Defamation is a serious issue that can arise in divorce, child custody, and domestic violence cases. Defamation is defined as the act of making false statements about someone that harm their reputation or standing in the community. This can take the form of spoken or written statements, as well as actions that imply false statements. […]
Understanding the Statute to Modify Child Custody and Parenting Time
There are circumstances in life that are out of our control—the loss of a job, for example, or an unexpected illness that can change life significantly. In these situations, it’s not uncommon for one or both parents to seek modifications to child custody or parenting time agreements to fit their evolving needs. Child custody judgments […]
New Child Support Guidelines Issued
Changes to Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines Coming in October New guidelines will make substantial alterations to how Massachusetts courts calculate how much child support is owed, effective in October. After a decade of steadily decreasing child support requirements in Massachusetts, it seems that pressure by public advocacy groups has reversed this trend. The new guidelines, […]
Can my 14-year-old decide to live with my ex?
As a divorcing parent battling over custody, there is always the fear that your child will decide they would rather live with the other parent. Even once custody has been determined, parents worry as children get older, they will want to move in with the other parent. Rest assured that minor children can’t make legal […]
Massachusetts Grandparents, Know Your Rights Regarding Visitation and Custody of Your Grandchildren
When it comes to grandparents’ rights, Massachusetts laws can be tricky to navigate. However, grandparents do have financial, visitation, and custody rights under certain circumstances. To utilize such rights, legal assistance might be necessary to help you take action. Grandparents today are frequently faced with decisions about what is best for their grandchildren under challenging […]
Get the Facts About Parental Rights, Paternity Testing, and Child Support
As far as the Massachusetts courts are concerned, both mothers and fathers have legal rights and obligations when it comes to children. However, a child born to unmarried parents doesn’t automatically have a legal father. The mother is given sole legal and physical custody until paternity is established. For married couples, the husband is presumed […]
When Your Co-Parent Is an Essential Worker
Custody and COVID-19 These are difficult times for everyone, but for divorced and blended families there are particular and unique challenges. Many of these challenges center around custody. In a time when travel is discouraged and transportation—by plane, train, or public transit—is limited and fraught with worry, moving children between households, especially across great distances, […]
Co-parenting in the Face of Coronavirus
Amid the spread of COVID-19, we are all facing unprecedented times. As this pandemic continues, regulations regarding safe practices change daily. One thing on the mind of parents sharing custody is whether or not their court order is enforceable. Rest assured, custody, visitation, and placement are in effect and continue to be enforceable during this […]
Common Myths in Massachusetts Family Law Every Parent Should Know
When it comes to divorcing and family law, things get complicated quickly. It’s essential to know your rights regarding your children. Presented here are some common myths every parent should be made aware of during divorce or custody proceedings. Myth: A parent’s failure to pay child support can result in the parent being kept from […]
Child Custody in the Face of Infidelity
Massachusetts marriages end for a variety of reasons. From financial to work-related or even stress-related reasons, many marriages all over the country end in divorce. No matter the reason for the legal dissolution of a marriage, the ensuing divorce proceedings can range from amicable to hostile. A number of circumstances may add additional stress to […]