In Massachusetts What are somethings that I can do to Help get better Chance of Winning Custody or Having more Parenting Time?    Many people ask about moving from the marital residence if the child is living there.  Generally, it is it not considered abandonment to do so; which is a concern that people have, but […]

A Court Ex Parte Order is a decision the Court makes only after one party presents evidence. At times it is usually based on an emergency and it would require an Affidavit and a hearing in front of the Judge to determine whether it would occur. Then there would be an immediate order and allow […]

In Massachusetts a “Parenting Plan” is similar to a “Visitation Plan”.  It can talk about details of the time that the children spend with each parent. It can be very detailed oriented with specific times, dates, holidays, vacations, summer vacations, out of state, the ways that the parents can contact each other, and a variety […]

In Massachusetts Child Custody Cases, who gets Custody of the Child (children)?    The Probate and Family Court determines physical custody based on a variety of factors.  The standard is the best interest of the child or children.  One of the more important factors is who has been the child or children’s primary caregiver during […]

This is the process of having a man legally declared to be the father of the child. If the child is born to the parents who have never been married it is called both “Paternity or sometimes a 209c case; which refers to the General Laws of Massachusetts c. 209c. Probate Court has the power […]

There had been 3 main errors in the 2017 guidelines. These changes are not as significant, but it does change some of the calculation forms.  In particular, the different child support calculations in a variety of cases especially if there are children both under and over 18.  There are also additional adjustments for childcare, health […]

Is it Possible to Deviate or not follow the Child Support Guidelines?       In Massachusetts the Judge is permitted to deviate; which means not follow the Child Support Guidelines and it can be either higher or lower from the guideline amount.  In certain circumstances, if it is plus or minus 2% points the Judge […]

Does Child Support Ends Automatically when a Child turns 18?            In Massachusetts the answer is not necessarily. Child support may go up until the age of 23 if the child is a full-time student and there are some legal definitions of when a child is independent or emancipated. Can the Courts overrule […]

If a Parent loses their Job or gets a New Job, Does Child Support Automatically Change?                                                                                […]

What is Child Support intended to Cover?     In Massachusetts child support is intended to cover the child’s basic living necessities and expenses; which includes things such as food; shelter; clothing; academic expenses; necessary medical costs and reasonable recreation expenses. How is the Amount of Child Support Calculated? Massachusetts has a Child Support Guidelines worksheet […]