Child Custody

If you live in Massachusetts, you likely expect that a state court will hear your custody case. You may have nothing to worry about if you and your child have lived all your lives here. However, there could be a question of jurisdiction if your child has spent a lot...

Unmarried couples with children face a unique set of challenges during a separation. Each parent may have a different idea about future arrangements, and the family may lack the legal protections and assumptions given to married couples. In addition, unmarried...

As a parent, your biggest fear may be the thought of your children's other parent moving away with them and interfering with your current custody agreement. According to Massachusetts's laws, the relocation of children, also called removal, can not occur without the...

The divorce process may be lengthy, especially if you and your spouse cannot agree on some volatile and divisive issues. A document the court requires if you have children is a parenting plan, something that may prove challenging to hash out. A parenting plan is an...

If you want to end your marriage and you have kids, or you are currently working through a divorce and a dispute involving your children has arisen, it is vital to review various factors related to child custody. When awarding child custody, courts take a host of...

At the end of your marriage or relationship, you and your child’s other parent likely both have ranging feelings, which may include anger. Although normal to go through such emotions, some go further and involve their children in a potentially manipulative and harmful...

If your ex has custody of your child in another state, you may have to deal with additional hurdles in your custody case. Fortunately, the Massachusetts Child Custody Jurisdiction Act provides options for state residents to pursue custody across state lines. One...

As you prepare to end your marriage with your spouse, you may feel relieved or relaxed. However, at the same time, your children may show signs of nervousness or stress. Being able to handle their emotions and help them deal with the changes is important. Reduce your...

Divorce is a stressful time, especially when it involves children where you, your spouse and Massachusetts courts may have different positions on what is in their best interest. After the divorce finalizations, your job as a parent continues. What happens if you find...

While you would rather your children grow up in the same household, you must share custody of them with your former spouse. Even though you and the other parent continue to raise your children as a unit, you have much more to learn about post-divorce parenting....