Child Custody

Most Massachusetts couples who have decided to obtain a divorce wonder how the court will resolve the complex question of physical custody. The court will consider a variety of factors, such as the relative incomes of the parents, the relationship between the parents...

In many child custody and visitation matters in Massachusetts, one parent will have the care and control of the child most of the time. The other parent, however, will generally be given court-ordered visitation. In other words, the other parent's legal visitation...

Like other states, Massachusetts has special rules when a parent with custody over his or her child wishes to move to another state. Particularly since states in this part of the country are smaller, it is highly possible a parent may have very good reasons for...

There is a lot of focus these days in the world of family law on the importance of parents putting aside at least some of their differences for the sake of their children and agreeing on a parenting plan. This is thought to be best for the well-being of the children,...

Even when both parents agreed at the outset, the reality is that child custody orders in Massachusetts are subject to be changed. This is not necessarily a bad thing, since the flexibility gives judges and parents the opportunity to make adjustments when a child's...

As has been the practice for decades now, October is the month in which people in particular remember and support victims of domestic violence. During this Domestic Violence Awareness Month, one way Massachusetts victims themselves can take a stand for their right not...

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...

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...

It is unfortunate that in Massachusetts, many children find themselves in situations of abuse and neglect. Oftentimes, parents even separate precisely because one or the other parent is hurting the children. Massachusetts has a law that affords special protections to...

A previous post here discussed the role of a guardian ad litem, or "GAL" for short. A GAL may be an important part of a Massachusetts child custody or visitation case. However, a GAL is not the only third party who may be involved in a custody case. A GAL is appointed...