There are two forms of filing: 1. Contested or a 1A Divorce; and 2. Contested or a 1B Divorce. In Massachusetts if it is considered a “no fault” or “fault”, it basically means the same as “contested” or “uncontested”. Contested means that if one party disagrees with the divorce or more importantly the terms of […]

It is required by the Probate and Family Court that in the best interest of the child, parents need to receive education about the children’s emotional needs and effects of divorce on the child’s behavior and development. If there is a minor child in a divorce action, there are specifically approved state parenting education programs […]

A Conditional Custody is such that the Judge can find that there is enough evidence to support DCF’s request for temporary custody, but can also decide if there can be conditions put in place where the child(ren) can be returned to the parents or custodians. They can include general conditions as allowed in probation; a […]

You should dress in a way that is conservative and shows respect for the court. You also need to be appropriate by not chewing gum. You are not generally allowed to eat or drink in the courthouse; never mind the court room. A crucial step is to be on time. If you miss the hearing, […]

Going to your local court is recommended where you can get a Petition for Adoption and Affidavit for the Petitioner for the Adoption. You will need a certified long form copy of child’s birth certificate and you can obtain this from the Registry of Vital Records from the city or town the child was born. […]

Even famous people like Prince did not have a Will. The idea behind a Will is that the role in getting your assets or your estate to the people at the right time and also at times deals with the tax rate. If you die without a Will, it means that you die intestate and […]

Sometimes DCF will get parents to agree to a safety plan with a variety of tasks and a plan that the parents are asked to do. The parents can be forced to agree to placing their children outside of the home and many other provisions without necessarily fully understanding them. It can end up later […]

Sometimes I get questions about what a DCF Assessment is. Usually what that means is a 45-day family assessment. That is the point where the Department of Children and Families (“DCF”) is involved for one or a couple of reasons. First, is that you might have signed up for voluntary services with DCF. Second, if […]