In high conflict child custody cases in Massachusetts, it is not uncommon for the court to appoint a Guardian ad Litem (also known as a GAL). However, many parents do not know what a GAL is, and what a GAL is supposed to do in a child custody case until the GAL is appointed.…
Child Custody & Visitation
Going Through a Divorce When You Have a Child with Special Needs
Divorce is a difficult and emotion process for any spouse or parent. But when the spouse is also a parent of a child with special needs, the divorce can be even more emotional and difficult. In dealing with any divorce that involves children, issues such as child custody, parenting time, and child support must be…
5 Ways to Help Your Kids Thrive After Divorce
Divorce is prevalent in American culture nowadays. All divorces are painful, but those between parents of small children can be particularly hard, since you worry about your children’s emotional welfare on top of all of the other stressors involved in your divorce. Amidst all of the pain and chaos of your divorce, making sure the…
The Real, Honest-To-Goodness Truth About Co-Parenting
I’ve recently stumbled upon a number of extremely positive articles related to the subject of co-parenting with the ex and their new (or not so new) spouse. Articles in which the author welcomes the new “other” woman into the family, thanks them for the role they play in their child’s life or sings the praises…
Why a Good Divorce Is Better Than a Bad Marriage for Kids
Anyone who is considering divorce knows that there is a lot of research demonstrating that divorce is difficult for children. If you’re considering divorce or in the process of getting one it can seem as though researchers are shaking their fingers at you, predicting the worst for your child. As a former divorce attorney, mediator,…
Establishing Paternity in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, the custody of a child born to unwed parents is presumed to be solely with the mother of the child, unless and until paternity of the child is established, and there is a court order regarding custody. It is important for both a mother and father to have paternity established, because without establishing…
Reminders for Divorced Moms and Dads
I’ve seen the effects of divorce on children from every angle. My parents divorced when I was in my twenties, and I divorced when my child was small. In my professional life as an attorney, I’ve been assigned to represent children in contested custody cases. I’ve also taught classes on custody and child support law.…
Starting New Holiday Traditions After a Divorce
Holidays can be especially tricky to navigate as a newly divorced couple. It takes time to settle into the new normal — for you, your ex, and your children — and the holidays can be a great time for each of you to set new traditions that work for the shift in your family situation.…
Divorce Hits Children In Higher-Income Families The Hardest, Study Says
As the divorce rate began to rise in the 1960s and level off in the early 1980s, the face of American families underwent major reconstruction, leaving individuals and psychologists alike wondering: How are the children faring? Well, aside from the rich ones, it seems the kids are alright. The new research, which came out of…
The Legal Status of Parent Coordinators in Massachusetts
Parent Coordinators are commonly used in child custody and parenting matters in Massachusetts to facilitate resolving disputes between parents on issues relating children of divorce and children born out of wedlock. The Parent Coordinator typically acts as a referee to rule on any disputes, or works more like a mediator to help the parents negotiate…
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