In Massachusetts how many opportunities for a Custody Hearing are there in Massachusetts?  When DCF is involved, there can always be different circumstances, but there are a couple of different types of custody hearings that you have. One is a “72-Hour Hearing”.  This is where the Department must show that there is enough evidence to […]

What is Termination of Parental Rights in Massachusetts?  Termination of Parental Rights is the most extreme example that you can have in a child custody case. It can occur in a variation of different circumstances. When Massachusetts or DCF determines that a child is in a situation that is unsafe or is subject to neglect […]

In Massachusetts there are both guardianships and adoption. A guardianship can be a temporary guardianship.  There can be review dates in 90 days or 6 months or it can be called a “Permanent Guardianship”, even a permanent guardianship does not automatically mean that the parents lose parental rights.  Typically, the parents have the right to […]

I know somebody that got this, or my friend got this in their divorce, so I want the same thing, can this happen?  Every case is unique and there are different Judges, different parties, different set of facts and it is not something that is standardized where all the results automatically happen at the same […]

If there is an Order for Visitation with the other Parent, but the Children do not want to go, does that mean that I do not have to bring them to the Visit?  No.  If there is a Court Order, you can be found in contempt of court and just because a child does not […]

In marriages, it is not uncommon for couples to have conflicting views about their children participating in sports. Such disputes can be based on factors like finances, time constraints, and concern about injury. With divorce these disagreements can be magnified and lead to litigation and addition emotional upset. The best way to avoid such problems […]

If I bought something in my Name does that mean that it is mine in a Massachusetts Divorce Case?  No.  It does not mean that you have 100% ownership.  They consider it joint marital property, so even if you buy a car, boat or a home just because you bought it does not mean that […]

Yes.  There is a court hearing even if there is a full Agreement and the divorce is uncontested. The Judge has to find that the Agreement is “fair and reasonable” and that the children are protected appropriately. You do need to go in front of the Judge. It is the quickest way to be able […]