Child Custody

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Your current custody agreement might no longer be working efficiently due to changes in your schedules or your child’s needs. Whatever the reason, you may be wondering if you and your co-parent can agree on a new arrangement without going to court. The short answer is...

When parents continue to share child-related responsibilities after a separation or divorce, money inevitably becomes a concern. Expenses tied to children are ongoing, varied and sometimes unpredictable. A shared co-parenting budget can offer structure and reduce...

Divorce can be an emotionally and legally complex process, especially when children are involved. For stay-at-home dads, questions about custody often come with added uncertainty. Traditionally, mothers were more likely to be awarded primary custody, especially if...

Custody arrangements are designed to support the best interests of the child. However, life circumstances can change. In Massachusetts, a parent must show a material and substantial change in circumstances to request a custody modification. The court will also...