When parents split up, and there is a dispute over who is to get primary custody, judges generally decide this based on what they see as “the best interests of the child.” One recurring question is whether a judge may consider the ideology that a parent is teaching the child— for instance, may a judge…
child custody
What a Divorce or Family Law Attorney Can Do That a Spouse or Parent Can’t Do on Their Own
When a spouse is going through a divorce, or a parent is going through a custody or child support battle, it can be a stressful time in that person’s life. Navigating through the family court process can be confusing under the best of circumstances. If the case is very contentious, then this only makes the…
Hey, Divorced Parents, How About Going Beyond Civility?
I’m living with my ex-husband again. It’s not what you think. When we married in the spring of 1998, before wedding registries were online and photos were still shot on film, our chances of staying together forever looked pretty darn good. Great, in fact. We were 26-year-old college graduates who had dated for four years,…
Massachusetts custody proposal rightly stresses time with both parents
Slowly but surely, Massachusetts is reshaping its laws around divorce. First, a task force of experts and advocates prompted a sweeping overhaul of outdated alimony laws. And two years ago, the governor’s office convened a similar committee to review the state’s child custody laws. That committee’s work is done, and the result is promising: a…
How Are Pets Handled In Divorce?
Researchers estimate that about 50% of American marriages end in divorce. They also say that 62% of American households include at least one pet. So, it seems reasonable to conclude that many divorcing couples are pet owners. But when a married couple calls it quits, what happens to their furry friends? Sometimes, the decision isn’t…
Paying for Children’s College Costs After a Divorce
In a divorce, it is not uncommon for child-related issues to be disputed. Issues such as child custody, parenting time, and child support, can become very heated and contentious issues. However, there are other important issues related to children that can sometimes be overlooked or forgotten in a divorce. One example of this is paying…
Before You Say ‘I Do’, Think About a Prenuptial Agreement
A recent study showed that brides and grooms-to-be who have cold feet before their wedding could very well foreshadow an unhappy marriage that could even end in divorce. Brides and grooms-to-be who have cold feet should really consider entering into a prenuptial agreement with their future spouse. This agreement can protect both spouses-to-be in the…
Facebook, Twitter, and Other Social Media: A Party’s Best Friend or Worst Nightmare in Family Law
Any matter pending in a family court is emotional and difficult for both parties. There are all types of cases that are heard by family courts: divorces, child custody and visitation, child support, paternity, and many more types of cases. Within these types of case, many issues are addressed, such as property division, the income…
Good Tips for Co-Parenting After a Divorce or Breakup
When a couple divorces (or in the case where they were never married, breaks up), it can be difficult to get along after the breakup or divorce. However, when there are children involved, the couple has no choice but to stay in touch and try to get along after the divorce or break up. As…
FAQ’s About Massachusetts Divorce Law
With the national divorce rate close to 50%, many spouses have questions about divorce and the legal process of divorce. Divorce laws from state to state. Here is a summary of Massachusetts divorce law and frequently asked questions about this topic. Q: Is there a legal separation in Massachusetts? A: There is no formal “legal…
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