Traditional co-parenting involves communication and cooperation. Parents work together to act in the best interest of their children. They communicate regularly about social, medical and educational matters. They provide support for one another when unexpected...
What is an automatic restraining order during divorce?
A restraining order is essentially a court order prohibiting certain behaviors. Most people are familiar with restraining orders issued to address domestic violence or stalking. People who have experienced abuse or harassment can ask the courts to protect them....
Documenting substance abuse for custody litigation
During custody proceedings, the focus is usually on what is best for the children. Judges typically try to give both parents an opportunity to spend time with the children and make decisions about their upbringing. For most families, two actively involved parents is...
What are the practical implications of shared legal custody?
There are two main forms of custody that parents must divide between themselves or ask the courts to split when they separate. Physical custody is often the focus during custody negotiations. Parents want to spend as much time with their children as they can. Legal...
The reasons behind an empty nest divorce
Are you close to becoming an empty nester? Maybe one of your children is already in college, and the other is a senior in high school. You have spent two decades being a parent, but that is all going to change dramatically next year. You are going to become an empty...
What counts as a material and substantial change of circumstances in Massachusetts?
If you want to change a custody or parenting-time order in Massachusetts, the law requires more than just being unhappy with the current plan. The court will only make changes if two conditions are met. First, there must be a material and substantial change in...
3 mistakes parents make negotiating alimony and child support
Divorce can be especially hard for parents who have been homemakers or the main caregiver for their children. You may have spent years raising your kids and managing the home, often putting your own career on hold. When it comes time to negotiate alimony and child...
What are the requirements for a custody modification?
Custody orders in Massachusetts explain how parents should divide their rights and responsibilities regarding their children. The time that parents spend with their children depends on the terms of a custody order. Custody arrangements also dictate the division of...
Now is the time to think about your child’s winter holiday break
Every parent who has a child in school has to figure out what they’re going to do during the winter holiday break. This break is often two weeks long, and deciding how children will spend that time can be complicated for any parent. It becomes even more complex when...
Can your finances impact child custody decisions?
When you're facing child custody matters, it's natural to worry about how your financial situation might influence the outcome. Massachusetts courts prioritize the best interests of the child and parental fairness, but that doesn’t mean your income or financial...
