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# Parnell, Michels & McKay: New Hampshire Law Firm

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## Posts
- [Parnell, Michels & McKay Named As One of The Best Law Firms in America](https://pmmlawyers.com/parnell-michels-mckay-named-as-one-of-the-best-law-firms-in-america/): Parnell, Michels & McKay named as one of the best law firms in America by Best Lawyers. Specifically, PMM Law was recognized in the fields of personal injury, family law and workers’ compensation. Best Lawyers is one of the oldest and well-known peer-reviewed referral guides that recognizes top legal professionals across more than 75 countries. Founded in 1981, its primary goal is to help people find trusted and experienced legal counsel based on the recommendations of other lawyers.
- [The State of New Hampshire Has Disbursed Over $223 Million in State and Federal Funds to Combat PFAS Contamination](https://pmmlawyers.com/the-state-of-new-hampshire-has-disbursed-over-223-million-in-state-and-federal-funds-to-combat-pfas-contamination/): The State of New Hampshire has disbursed over $223 million in state and federal fundsto combat PFAS contamination in recent years. Most of this money has been allocated towards water testing, infrastructure, and remediation, with some going to research. However, none of the money is currently being allocated to directly assist people who have been injured by PFAS with costs that are related to health issues stemming from PFAS exposure.
- [A Judgment Lien Can Land Like a Fly on Your Marital Home and Rot Your Equity](https://pmmlawyers.com/a-judgment-lien-can-land-like-a-fly-on-your-marital-home-and-rot-your-equity/): Notably, a pending lawsuit, however, is not yet an established liability. That's because a pending lawsuit is little more than a legal "maybe." It might result in a judgment. It might be dismissed. It might settle. Until then, it isn't an actual liability in the way a judgment or other enforceable debt is. Consequently, nothing in Rule 1.25-A requires a party to disclose every pending lawsuit merely because it has the potential to become a legal liability.
- [Explosive Consequences: How NH and MA Differ on Liability for Firework Injuries](https://pmmlawyers.com/explosive-consequences-how-nh-and-ma-differ-on-liability-for-firework/): As summer continues, many of us eagerly anticipate fireworks displays. But when mishaps occur, the legal question arises – who’s responsible? New Hampshire and Massachusetts adopt vastly different legal frameworks regarding firework-related injuries. Understanding these distinctions is pivotal for consumers, event organizers, and legal practitioners. At PMM law, we make it our business to know these rules and how they affect our clients.
- [Understanding Bad Faith Insurance Law in New Hampshire](https://pmmlawyers.com/understanding-bad-faith-insurance-law-in-new-hampshire/): When you purchase an insurance policy, you expect your insurer to honor its promises when you need coverage most. Whether it's after a serious car accident, a house fire, or another unexpected loss, policyholders rely on insurance companies to investigate claims fairly and pay valid benefits promptly. Unfortunately, insurers do not always meet these obligations. In some cases, an insurance company may act in "bad faith" by unreasonably delaying, denying, or underpaying a legitimate claim.
- [NH Supreme Court Update: Will Rivas Decision Affect Your Motor Vehicle Case?](https://pmmlawyers.com/nh-supreme-court-update-will-rivas-decision-affect-your-motor-vehicle-case/): The New Hampshire Supreme Court recently issued an order regarding the impact of a trial judge’s ruling on evidentiary issues and the impression they leave on a jury in a case called Rivas v. Ciecko, 2026 NH 2.
- [Do You Understand What Wage Benefits Are In Your Workers’ Compensation Case?](https://pmmlawyers.com/do-you-understand-what-wage-benefits-are-in-your-workers-compensation/): We understand that being injured on the job is stressful. In addition to an injury, you didn’t plan on and any associated limitations that may come along with it, you may also be looking at having to miss work during your recovery period. Losing out on your income can compound the stress of an already difficult situation. You should be aware that there are wage benefits available under workers’ compensation. There are a couple of basic things to understand about wage claims in New Hampshire in a workers’ compensation case.
- [Am I Owed Money for My Work Injury if I am Permanently Impaired?](https://pmmlawyers.com/am-i-owed-money-for-my-work-injury-if-i-am-permanently-impaired/): Permanent impairment injuries are a critical component of the workers’ compensation system in New Hampshire. While many workplace injuries heal over time, others leave lasting physical or functional limitations. Understanding how permanent impairment works—and how benefits are calculated—can help injured workers better navigate their rights and expectations under state law.
- [Basics of Family Law Appeals](https://pmmlawyers.com/basics-of-family-law-appeals/): Final family law decisions, such those that come from initial divorce and parenting orders can have lasting consequences. When a party believes a trial court’s decision was made in error, an appeal to the New Hampshire Supreme Court may be appropriate. However, appeals are not new trials. Appeals focus on whether the law was applied correctly. There are some core things you should know about family law appeals.
- [Understanding Medical Malpractice Law in New Hampshire](https://pmmlawyers.com/understanding-medical-malpractice-law-in-new-hampshire/): Medical malpractice cases in New Hampshire represent one of the most complex and consequential areas of personal injury law. When patients seek medical care, they trust that doctors, nurses, and hospitals will provide treatment that meets accepted professional standards. However, when that trust is broken and negligence occurs, the legal system provides a pathway for victims to pursue compensation and accountability.
- [Effective Co-Parenting After Separation or Divorce](https://pmmlawyers.com/effective-co-parenting-after-separation-or-divorce/): When parents separate or divorce, one of the most important challenges they face is learning how to successfully co-parent. While the romantic relationship may end, the parenting relationship does not. Effective co-parenting allows children to maintain strong, healthy relationships with both parents while providing the stability and consistency they need to thrive. At its core, co-parenting means working together to make decisions in the best interests of the child. This includes coordinating schedules, communicating about school and medical issues, and maintaining appropriate expectations between households. Even when parents disagree, focusing discussions on the child’s well-being rather than past conflicts can make cooperation easier.
- [Dog Bite Personal Injury Cases in New Hampshire and Massachusetts](https://pmmlawyers.com/dog-bite-personal-injury-cases-in-new-hampshire/): Dog attacks can cause serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and significant financial hardship. Victims often face medical bills, lost wages, and long-term scarring or disfigurement. In both New Hampshire and Massachusetts, state laws allow victims to pursue compensation when a dog causes injury. Understanding how these laws work is essential for anyone who has been injured in a dog attack or who may be considering a personal injury claim.
- [Understanding Trucking Accidents in New Hampshire and Massachusetts: What Victims Need to Know](https://pmmlawyers.com/understanding-trucking-accidents-in-new-hampshire-and-massachusetts-what-victims-need-to-know/): Trucking accidents are among the most devastating collisions on our roadways. Because of the size and weight of commercial trucks, crashes often result in catastrophic injuries, extensive property damage, and heartbreaking loss. For residents of New Hampshire and Massachusetts, where interstate travel is common and freight traffic is heavy, understanding the unique legal landscape surrounding trucking accidents can make all the difference in pursuing justice and fair compensation.
- [Spoliation: Top Five Reasons You Have To Preserve Evidence](https://pmmlawyers.com/spoliation-top-five-reasons-you-have-to-preserve-evidence/): Spoliation is when evidence that is necessary to evaluate the merits of the case is destroyed or not maintained prior to a lawsuit. So, if you have been injured, and you are not sure what happened, you may have a duty to preserve evidence, as will the potential defendant in your case. Maybe you slipped on something in a grocery store, or maybe there was a mechanical failure in an ATV or snowmobile, and now you are in the hospital unsure of what to do. If you find yourself in this situation, here are the top five reasons to preserve evidence:
- [Was it Correcting a Mistake or Modifying a Divorce Decree?](https://pmmlawyers.com/was-it-correcting-a-mistake-or-modifying-a-divorce/): The New Hampshire Supreme Court recently issued an order on In the Matter of Warren Jackson and Jean Jackson, Case No. 2024-0242. The parties had a long-term marriage and Husband filed for divorce in October 2020. Prior to the Final Hearing, Wife filed two Motions for Contempt. One of the Motions claimed that Husband did not comply with mandatory financial disclosure under Rule 1.25-A, and the other claimed that Husband had removed personal property from the marital home and refused to return it. A Final Hearing was held in July 2022 and a Final Decree was issued in December 2022. With regard to the Motion for Contempt filed by Wife prior to the Final Hearing pertaining to personal property, the trial court ordered Husband to return the personal property referred to in the Motion for Contempt to the marital home. The trial court denied the Motion for Contempt related to Husband’s mandatory financial disclosure, determining that Wife had not met her burden of showing that Husband had willfully failed to comply with the Court’s order.
- [“Flying Snow Is No Accident: Jessica’s Law in New Hampshire”](https://pmmlawyers.com/winter-storm-advice-jessicas-law/):             As snow is bearing down on most of the country and is coming to New Hampshire this weekend, it is important to remember laws associated with snow. One of them is called “Jessica’s Law”. Jessica’s Law has been the law of New Hampshire for over twenty (20) years now. It is a law that requires the clearing of ice and snow off the top of a vehicle prior to driving it. The basis of the law was a tragic accident that claimed the life of Jessica Smith in 1999. A piece of ice about nine (9) feet long flew off of a tractor trailer, smashing into a box truck that veered into Jessica’s vehicle causing her death. The accident in Peterborough is not long forgotten by her parents, as Jessica would be over forty years old now.
- [Remember to Practice 12 Days of Co-Parenting Calm](https://pmmlawyers.com/remember-to-practice-12-days-of-co-parenting-calm/): I came across a wonderful blog called “12 Days of Co-Parenting Calm” written by Deb Gilman and posted on the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals website. You can find that blog here:  12 Days of Co-Parenting Calm.
- [United States Supreme Court Decides Same Sex Marriage Ruling Still Valid](https://pmmlawyers.com/united-states-supreme-court-decides-same-sex-marriage/): The Supreme Court of the United States was recently asked to take up a request to overturn the 2015 landmark ruling granting same sex couples the right to marry, Obergefell v. Hodges. The request came on behalf of Kim Davis, a former Kentucky county clerk who gained public attention in 2015. Following the Supreme Court’s ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, Kim Davis stopped issuing marriage licenses to any couples the county she clerked in due to what she indicated was a personal religious belief that marriage is a union of one man and one woman. She has been involved in various litigation since then stemming from her denial of marriage licenses and her refusal to comply with court orders to issue marriage licenses.
- [Parent Claims He Doesn’t Owe Back Child Support Without a Contempt Finding: NH Supreme Court Says He’s Wrong](https://pmmlawyers.com/parent-claims-he-doesnt-owe-back-child-support-without-a-contempt-finding-nh-supreme-court-says-hes-wrong/): The NH Supreme Court recently had the opportunity to answer the question of whether a parent can be found to owe back child support when they are not found in contempt in a case called In the Matter of Curtis, 2025-0007. Contempt is often found when a party to a case has not complied with a Court order. Failure to pay child support under a court order often can lead to a finding that a parent is in contempt of that order.
- [Are All Conversations With a Lawyer Privileged? Exceptions To The Attorney/Client Privilege](https://pmmlawyers.com/are-all-conversations-with-a-lawyer-privileged-exceptions-to-the-attorney-client-privilege/): We often hear about how communications between attorneys and their clients are privileged, meaning that they are confidential. Therefore, third parties cannot compel either the attorney or the client to disclose the contents of their communications with each other. An aspect of this privilege that is not often discussed is that there are exceptions to the privilege in certain, limited situations.
- [NH Supreme Court Extends Death Benefits to Widow of Worker](https://pmmlawyers.com/nh-supreme-court-extends-death-benefits-to-widow-of-worker/): The New Hampshire (NH) Supreme Court recently addressed the tragic situation of a woman who lost her husband to cancer from his work at a firefighter.  Her husband was employed as a firefighter for nearly 20 years. He began seeking treatment for health issues in early 2019 and was eventually diagnosed with bile duct cancer. Husband submitted a report of injury to the Department of Labor. Husband’s request for Workers’ Compensation was denied by the employer. Husband did not pursue the claim any further and died in January 2020.
- [New Hampshire Supreme Court Rules Sexual Assault Victims Are Time Barred from Pursuing Their Claims](https://pmmlawyers.com/new-hampshire-supreme-court-rules-sexual-assault-victims-are-time-barred-from-pursuing-their-claims/): The New Hampshire state legislature passed a law removing the statute of limitations as a defense for civil actions involving sexual assault and related offenses in 2020. The New Hampshire Supreme Court was recently asked to apply this law to revive a claim for sexual assault which was not filed prior to the expiration of the statute of limitations in place at the time. The Court determined that applying the 2020 law retroactively and using it to revive a claim for sexual assault that had expired prior to the 2020 law taking effect would violate Part I, Article 23 of the New Hampshire Constitution. For this reason, the Court declined to apply the statute to the expired claim and dismissed the case.
- [New Hampshire Product Liability Law: Design Defects, Warnings & Legal Time Limits](https://pmmlawyers.com/new-hampshire-product-liability-law-design-defects-warnings-legal-time-limits/): Product liability refers to the legal responsibility of manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and others in the supply chain for injuries or damages caused by a product. In New Hampshire, as in many states, there are statutes and case law that shape how product liability claims work. This blog explains the framework, important concepts, time limits, defenses, and recent developments in NH product liability law.
- [Stuck in Limbo: How the workers’ compensation pre-authorization process makes injured workers feel stuck in the sand](https://pmmlawyers.com/stuck-in-limbo-how-the-workers-compensation-pre-authorization-process-makes-injured-workers-feel-stuck-in-the-sand/): Everyone wants to be paid. As a lawyer, I do understand that. However, at the intersection of wanting to be paid, and wanting to get necessary medical care is a process in workers’ compensation cases call the pre-approval or pre-authorization process. This is when a medical provider asks the workers’ compensation insurer to pre-approve or authorize a specific type of medical treatment like surgery, therapy, injections or other treatment. The provider does this so they can guarantee they receive payment, as they express concern that they could provide the care and be left holding the bill.  Conversely, the injured worker just wants to get the necessary medical care that gets them on the path to recovery and return to work.
- [The Road to the Nine Hells is Paved with Good Intentions – How my Adventuring Party Ended up Behind Bars](https://pmmlawyers.com/the-road-to-the-nine-hells-is-paved-with-good-intentions-how-my-adventuring-party-ended-up-behind-bars/): Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) is a game played by millions across the world. It is a massively popular roleplaying game that utilizes interwoven stories to make it compelling. In some worlds, laws are violated, and those dwarves, elves, and various monsters need to know their legal rights in those circumstances. In last week’s D&D session, our “heroes” committed a number of crimes—so many, in fact, that they required a legal analysis of their rights.
- [Before ‘I Do’: What Happens to Premarital Pension Contributions in Divorce?](https://pmmlawyers.com/before-i-do-what-happens-to-premarital-pension-contributions-in-divorce/): In divorce, the Court is required to divide the parties’ marital property equitably. The law defines marital property as all property from any source whether titled to one party individually or to the parties jointly, no matter where the asset came from. RSA 458:16-a, I. For many years, the law with regard to pension plans was applied differently than the law with regard to other assets, and even other retirement plans. This difference was based on the Hodgins case, decided by the New Hampshire Supreme Court in 1985. Hodgins v. Hodgins, 126 N.H. 711 (1985). Before the  Hodgins case, Courts had struggled with dividing pension plans because they are difficult to value. Generally, the retiree’s benefit from a pension plan is based on a formula that considers the earnings of the employee and the years of service with the company, some of which may be after the divorce. In the Hodgins case, the Supreme Court was tasked with determining a method to equitably divide a pension benefit, considering the fact that the spouse’s pension benefit would continue to grow as a result of credits earned after the divorce. To do so, the Supreme Court created a formula to divide the portion of the pension benefit that accrued during the marriage, and not after the marriage ended.
- [What Happens to Our Marital Home if We Divorce?](https://pmmlawyers.com/what-happens-to-our-marital-home-if-we-divorce/): In many divorce cases, the party’s main asset is the marital home. Therefore, one of the questions we hear the most in family law is “what’s going to happen to my home?” For some, this is a purely financial question. For others, there is a great deal of emotional attachment with concerns about the party’s children and their own future living arrangements. For most, the parties generally agree that there should be equal division of the equity, but the question is how that is accomplished. This blog post will cover the parties’ options in dividing the marital home.
- [Riding in the Granite State: When Drivers Don’t See Motorcycles](https://pmmlawyers.com/riding-in-the-granite-state-when-drivers-dont-see-motorcycles/): New Hampshire is famously one of only three U.S. states without a universal motorcycle helmet law for adults. However, while helmet use may not be required, attentiveness certainly should be—especially when it comes to spotting smaller road users like motorcyclists. Tragically, despite visible and legal safety gaps, driver inattention remains a top cause of devastating motorcycle crashes here in the granite state
- [Walking the Line: Understanding Pedestrian Laws in New Hampshire](https://pmmlawyers.com/walking-the-line-understanding-pedestrian-laws-in-new-hampshire/): Pedestrian accidents in New Hampshire can present complex legal challenges, often involving questions of fault, insurance, and compensation. Understanding the state's traffic laws, negligence principles, and insurance requirements is crucial for both pedestrians and motorists to navigate these incidents effectively. Having an experienced law firm can make the difference between being able to recover and being denied compensation.
- [Parenting Issues: Common Challenges Post-Divorce](https://pmmlawyers.com/parenting-issues-common-challenges-post-divorce/): As a marriage breaks down, divorcing parents have their family dynamics fundamentally change. The parties’ children bear the brunt of this impact. As their parents try to navigate the end of a phase of their lives, the children often get swept up in changes of what they have known their entire life. Co-parenting requires a thoughtful approach rooted in communication, flexibility, and a commitment to the well-being of the children when parties aren’t getting divorced. After divorce, these principles must be considered even more.
- [New Hampshire’s Elimination of the Civil Statute of Limitations for Sexual Assault: A Landmark Change for Survivors](https://pmmlawyers.com/new-hampshires-elimination-of-the-civil-statute-of-limitations-for-sexual-assault-a-landmark-change-for-survivors/): In a significant legislative shift, New Hampshire has abolished the civil statute of limitations for sexual assault cases, offering survivors the opportunity to seek justice at any time, regardless of when the assault occurred. This change, effective since September 18, 2020, marks a pivotal moment in the state's commitment to supporting victims and holding perpetrators accountable.
- [Beyond the Game: How ‘Assumption of Risk’ Shapes Injury Lawsuits in Sports and Recreational Activities](https://pmmlawyers.com/beyond-the-game-how-assumption-of-risk-shapes-injury-lawsuits-in-sports-and-recreational-activities/): Injuries often happen in sports, and the majority of the time they are contemplated by the participant before they play the sport. For example, someone that plays high school or college football knows when they sign up that they may get a concussion due to the violent nature of the sport. However, where does someone cross the line from being “Part of the game” to being actionable negligence?
- [What is an Appeal?](https://pmmlawyers.com/what-is-an-appeal/): People who are unhappy with their trial court decision frequently say they are going to appeal the ruling. In doing so, people assume the appeal functions as a form of “retrial” or a way to have the judge come to a different conclusion by rehearing their case. However, this is not the function of an appellate court. To better understand this, it’s best to start with the question: what is an appeal?
- [Child Support – Modification and Private Agreements](https://pmmlawyers.com/child-support-modification-and-private-agreements/): Child support is a very common area of conflict in family law cases. Whether you are an unwed parent, or whether the parties have been married, so long as parents have minor children, the court must address the financial component of the children’s welfare. Whether by agreement, or after a final contested hearing, child support is ordered through a form called the Uniform Support Order.
- [If I suffer an injury that causes permanent damage at work, am I entitled to compensation?](https://pmmlawyers.com/if-i-suffer-an-injury-that-causes-permanent-damage-at-work-am-i-entitled-to-compensation/): In Workers’ Compensation, it is commonly misunderstood by most people what an injured person is entitled to. In previous blog posts, we talked about how an injured worker unable to work is entitled to 60% of their average weekly wage while they are out of work. They are also entitled to have all medical bills that are incurred due to the work injury that are “reasonable” and “necessary” medical treatment paid by the workers’ compensation insurance carrier. Yet, what happens when a person has a permanent injury?
- [Julia Hawthorne Named 2025 Pro Bono Rising Star](https://pmmlawyers.com/julia-hawthorne-named-2025-pro-bono-rising-star/): Parnell, Michels and McKay is proud to announce that Julia Hawthorne has been named a 2025 Pro Bono Rising Star at the New Hampshire Bar Association Mid-Year meetings. Attorney Hawthorne has been working at PMM law since graduating from law school, and practices in the employment law, personal injury and workers’ compensation fields. Attorney Hawthorne instantly gravitated towards pro bono work, and has been a steady pro bono volunteer since joining PMM law in 2021. Attorney Hawthorne has also played an integral role at the 603 Legal Aid eviction clinic as a continuous volunteer. Julia is passionate about helping others, and we are proud of her work in the community.
- [Homeowner’s Insurance and the Christmas Invader](https://pmmlawyers.com/homeowners-insurance-and-the-christmas-invader/): Jimmy was home Christmas eve when he was woken up after midnight by his dog barking. He went downstairs and it looked like a burglar was in his house. He turned on the light, and his dog lunged at the intruder. A plate of cookies and milk spilled everywhere, and the burglar (wearing bright red and looking on the older side), jumped away from the dog. He shouted something like “HO HO, OH NO!” before tripping over the shoes Jimmy left in the hallway. Jimmy heard an audible “snap”, and the old man shouted in pain. Jimmy called the police, but when they came the old man had left. However, he had left a note that Jimmy would be hearing from his lawyer as he was injured.
- [“Gray Divorces”: 6 Things to Consider Before Deciding to Leave a Long-Term Marriage](https://pmmlawyers.com/gray-divorces-6-things-to-consider-before-deciding-to-leave-a-long-term-marriage/): Many recent articles and news reports have focused on the topic of a “Gray Divorce.” Although there is no real definition, the term is intended to refer to couples over the age of 50 getting divorced. Although the percentage of couples getting divorced has dropped overall, the percentage of couples over the age of 50 (or 60) is increasing. If you are over 50 and have been in a long-term marriage (especially over 20 years), there are important issues you should consider before making the decision to get divorced.
- [How Does the Pelissier v. Geico Make Uninsured Motorist Claims Easier to Pursue?](https://pmmlawyers.com/how-does-the-pelissier-v-geico-make-uninsured-motorist-claims-easier-to-pursue/): As part of our ongoing commitment to serving our clients, the Personal Injury Attorneys at Parnell Michels and McKay review changes to New Hampshire law in order to ensure we continue to obtain the best results for our clients. This week, there was a significant update in the law regarding uninsured motorist claims.
- [2025 Child Support Law Changes](https://pmmlawyers.com/2025-child-support-law-changes/): Child support is one of the largest areas that our firm’s family law attorneys must address in court. Whether you are an unwed parent, or whether the parties have been married, so long as parents have minor children, the court must address the financial component of the children’s welfare. It was a long-established and continually perpetuated myth in New Hampshire that having “equal time” almost meant no obligation pay child support. The fact of the matter is that child support is a complex formula that is dependent on many factors that primarily derive from the parties’ respective incomes. While that well-trodden myth remains false, changes to the child support law in 2025 have made it a closer reality.
- [What Did You Put in My Pumpkin Spice Latte?](https://pmmlawyers.com/what-did-you-put-in-my-pumpkin-spice-latte/): It is October, so it’s Pumpkin Spice Latte time. But what happens when that Pumpkin Spice Latte contains a plastic piece that enters your bowels? Or if the Pumpkin Spice latte has peanut butter in it and you are allergic? Severe injuries from eating food are generally not common. Sometimes a chipped tooth can happen, which while frustrating, is often a relatively easy fix at the dentist. Likewise, if a sharp tortilla chip slices your gum, it’s annoying, but doesn’t lead to long term damage.
- [Why Should I Choose a Collaborative Divorce?](https://pmmlawyers.com/why-should-i-choose-a-collaborative-divorce/): A Collaborative Divorce is an out of court settlement process which helps separating couples to work through the issues with the assistance of Collaboratively trained professionals. We are often asked why a client should choose a Collaborative Divorce process. This blog will help to answer that question with 10 reasons why you should consider this process.
- [What Are Enhanced Damages and Am I Eligible For Them?](https://pmmlawyers.com/what-are-enhanced-damages-and-am-i-eligible-for-them/): Enhanced compensatory damages are uniquely situated in our state. They stand as a rare contrast to New Hampshire’s prohibition against punitive damages. The line between prohibited punitive damages and enhanced compensatory damages can be difficult to navigate, particularly in the initial stages of litigation.
- [PMMLaw Celebrates Retirement of Long-Time Paralegal, Joanne Duval](https://pmmlawyers.com/pmmlaw-celebrates-retirement-of-long-time-paralegal-joanne-duval/): Joanne Duval has been working at Parnell, Michels & McKay, and previously Michels and Michels, for almost three decades combined. As the primary bankruptcy paralegal for Nancy Michels, and estate and business planning paralegal for Carole Mansur, she was responsible for many tasks that helped make the practice function seamlessly. After a long legal career, Joanne celebrated her retirement yesterday with the PMM Law staff at local preferred establishment, Super Wok.
- [Bike Week, Motorcycle Road Safety, and You](https://pmmlawyers.com/bike-week-motorcycle-road-safety-and-you/): Among the many events New Hampshire is famous for, Bike Week in Laconia is surely among the most well renowned. Dating back to 1916, the Laconia Motorcycle Rally is the oldest running motorcycle rally in the world. The event draws hundreds of thousands of motorcycles to the Granite State. This week is a major tourism week for the state, and one that New Hampshire is quite proud of. Along with all of the motorcycles, you have likely seen dozens of signs reminding vehicles to watch out for motorcycles to avoid potentially fatal collisions. With hundreds of thousands of bikes on the road, interactions between cars and motorcycles become more common, and drivers need to watch out. Because Parnell, Michels & McKay can assist with motorcycle accidents, we want to discuss why it is so important for drivers to heed these warnings and pay extra care to look out for motorcycles.
- [Do Liability Waivers Prevent Me From Bringing a Claim For Negligence if My Child is Injured?](https://pmmlawyers.com/do-liability-waivers-prevent-me-from-bringing-a-claim-for-negligence-if-my-child-is-injured/): New Hampshire has long followed a fairly straightforward rule that if you sign a waiver of liability then it is enforceable against the one that signed it. These waivers can prevent any claim for negligence against places like amusement parks, trampoline parks, or even zip line ropes courses when someone gets injured.  In contrast, we also know that children cannot sign their own contracts, as they are minors. So what happens when I sign a waiver for my child at one of these parks?
- [Co-Parenting Apps are Essential](https://pmmlawyers.com/co-parenting-apps-are-essential/): In 2024, there are thousands of scheduling apps. Whether it is a Gmail calendar, Outlook planner, or an old fashion daily agenda, keeping track of multiple schedules can be extremely difficult. Coordinating children’s schedules are difficult when your married or living with your partner. Managing those schedules is even more difficult in divorce and separate parenting even if the parties get along. The necessary coordination is even more exacerbated when the parties do not get along. Even in the best scenarios, communication can be strained between parents. After all, they did break-up or get divorced. A common refrain that we hear from clients or opposing parties is “my spouse/co-parent didn’t tell me” about the teacher’s meeting, soccer practice, friend’s birthday party, etc. Another common response we hear is “I didn’t check my texts/email” or “I don’t have access to the calendar/portal”. Whether out of spite, discourtesy or simple forgetfulness, communication problems can lead to bad feeling between the parties. The solution to that problem is a co-parenting app.
- [Parnell, Michels & McKay Announces Opening of Employment Law Division](https://pmmlawyers.com/parnell-michels-mckay-announces-opening-of-employment-law-division/): PMM Law is pleased to announce that Julia Hawthorne has opened our Employment Law Division. Julia can assist with wrongful termination, wrongful demotion, discriminatory employment actions, and employer violations of Federal law. In New Hampshire, we simultaneously file employment actions in the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights, and the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Employment claims are challenging and have strict time limitations, therefore, employees who feel they have been wrongfully terminated should consider the assistance of an experienced attorney.
- [I Was Just Injured in a Car Accident: Should I Use My Health or Auto Insurance To Pay My Medical Bills?](https://pmmlawyers.com/i-was-just-injured-in-a-car-accident-should-i-use-my-health-or-auto-insurance-to-pay-my-medical-bills/): We never want to be in a situation where we get into an accident with another vehicle, but unfortunately accidents happen. If you are injured, the question will come up at your doctor’s office whether to bill your health insurance or auto insurance. At PMM Law, we handle injuries in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Likewise, the answer depends on many factors, including what state you live in, what your health insurance plan requires, and other factors.
- [PI Day: How Can a PI Claim Come From Pie?](https://pmmlawyers.com/pi-day-how-can-a-pi-claim-come-from-pie/): While many people associate personal injury law with motor vehicle accidents, slip and falls, and so on, this is only a portion of the types of valid personal injury claims. One of the lesser discussed types of personal injury comes from foreign objects found in food.
- [The New Corporate Transparency Act – What All Small Businesses Need To Know](https://pmmlawyers.com/the-new-corporate-transparency-act-what-all-small-businesses-need-to-know/): The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) went into effect on January 1, 2024. This is a significant change in federal law that will impact nearly every business that is operating through a legal entity such as a corporation, limited liability company (including single member limited liability companies), limited partnership, or other similar entity that is created by filing with any state’s secretary of state (“Company” or “entity”).

## Pages
- [Jessica L. Hanna](https://pmmlawyers.com/jessica-l-hanna/): Jessica Hanna graduated from New England School of Law Boston where she attended law school. Jessica was the recipient of the Sandra Day O’Connor scholarship while at New England Law, and worked as a paralegal while attending law school full time. Jessica is an associate working in our civil litigation practice. Her focus areas include personal injury, wrongful death, workers’ compensation, landlord-tenant and general litigation matters. She has worked in the legal industry since 2014. Previously she served as a litigation paralegal for over 10 years in two very busy New Hampshire law firms, and developed extensive experience in the legal industry before becoming an attorney in 2026. Attorney Hanna is admitted to the New Hampshire Bar Association and the United States District Court of New Hampshire.
- [Aubrey S. Griffin](https://pmmlawyers.com/aubrey-s-griffin/): Aubrey S. Griffin earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas William S. Boyd School of Law and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, where she attended on a full scholarship and served as an editor of the Northwestern Journal: The Tax Lawyer. During law school, she represented taxpayers through the Thomas & Mack Legal Clinic's Rosenblum Low Income Taxpayer Clinic and served as a judicial intern to Administrative Law Judge Dena Smith at the Nevada Department of Taxation.
- [QDRO](https://pmmlawyers.com/qdro/): A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is a specialized legal document that divides a plan participant's retirement benefits following a divorce or legal separation. A QDRO directs a retirement plan administrator to pay a portion of an employee's retirement benefits to an "alternate payee," such as a former spouse, child, or other dependent. It is likely that you will need a QDRO to divide retirement funds for plans subject to federal law. Plans subject to federal law include pensions, 401(k)s, 403(b) plans. plans like IRAs or military plans do not require a QDRO to divide them. However, they too may require special documents to divide the plan benefit following a divorce.
- [Carole A. Mansur](https://pmmlawyers.com/carole-a-mansur/): Carole Mansur graduated from the University of Massachusetts/Amherst in 1981 and New England Law | Boston in 1993. She was admitted to practice law in Massachusetts in 1993, New Hampshire in 1994 and North Carolina in 2007.
- [Rory J. Parnell](https://pmmlawyers.com/rory-j-parnell/): Rory Parnell has been a partner at the firm since 2017, and dedicates his practice to personal injury (including motor vehicle collisions, motorcycle collisions, dog bites, product liability injuries , slip and falls, and other injury based claims), workers’ compensation, wrongful death and civil litigation (including real estate litigation and limited employment matters). He has worked in the legal industry since 2002.
- [David M. Stamatis](https://pmmlawyers.com/david-m-stamatis/): David M. Stamatis has been with the firm since 2016, becoming a partner in 2023. He believes in creative and common-sense approaches that establish long-lasting solutions between parties.
- [Family Law Services](https://pmmlawyers.com/family-law-services/): At Parnell, Michels & McKay, we understand that family law matters are among the most personal and challenging legal issues in one’s life. Whether you are navigating divorce, or resolving parenting disputes, our attorneys provide skilled representation with compassion and discretion with your specific goals in mind. We make sure that you feel you are part of the process and the solution.
- [News & Information](https://pmmlawyers.com/news-information/): News & Information
- [Civil Litigation](https://pmmlawyers.com/civil-litigation/): At Parnell, Michels & McKay our Civil Litigation team is committed to resolving disputes efficiently, strategically, and with a clear focus on achieving the best possible outcome for our clients. Our civil litigation practice includes real estate litigation, landlord/tenant, employment discrimination and social security disability cases.
- [Appellate Law](https://pmmlawyers.com/appellate-law/): At Parnell, Michels & McKay we provide skilled appellate advocacy for clients seeking to challenge or defend trial court decisions. Appeals require a different set of skills than trial litigation—careful legal research, persuasive writing, and oral argument before appellate judges. Our attorneys bring the experience and precision necessary to navigate the appellate process and protect your rights.
- [Workers Compensation](https://pmmlawyers.com/workers-compensation/): At Parnell, Michels & McKay, we are dedicated to helping injured workers secure the benefits they are legally entitled to under workers’ compensation laws in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
- [Post-Divorce](https://pmmlawyers.com/post-divorce/): Though a final divorce order is intended to provide stability, changes in circumstances, ongoing disputes, or the need to enforce court orders can create new challenges. At Parnell, Michels & McKay, our attorneys provide experienced representation to help you navigate post-divorce issues with confidence and clarity.
- [Parenting](https://pmmlawyers.com/parenting/): Nothing is more important than your relationship with your children. Parenting issues can be some of the most emotional and complex aspects of family law. Indeed, though the parties may not have been married, unwed parties have the same parenting rights as married parties. Our attorneys are dedicated to ensuring long-lasting solutions that keep your children’s best interests at heart.
- [Adoptions](https://pmmlawyers.com/adoptions/): At Parnell, Michels & McKay, we are honored to guide families through the life-changing process of adoption. Bringing a child into your home is a profound and joyful step, and we are committed to ensuring that every legal detail is handled with care, precision, and compassion.
- [Pre & Post Nuptials](https://pmmlawyers.com/pre-post-nuptials/): A prenuptial or postnuptial agreement is intended to build a stronger foundation for a couple’s future by providing clear, legally sound agreements that protect both partners. Whether you are planning a marriage or addressing financial concerns after the wedding, a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement can bring peace of mind, clarity, and security.
- [Mediation](https://pmmlawyers.com/mediation/): Divorce does not have to mean courtroom conflict. Mediation offers couples a more respectful, efficient, and cost-effective way to resolve their differences while maintaining greater control over the outcome. Our attorneys provide skilled divorce and parenting mediation services that encourage cooperation and help families move forward with dignity.
- [Divorce](https://pmmlawyers.com/divorce/): Divorce is more than just a legal process—it’s a life transition that can affect your family, finances, and future. Whether you and your spouse are able to work together, or you cannot speak to one another, it is always good to have an attorney assist you during the transition. At Parnell, Michels & McKay, our attorneys provide experienced guidance and advocacy to help you navigate the complexities of divorce with clarity, strength, and compassion.
- [Product Liability](https://pmmlawyers.com/product-liability/): At Parnell, Michels & McKay, we represent individuals who have been injured by defective or dangerous products. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers have a legal responsibility to ensure the products they sell are safe for consumers. When they fail to meet that standard, and someone is harmed as a result, they can be held accountable through a product liability claim.
- [Dog Bites/Attacks](https://pmmlawyers.com/dog-bites-attacks/): At Parnell, Michels & McKay, we provide experienced and compassionate legal representation for victims of dog bites and animal attacks. A dog bite can cause serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and long-term medical complications — especially for children and the elderly. If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation under the law.
- [Motorcycle Accidents](https://pmmlawyers.com/motorcycle-accidents/): At Parnell, Michels & McKay, we fight for the rights of motorcyclists who have been injured due to the negligence of others. Motorcycle riders face unique risks on the road, and when an accident occurs, the consequences are often severe — including serious injuries, long-term medical needs, and emotional trauma.
- [Automobile Accidents](https://pmmlawyers.com/automobile-accidents/): At Parnell, Michels & McKay, we represent individuals who have been injured in automobile accidents caused by someone else’s negligence. A car crash can change your life in an instant — leaving you with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, lost income, and emotional stress. You shouldn’t have to face this alone.
- [Trucking Accidents](https://pmmlawyers.com/trucking-accidents/): At Parnell, Michels & McKay, we provide aggressive and compassionate legal representation for victims of trucking accidents. Collisions involving large commercial vehicles such as semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, and delivery trucks can result in catastrophic injuries, lifelong disabilities, and devastating financial consequences. When trucking companies and their drivers are negligent, we hold them accountable.
- [Catherine P. McKay](https://pmmlawyers.com/catherine-p-mckay/): Cathy McKay graduated from the University of New Hampshire – Durham in 1987 and New England School of Law in 1991. While attending law school full time at night, she worked full time days as a paralegal for the Law Offices of William B. Parnell, then located in Londonderry. She was admitted to the practice of law in New Hampshire in 1991 and Maine in 1992.
- [Personal Injury Overview](https://pmmlawyers.com/personal-injury-overview/): At Parnell, Michels & McKay, we provide dedicated legal representation for individuals who have suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence. With years of experience handling personal injury cases, our team understands the emotional, physical, and financial challenges victims face. Our mission is to help you secure the compensation you deserve while offering the compassionate support you need during this difficult time.
- [Our Firm](https://pmmlawyers.com/our-firm/): At Parnell, Michels & McKay, we are dedicated to delivering trusted, results-driven legal representation with integrity, professionalism, and personal attention. Our firm is built on a strong foundation of experience, client service, and a commitment to achieving positive outcomes across a wide range of legal matters.
- [Collaborative Divorce](https://pmmlawyers.com/collaborative-divorce/): Collaborative divorce is founded on the idea that divorce need not be defined by conflict. The idea is to build healthier futures through honest and open communication. Through Collaborative Divorce, couples work together—outside of court—to reach agreements that are respectful, constructive, and centered on the future. Our attorneys are trained in the collaborative law process and are committed to helping clients resolve their divorce with dignity and cooperation.
- [Home](https://pmmlawyers.com/): Welcome to the Law Offices of Parnell, Michels & McKay, PLLC.
- [Contact Us](https://pmmlawyers.com/contact-us/): Contact Us

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