Trusts are nothing more than a legal relationship and contract agreement, where the owner of some type of assets (the Donor, Grantor or Settlor), transfers possession of those assets in a written agreement (the Trust) to someone who agrees to be the holder of the assets (Trustee), and who also agrees to make the distributions… Read more »
To Blow or Not To Blow
As a criminal defense attorney, I have to say that one of the most popular questions I am asked repeatedly by friends, family, and colleagues alike is, “Should I blow?” Most people understand the context of this question, which refers to consenting to a breathalyzer test if arrested for operating under the influence (OUI). Please… Read more »
First Time In 20 Years Massachusetts Revises Estate Tax Law
On October 4, 2023, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed sweeping tax changes into law. One of the most important of these changes was to the Commonwealth’s estate tax exemption. Historically, the exemption amount was one of the lowest in the country ($1M/ per estate). The new law raises that amount to ($2M/ per estate) and… Read more »
Getting Your License Back After an OUI
In Maine, drunk driving is called “operating under the influence,” or “OUI”. The officer who arrested you will send a police report to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, which will administratively suspend your notice. If you are ultimately convicted of OUI In court, the court will also suspend your license. For a first offense… Read more »
Prenuptial Agreements
Do they say: “I don’t trust you and expect that we are going to wind up getting divorced anyway” ; or Do they say: “You and I have once before gone through a very contentious, hurtful, hateful and litigious divorce in the past and we do not ever want that to occur between us“? If… Read more »
Drunk Driving in Maine With An Out-Of-State License
Being arrested for drunk driving or operating under the influence (OUI) in Maine with an out-of-state license can create problems in your home state. States share information about drunk driving convictions and license suspensions, and many states treat an out-of-state OUI conviction as if it were an in-state conviction. How OUI Arrests Of Out-Of-State Drivers… Read more »
Hiring The Best Lawyer For Your Maine OUI Charge
A person charged with a Maine drunk driving or operating under the influence (OUI) charge faces jail time, fines, and license suspensions. It is therefore important to hire an experienced OUI defense attorney as soon as possible. There is no “best” lawyer for OUI defense; there are many knowledgeable lawyers who do a fine job.… Read more »
Yes . . . You Do Need a Will!
According to a recent report from Morgan Stanley, only 39% of individuals earning between $40,000 and $ 80,000 per year have a will. This means that 61% of those in that group do NOT have a will. If you do not have a will, the state government decides who will get your assets–such as your… Read more »
Refusal to Take a Breathalyzer or Blood Test in Maine: Laws & Penalties
Believing that a test of .08 or above is required for a drunk driving conviction, many people who are arrested for OUI refuse to take a breath test. Doing so may deprive the State of a test result, but it will not prevent the State from charging you with OUI. Worse yet, a refusal can… Read more »
Appealing A Divorce or Family Law Judgment in Maine
If you disagree with a decision from a Maine court in a divorce or other family law case, you may be able to file an appeal to the Maine Supreme Judicial Court, sitting as the Law Court. The attorneys at Libby O’Brien Kingsley & Champion are experienced in family law and have had success in… Read more »