Even when one or both parents have decent health insurance, Massachusetts residents are inevitably going to have to pay for some medical expenses out of pocket. These expenses can range from co-pays and deductibles to less frequent expenses that are more expensive,...
How would an offshore account be treated in a divorce?
The idea of an offshore account may connote some sense of mystery or even inherently illegal activity. However, the reality is that offshore accounts are simply bank or investment accounts that are held in foreign countries. Residents of Springfield, Massachusetts,...
Be aware of sentimental value in family law disputes
As many Springfield residents probably know already, a divorce or legal separation, and sometimes even an informal breakup, are going to each cause issues related to property division. With respect to divorce in particular, the goal in Massachusetts is to divide the...
The IEP: a possible subject in a child’s custody order
A child with special needs can come in many different shapes and sizes and can have a number of different issues. The vast majority of the time, these kids are able to attend school but may need a little extra help to get a good education. This is where an...
What can I do when my special needs child turns 18?
As is the case in most states, a child in Massachusetts will reach an age at which, legally, they have both the right and responsibility to handle their own affairs. In this state, a child who is over 18 is an adult and presumably has the ability to take care of...
Don’t get blindsided by tax problems after a divorce
For those who are not prepared during a divorce or other breakup, experiencing tax fallout can feel like getting the wind taken out of them. In other words, they may be blindsided, that is, totally unprepared to account for thousands of dollars in additional tax...
What is shared custody in Massachusetts?
Residents of Massachusetts may refer to having shared custody with their child's other parent rather loosely. The term shared custody actually has a technical meaning in Massachusetts law and can even refer to more than one concept. A couple that is truly sharing...
Once I have guardianship of a minor, what must I do?
As this blog has discussed on previous occasions, grandparents and other concerned relatives may be able to help a child by taking custody of them through guardianship. Hopefully, with the proper legal help, this process can go relatively smoothly, particularly if the...
Representing high earners in child support disputes
As a previous post discussed, many people who live fairly ordinary lives may earn over $250,000 a year between the parents. The Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines do not account fully for those over this amount. If this is the case, it is often prudent for a...
Child support orders for high income individuals
While it can be thought of as a blessing that many people in Springfield, Massachusetts, earn a lot of money, high income earners have some special issues with which they have to deal when they are trying to establish a child support order. This is because the...