Child support is a critical component of divorce or separation cases involving children. It ensures that both parents contribute to the financial well-being of their children. In Massachusetts, child support is determined based on guidelines established by the state. Understanding these guidelines and the process for obtaining child support can help parents navigate this aspect of family law. This article
In Massachusetts, child custody is determined based on the best interests of the child. This means that a judge will consider various factors when deciding which parent should have custody, including the child’s relationships with each parent, the child’s emotional and physical needs, and the child’s overall well-being. A father seeking full custody will need to show that he is
The Supreme Judicial Court’s recent decision in the case of Cavanaugh v. Cavanaugh has had a major impact on how alimony and child support are calculated in Massachusetts family court cases. The court’s decision, which was issued in June 2022, has revised the way in which income is considered when determining support payments, and has introduced a new approach to
In any case involving children, Massachusetts courts always consider what is in the child’s best interest. While it is generally presumed a child’s happiness and welfare are best preserved when a relationship is maintained with both parents, there is no presumption in favor of shared custody. Joint custody refers to a situation where both parents share the rights and obligations
Not Just a Drive Across Town Change can be hard on children, especially children of parents going through a divorce. The goal of the courts, as well as parents, is typically to see to the child’s best interest and try to provide as stable and consistent a lifestyle as possible. However, when parents live a significant distance from each other,
While every divorce is as different as every marriage, one thing is for sure—when getting divorced, you will be taking a deep dive into your marital finances. In addition to valuing assets and debts, determining the value of property and retirement benefits, you will also learn if one spouse will be entitled to financial support. Whether you will be the
Thinking about relocating the kids during a divorce? Think again. Massachusetts has stringent laws about moving your children. As an individual, you always have a right to leave, as long as the kids aren’t going along. Whether you’re a parent wanting to relocate or a parent fighting the relocation of your children, you need to understand your rights. A
Under Massachusetts law, both parents have a duty to support their child. Typically, following a separation or divorce, only one parent is considered the custodial parent. This is the parent who lives with and has primary care of the child. The support provided by the custodial parent is offered in the time and care given to the child. When families
Whether you’re anticipating a separation or contemplating divorce, you should know some key information regarding divorce in Massachusetts. Reasons for Divorce There are several permitted grounds for divorce under Massachusetts law. Traditional fault grounds—such as adultery or incarceration—as well as no-fault grounds, are justifiable means for divorce. No-fault grounds describe a faultless but irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. Support Payments
Co-parenting describes a parenting relationship in which the two parents of a child are not romantically involved but still assume joint responsibility for their child’s upbringing. The extent to which parents can effectively co-parent significantly impacts how children will adjust to the transitions associated with a separation or divorce. Parent Communication and Interaction Parents are responsible for major-life decisions, like
Child support is a critical component of divorce or separation cases involving children. It ensures that both parents contribute to the financial well-being of their children. In Massachusetts, child support is determined based on guidelines established by the state. Understanding these guidelines and the process for obtaining child support can help parents navigate this aspect of family law. This article
In Massachusetts, child custody is determined based on the best interests of the child. This means that a judge will consider various factors when deciding which parent should have custody, including the child’s relationships with each parent, the child’s emotional and physical needs, and the child’s overall well-being. A father seeking full custody will need to show that he is
The Supreme Judicial Court’s recent decision in the case of Cavanaugh v. Cavanaugh has had a major impact on how alimony and child support are calculated in Massachusetts family court cases. The court’s decision, which was issued in June 2022, has revised the way in which income is considered when determining support payments, and has introduced a new approach to
In any case involving children, Massachusetts courts always consider what is in the child’s best interest. While it is generally presumed a child’s happiness and welfare are best preserved when a relationship is maintained with both parents, there is no presumption in favor of shared custody. Joint custody refers to a situation where both parents share the rights and obligations
Not Just a Drive Across Town Change can be hard on children, especially children of parents going through a divorce. The goal of the courts, as well as parents, is typically to see to the child’s best interest and try to provide as stable and consistent a lifestyle as possible. However, when parents live a significant distance from each other,
While every divorce is as different as every marriage, one thing is for sure—when getting divorced, you will be taking a deep dive into your marital finances. In addition to valuing assets and debts, determining the value of property and retirement benefits, you will also learn if one spouse will be entitled to financial support. Whether you will be the
Thinking about relocating the kids during a divorce? Think again. Massachusetts has stringent laws about moving your children. As an individual, you always have a right to leave, as long as the kids aren’t going along. Whether you’re a parent wanting to relocate or a parent fighting the relocation of your children, you need to understand your rights. A
Under Massachusetts law, both parents have a duty to support their child. Typically, following a separation or divorce, only one parent is considered the custodial parent. This is the parent who lives with and has primary care of the child. The support provided by the custodial parent is offered in the time and care given to the child. When families
Whether you’re anticipating a separation or contemplating divorce, you should know some key information regarding divorce in Massachusetts. Reasons for Divorce There are several permitted grounds for divorce under Massachusetts law. Traditional fault grounds—such as adultery or incarceration—as well as no-fault grounds, are justifiable means for divorce. No-fault grounds describe a faultless but irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. Support Payments
Co-parenting describes a parenting relationship in which the two parents of a child are not romantically involved but still assume joint responsibility for their child’s upbringing. The extent to which parents can effectively co-parent significantly impacts how children will adjust to the transitions associated with a separation or divorce. Parent Communication and Interaction Parents are responsible for major-life decisions, like