This blog has previously mentioned the difference between types of child custody under Massachusetts family law. There are two important distinctions to remember in custody cases: that between physical and legal custody, and between shared and sole custody. Physical custody determines with whom a child resides, and legal custody has to do with who makes important decisions regarding the child's life and well-being. Sole custody is where either residence or decision-making capacity rests with one person, while shared custody will give it to two individuals, usually parents, simultaneously.
What is a 'financial statement' in a Massachusetts divorce
When a couple in Massachusetts decides to dissolve their marriage, there are many issues to be considered. Because it can be an especially emotional and stressful time, parties to a divorce may feel like putting off certain actions that need to completed to move the case forward. One of these that is often pushed aside for other 'more important' matters is the completion of the required financial statement.
First steps for Massachusetts guardianship of a minor
In an ideal world, all children would be taken care of by happy, healthy parents. Unfortunately, that is not the world that Massachusetts residents live in. Parents of minor children can reach a point where they are unable to care for their kids, either due to illness, substance abuse problems, or incarceration, among other reasons. When this happens, someone needs to step in to look out for the children. In many cases this is a family member or friend. However, to be able to legally make many decisions for children and properly care for them, these individuals may need to become the children's legal guardians.
What grounds can be claimed for a Massachusetts divorce?
For much of U.S. history, the concept of divorce has been controversial. It is an area where many people's religious beliefs collide with civil law. And, in Massachusetts, with its puritan history, it is expected that there were once restrictions on the practice. While modern legal and social norms have created a different way of looking at divorce, some of the older ideas remain.
Amicable divorce favorable for parents of special needs children
Parents of special needs children are just like any other parent. This is true in that they love their children and would do anything for them. However, parents of special needs children have certain challenges that parents of non-special needs children do not have. This is because special needs children have certain requirements and need extra care and guidance in order to ensure that their needs are met.
