Can my 14-year-old decide to live with my ex?
Get a Grip on Legal Jargon: Divorce Terms Explained
28
Apr
When facing divorce, you may find yourself overwhelmed with the legal jargon used throughout the process. Add this frustration to the mounting stress and heightened emotion, and you may be left making poor decisions. While our firm is here to help guide you through the process and answer any questions
Tracking Child Support Payments
21
Apr
Under Massachusetts law, both parents have a duty to support their child. Typically, following a separation or divorce, only one parent is considered the custodial parent. This is the parent who lives with and has primary care of the child. The support provided by the custodial parent is offered in
Signs it Might Be Time to Get a Divorce
What does it mean to be “held in contempt” by the court?
26
Feb
Contempt is a tool used by Probate and Family Courts to enforce parties to comply with court orders. This gives the court power to enforce judgments provided during divorce and custody proceedings. Someone who violates or disobeys a court order risks being held in contempt by the court. This includes
Understanding Child Support in Massachusetts
10
Feb
Divorce cases involving children often require a court decision regarding which parent should have physical and/or legal responsibility. Whether granted joint or sole custody, physical custody designates where the child will actually live. The parent who the child resides with most of the time is considered the custodial parent. The
Divorce When Only One Partner Lives in Massachusetts
11
Dec
Many married couples live separately, even across state lines, for reasons which have nothing to do with the health of their marriage. However, when living across state lines from each other, couples may find their marriage at a crossroads and begin considering divorce. Perhaps distance has created serious problem in
How can I establish paternity if my child’s mother is married to someone else?
25
Nov
A father petitioning for paternity needs to have a full understanding of the legal process. Fathers who are unmarried in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts can establish paternity in two ways. The first route is a voluntary process that utilizes a form known as a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Parentage. This is
Out of State Child Support Modification
How to Land on Your Feet After Divorce
11
Nov
Divorce takes a toll emotionally, physically, and mentally on everyone involved. It’s not uncommon for individuals going through a divorce to want to curl up in bed all day and abandon all responsibilities. As tempting as this sounds, it’s not practical. In fact, doing so can even make things worse.
Staying Safe and Saying NO to Domestic Abuse During COVID-19
15
Apr
Strict stay-at-home orders implemented for safety have placed abuse victims directly in harm’s way. Safety measures recommended to limit the spread of the coronavirus pandemic have led to a rise in domestic abuse. For many, this is not a surprise as domestic violence goes up whenever families spend more time
My Kids Hate the Custody Arrangement – What Can I Do to Make Their Voices Heard?
22
Jan
Even in the best of circumstances, divorce can be difficult for children. Children are often resistant to change: adapting to new schedules and surroundings, learning to live with one parent at a time, and getting along with possible new stepsiblings or half-siblings are all big changes, ones which can challenge
Don’t Fall Victim to Hidden Assets During Divorce
15
Jan
When it comes to divorce in Massachusetts, everything related to finances must be fully disclosed. This includes every single asset, purchased together or otherwise, as well as all accumulated debts. Each spouse is instructed to report known findings through a financial affidavit. It is against the law to purposely hide,
Is it true that Massachusetts family law courts favor mothers in child custody decisions?
Child Custody Laws in Massachusetts
10
Jun
Divorce is described as one of the most stressful events in a person’s life. Add children to the mix, coupled with questions of custody, support, and visitation, and emotions and stress can reach a breaking point. Wading through this difficult time calls for the help of a professional such as
What Can Be Modified in a Divorce Agreement
21
Sep
Having the provisions of a divorce agreement modified under Massachusetts law is possible, based on how the separation agreement was written and the circumstances bringing about the request for a modification. Before bringing your modification request to the court, you need to consult with an experienced divorce attorney. The first
How to Make Living Together During Divorce More Bearable
Will My Child Still Receive Child Support While in College?
29
Apr
In most cases, child support ends when a child becomes a legal adult and reaches the “age of emancipation”—typically age 18. However, when a child requires support for a college education, child support mandates change.
Should I Get a Prenup?
23
Apr
Prenuptial agreements can seem like a real buzzkill for the blushing bride-to-be or grinning groom-to-be, but they can be a very important aspect of preparing for marriage.
Child Support After the Age of 18
16
Apr
In a typical divorce involving children without joint custody, there will be one parent who pays child support. Normally, that parent would be the one who the child does not live with full time. The most common belief is that after the child turns 18, the child support ends.
