his lawyers likely considered that possibility well before he responded to the media inquiries. Just today, Phelps no-showed for IBM as the keynote speaker (I guess he's in demand) at a tech conference. Magic Johnson batted back up.

Consider that Massachusetts, like a growing number of other states, has joined the growing trend of de-criminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana. That doesn't technically mean smoking pot is now legal. Its just now treated as a civil infraction along with a fine.

Could Phelps be charged? Sure, he could be charged if that jurisdiction isn't as liberal as Massachusetts. Consider, however, how would they prove what he was doing was illegal unless he admitted to it? I've seen plenty of bongs and hookah's in bars where people smoke tobacco. The obvious aside, its clearly a matter of proof as to whether some gung-ho District Attorney could successfully prosecute such a case. All criminal cases have burdens of proof. They usually involve observations of an officer. In successful drug prosecutions, evidence usually includes an officer's testimony of identifying the odor of marijuana and a lab analysis confirming that the seized substance is, in fact, an illegal drug.

I sincerely doubt any evidence of this 'crime" still exists. Although Roger Clemens' trainer kept the "needles" he allegedly used for several years (That is just weird). I hope that Phelps's advisers counseled him to keep his mouth shut. In my opinion, the kid is 23 years old. He has been training since he was in the womb. I'm sure he has had little time to grow up. Cut him some slack. I'd rather see some footage of some of these bailout (Wall Street bankers) caught on tape smoking something funny. Then we could all save some taxpayers' money but cutting off their funding. Should he be without consequence? NO, he was suspended. He likes to swim. I am sure he is not happy about the suspension. If he wants to keep swimming, then test him and be done with it.

New Child Support Guidelines in Effect !

2009-02-10T15:53:00.004-05:00

February 10, 2009 - As of January 2009, Massachusetts Probate Court Judges are using an entirely new formula in calculating child support obligations. The "old" guidelines were completely modified. The new changes are not minor. They are dramatic. The new 2009 Child Support Guidelines consider the joint gross income of both parents, the number of children, daycare costs as well as the costs of insurance. The costs of health, dental and even vision care can now affect the support order. These guidelines expand the definition of "income" especially in situations of a self employed "obligor" and address the "gray" area of overtime compensation and the support obligation. Gone is the obligor's income cap of $ 120,000.00. These new guidelines apply in all cases where the combined gross incomes of the parties does not exceed $ 250,000.00. This should apply to most families and eliminates the discretionary element of an order in most cases. I have had a number of clients indicate that the orders are generally "higher" than the old orders. Its probably a good idea to contact an attorney familiar with probate practice and run the numbers to see if filing a Modification is warranted. There are several criteria to consider. Income is not the only determining factor as to whether a support order can be modified.

I suspect it may take many months to sort thru the effects of the new guidelines. Gray areas will likely cause litigation and appellate judges will clarify.

** Since people have been asking, Here is a link to the new guidelines.

http://www.mass.gov/courts/childsupport/worksheet-child-support-guidelines.pdf

Amazon Releases Kindle 2 Today

2009-02-10T15:21:00.004-05:00

February 10, 2009 - I have been resisting buying a digital reading device ever since the first Kindle came out a couple of years ago. I like to read, however, i couldn't imagine reading my newspapers, magazines and bestsellers on a small hand held screen. I likened it to an affinity of the smell and feel of paper, the ink on my fingers and the bulk and size of the book. Besides, I could get electronic versions of everything I want to read on my laptop or even my iphone. I suppose when Amazon founder, Jeff Bezos, decided to embark on a new venture involving selling technology Amazon actually produced, the tide was turning. I suspect that the Kindle was intended to be the answer to the question no one asked. What can I fit in my hand, is comfortable to hold, has huge storage and is lighter and smaller than a laptop? According to their marketing materials, the new Kindle 2 can wirelessly download over 230,000 books! That's mind boggling. There are no fees associated with the downloads nor are there wires to connect. It is all done wirelessly over Sprint's cell network. There are tons of magazines, newspapers and blogs you can also wirelessly subscribe to. To my surprise, there are pictures too, albeit black and white only.

The new Kindle 2 is priced at $ 359.00. That's a hefty chunk of change considering its just for the hardware. So the next question is what is the price of the content? Well, books list at anywhere from $ 4.00 and up. I saw most titles around the $ 10.00 range. I priced the Twilight Book 1
(I swear i have not read it!) at $ 6.04. The print version of the same book costs $ 11.99 in hardcover and the same $ 6.04 in paperback. Note, that this was one of the lesser priced Kindle 2 books. Most were a little higher.

Given the economy, I suspect that people may be reticient to pony up for this new device. After all, one can download books to their laptops or computers, ipods and even listen to books in their car. Also, isn't there some appeal to showing off your bound library to company? I now the tacky titles some of us collect may not be the most impressive. I admit to having such bound classics as "The Pick Up Artist" and "The Hardy Boys." But these hardcovers often instill a level of accomplishment to perusers of the bookshelf. "I read them all" usually impresses an admirer until they ask for a plot summary. I don't see that same level of accomplishment or "affect" when powering up the Kindle 2 and scrolling thru the dozens of titles . Its not as much of a part of your "appearance" as it is a part of you. Introverts may prefer it, but I think some will never leave the comfort and familiarity of the smell of paper.

I have not been able to test drive the new Kindle 2 yet. its not shipping until the end of the month. Considering the first Kindle sold out in 5.5 hours in 2007, I admit that I ponied up and reserved my place in line by ordering one today. I will update this posting after I am able to get a hands on with the device.