If your child is sick during the holidays, one of the most difficult things to deal with is how you are going to adjust. They may be home from school or have a tight schedule going between homes for Christmas Eve, Christmas, Hanukkah or other important events. As a...
Is your ex interrupting your time with your child?
“So honey, how was your week?” Your daughter is about to answer when her phone rings. It’s her mom. Again. Your daughter looks at you, mouths “Sorry, dad,” and answers the call, not wanting to upset her mother, or in case it is something urgent. When you divorced, you...
Reasons to seek sole custody
If you want to seek sole physical and legal custody of your children during a divorce, know that this may become a high-conflict case. Most parents do not want to give up all custody rights, and the courts generally prefer to split up custody, as well. They want to...
How does domestic violence affect a Massachusetts custody case?
Every child custody case, no matter where or when it occurs, is decided based on what’s in the best interests of the child. Most states have a fairly specific list of things that family judges are supposed to consider (although there’s often leeway for judges to...
The effect of evidence of abuse on 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...
Options for enforcing parenting time in Massachusetts
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...
Child custody and relocation laws in Massachusetts
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...
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...
The difference between parenting coordinators and “GAL”s
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...
What is a guardian ad litem?
Since this Springfield, Massachusetts, blog has discussed guardianships and how they can help families protect their beloved children in difficult circumstances, we felt like it was important to make a distinction between a guardian ad litem and a straight-up...
