Family Law Judge Who Beat Teen Daughter With Cerebral Palsy

Apparently the Texas Family Law judge who beat his daughter who has cerebral palsy will not even face criminal charges. Reportedly, in 2004 Judge William Adams beat his then 16 year-old daughter with a belt. His daughter, who has cerebral palsy, suffered a vicious beating at the hands of her irate father, whose behavior was encouraged by the child's mother. The parents divorced several years afterward. The beating was all caught on video. He will not face criminal charges because the beating took place in 2004, and in Texas there is a 5 year statute of limitations on causing injury to a child. Both parents have come out with excuses for their behavior, and neither one shows any remorse - but the issue remains - is this acceptable behavior, regardless of their attempted justifications? And should a person like this be a Family Law Judge sitting in judgment of other parents and families? Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/03/judge-william-adams-video-beating-daughter_n_1075284.html

Massachusetts to overhaul law on lifetime alimony

The governor of Massachusetts is expected to sign into law new legislation that would get rid of "lifetime alimony." The article states that the bill, "which has already been approved by the House and Senate, establishes guidelines for alimony payments and limits the duration of payments, ending so-called "lifetime alimony" payments ordered by some judges in divorce cases. One of the biggest changes in the bill would set limits on how long a spouse can receive alimony, based on how long the couple was married. Patrick plans to sign the bill Monday at the Statehouse. The state's current alimony laws don't set any duration limits. The bill's supporters say the new guidelines will help judges make fair decisions."