You and your spouse got married, bought a house, had two children and then decided to get divorced. Initially, when you bought the house, you had planned to stay in that area indefinitely. Now that you’re no longer married, you’re thinking of traveling again – or at...
Can one parent move with the children when they share custody?
A Massachusetts custody order is a court order that carries the full authority of the courts. Parents have to comply with the order established for their family or risk enforcement efforts that could include a reduction in their parental rights or even contempt of...
The process of modifying child custody orders in Massachusetts
When a court issues custody orders specifying how the parents will share parental duties and responsibilities after a divorce, it is guided by the children's best interests. Therefore, if there has been a substantial change in circumstances since the custody orders...
3 tips for divorcing with an only child
Having an only child often comes with challenges that parents didn’t expect. If you and the child’s other parent decide to divorce, there are going to be some points to consider. One of the most important things to think about in the case of an only child is making...
3 benefits of written communication as you start co-parenting
Many people who share custody of their children really struggle when they first start living separately. It can be incredibly challenging to remain calm and rational when your emotions are going into overdrive. The stress of divorce often leads to people having short...
3 components of a successful parenting plan
As parents who are no longer together, coming up with a plan that communicates expectations and how to handle conflicts can help you ensure the well-being of your children. While it may seem like a difficult task, having a comprehensive parenting plan in place can be...
Co-parenting doesn’t end when your child goes off to college
Whether you put off getting a divorce until your child went away to college or you were divorced years before they reached that milestone, you and your co-parent are likely no longer dealing with a custody agreement. That means your child can decide where they want to...
Is your current custody agreement no longer suitable?
When you go through a divorce as a parent, your top priority is usually to get matters related to child sorted out. Ideally, you and your spouse will have been able to come up with a suitable arrangement in an amicable manner. Failing that, the court probably stepped...
3 ways to support a child with suffering grades after divorce
Researchers have long attempted to quantify the impact of divorce on children. Doing so can be a challenge as children in different family circumstances respond differently to the stress of a divorce. Factors ranging from age to the relationship the child has with...
Is a “birdnesting” arrangement right for your family?
If you’ve been exploring various shared child custody options, you may have come across the one called “birdnesting” or some variation of that name. While birdnesting isn’t typically a long-term custody arrangement, it can be a temporary solution for separated or...