Child support issues aren’t just financial; they can be very emotional ones, too. That’s why it’s essential to heed the advice of a skilled Massachusetts family law attorney, who can offer experienced, objective guidance to help you obtain a fair outcome for your situation. An attorney can help ensure that the guidelines are being calculated […]
Archives: FAQs
Yes. Either parent may apply to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue Child Support Enforcement DOR/CSE for services to: Enforce and collect an existing child support order; Establish paternity for a child under 18 years of age; Get a child support order for a child under 18 years of age; Modify a child support order for […]
Child support in Massachusetts is calculated using the Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines. The Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines are the legal guidelines published by the Probate and Family Court Massachusetts Court System every four years which defines income standards, outlines factors considered in setting the amount of child support, and various grounds for a deviation/modification. Judges […]
Every custody case is unique. If you are planning to file for custody in Massachusetts, it’s important to understand your legal options. Two main types of custody are: Legal custody – decision-making authority (education, medical, etc.) Physical custody – where the child lives In most cases, courts favor shared legal custody, unless there is a […]
If you and your co-parent cannot agree on a parenting plan, the court will decide the outcome. At that point, both parties give up control over the final decision. That is why it is often in everyone’s best interest to reach an agreement outside court when possible. If litigation becomes necessary, having an experienced custody […]
In Massachusetts, courts do not typically require children to testify against a parent. However, the court may appoint a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) to investigate the case and make recommendations regarding custody. As part of that process, the GAL may speak with your child. The court may also appoint an attorney (ARC counsel) to represent […]
No specific age exists at which a child can decide where they will live. The court may consider a child’s preference if they are mature enough to express a well-reasoned opinion. Generally, people give more weight to older children, while they give younger children’s preferences less influence. Ultimately, the judge will decide based on the […]
If a parent fails to follow a visitation or parenting time order, you can take legal action. Your attorney can file a complaint for contempt or enforcement, asking the court to require compliance. The court may impose consequences if the violations continue. Addressing these issues promptly is important to protect both your rights and your […]
Relocation cases are also called removal cases. They require either: The other parent’s consent, or Approval from the court Even moving within Massachusetts may require court permission if it significantly impacts the existing parenting plan. If your co-parent does not agree, you must file a complaint for modification seeking permission to relocate. The court will […]
Before a court can address custody, the parties must establish paternity. This can be done through: Signing an acknowledgment of paternity, or Court-ordered DNA testing If one parent does not cooperate, the other must file a complaint to establish parentage. Once the court confirms parentage, it can determine custody and parenting time if the parents […]