Massachusetts has been a leader in issues pertaining to family law and same-sex marriage in recent year's past. Most recently, a ruling has come down from Massachusetts highest court that pertains to child custody and biological parental rights. The landmark case is...
A beginner’s guide to alimony in Massachusetts
Some people are not even aware that spousal support, also known as alimony, is awarded in some Massachusetts divorce settlements. Alimony is a financial stipend paid from one spouse to the other after a divorce leaves their financial situation unbalanced in comparison...
How is child support determined for special needs children?
Families with children of special needs aren't much different from families who do not have special needs children. This is especially true in terms of divorce. Even parents of special needs children have issues that they sometimes cannot resolve. If you are the...
Grown out of your marriage? Consider what divorce can do for you
Marriages can last several decades, a few years or even just a few months for some Massachusetts couples. The reality is that marriages often don't last a lifetime anymore. For those who feel they have outgrown their marriage, it may be in your and your family's best...
Grandparents may need to step in to care for grandkids
Sometimes, parents are not the best versions of themselves. This can lead to an unsafe living environment for children for a number of reasons. Grandparents, who love their grandkids very much, may feel that they are a child's best guardian, whether temporarily or...
Actions to take against parent who owes child support
When co-parenting a child from separate households, it can definitely be a challenge. Coordinating schedules, long-term planning and a child's activities and after-school expenses can become a whirlwind for even the most organized parent. Somewhere in all of this, a...
If a judge assigns reasonable visitation, what does this mean?
Kids need as many positive influences in their lives as possible. Adults, including parents, are incredibly influential in a child's life. This is why judges sometimes assign visitation in cases where parents are not granted custody. Even if a child's parents are not...
Obtaining guardianship of a child in Massachusetts is possible
Every family's situation is different. Sometimes, despite a parent's best intentions, their parenting abilities are not up to par. This can happen for various reasons, but, regardless of why it happens, a family member or loved one often decides that they want to step...
Which parent pays in the pursuit of a child’s athletic dream?
Children of divorced parents are extremely common today; this includes children pursuing their dreams of winning an Olympic gold medal. Famous Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps was a child of divorce, as are many others in pursuit of their Olympic dreams. But, what...
Massachusetts couples are governed by common law divorce
All marriages are susceptible to a divorce. Most marriages start with the best intentions but, as many married couples know, there can be things that drive the couple apart over time. Divorce is an option for Massachusetts married couples seeking to go their separate...