Generally speaking, family courts prefer to divide custody of the children as fairly as possible between divorcing parents -- but things can happen that cause the court to revisit their decision even long after the divorce is over. There are some big parenting...
Key details that you shouldn’t leave out of your parenting plan
One of the first steps that parents must take when divorcing is to broker a custodial agreement that details how you plan to handle co-parenting and other matters related to your child's upbringing. The courts refer to this agreement as a parenting plan. There are...
As parents, divorce is the start of a new relationship
As a parent, divorce is not the end of your relationship with your spouse. It is the start of a new one. When you divorce, you cease to be spouses who live and parent together and become co-parents. Thinking of and referring to each other as "my co-parent" rather than...
Can you keep your spouse’s affair partner away from your kids?
Adultery can have an explosive effect on your family. When you discover an extramarital affair, whether through hidden credit card receipts or a confession, you may immediately realize that your marriage is now over. If you choose to divorce after finding out about...
Why do so many divorced parents use parenting apps to text?
Smartphones have made instant, on-demand communication the standard. You and your ex have probably maintained constant communication throughout your relationship. Now that you’re divorced, you may not be talking as much. However, when you share children, you will have...
Spouse won’t sign the divorce papers? That won’t stop you from moving forward
When you file for divorce, your spouse is given paperwork to sign and submit. You may be worried that they won’t do it. Perhaps they’ve even told you that they’re not going to sign because they don’t want to get divorced. Don’t be concerned. While things are often...
How a modification helps when your ex doesn’t parent the kids
Custody battles are very common in divorcing households. Even parents who have been completely uninvolved often ask for custody because they don't want to pay child support. However, some of those parents will end up abandoning their parenting-time responsibilities...
What happens with health insurance in a divorce?
Couples have a lot to sort out when they file for divorce. One of the biggest issues to handle may be the issue of health insurance. These discussions may focus not only on which of the two of you will pay for the kids' insurance but also on the termination of...
Men play an important role in their children’s lives
In the past, the court system viewed women as caregivers more prominently than men. As a result, many fathers faced bias and lost time with their children. Today, the courts believe that children need both parents and that fathers do have as much of a role in their...
You don’t have to get married to be a great dad in Massachusetts
Marriage may be a big commitment, but it certainly also extends benefits to couples who make their relationship official. One of the most important perks of legal marriage is presumptive paternity. When your wife has a child, the state presumes that you, as the spouse...