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In Massachusetts, there has been a Significant Case Law Under Cavanagh.

  • Posted by Alexander Nesson
  • On February 24, 2025
This impacts many families in a different way in terms of how they determine or calculate alimony and child support, with a determination that judges are supposed to determine the fairness of each approach in a fashion or order that is most fair for the families. This usually involves calculating the alimony first and then […]
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New Child Support Guidelines in Massachusetts in 2025.

  • Posted by Alexander Nesson
  • On February 17, 2025
Every few years there are changes in child support. There is one where there will be a task force that is in charge of reviewing the guidelines, recommending changes and in the future continue to be addressed. There are some significant changes with the child support guidelines when they are changed every couple of years, […]
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Massachusetts Expands the Definition of Abuse in Restraining Orders.

  • Posted by Alexander Nesson
  • On February 10, 2025
Massachusetts law now recognizes the unfortunate reality that abuse goes beyond just physical. It can be economic or psychological, too. With the recent 2024 amendment to the law on abuse prevention orders (aka restraining orders), Massachusetts became the seventh state in the United States to add “coercive control” to the definition of abuse, and coercive […]
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In Massachusetts, what is a Pathway Case Management for Probate and Family Court?

  • Posted by Alexander Nesson
  • On December 16, 2024
The Pathway Case Management consists of Zoom hearings with the Judicial Case Manager.  The idea behind these is to try and help resolve cases quicker and more efficiently, particularly, for self-represented litigants.  Originally, it started for my practice more in Plymouth County, I believe it also was in Barnstable. Now it is in Bristol County […]
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In Massachusetts, how does the Fair Hearing Start?

  • Posted by Alexander Nesson
  • On December 2, 2024
The Hearing Officer will begin to record the hearing. The Hearing Officer will explain the process and have everyone introduce themselves. The Hearing Officer will then swear in anyone who will be providing information at the hearing. The Hearing Officer will ensure everyone has all the documents that were submitted before the hearing. DCF will […]
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In Massachusetts Who Would be Present at the Fair Hearing for a DCF Case?

  • Posted by Alexander Nesson
  • On November 25, 2024
The fair hearing officer, the DCF worker who made the decision, and usually the DCF supervisor.  Again, who made the decision that you’re appealing?  In general, a lawyer for DCF does not attend and the ongoing worker may attend but usually does not appear. DCF may have witnesses but most times they rely on the […]
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How Do I Request a Fair Hearing in Massachusetts for a DCF Case?

  • Posted by Alexander Nesson
  • On October 28, 2024
You can request a fair hearing by filling out an online Fair Hearing Request form available at www.mass.gov/fair-hearing-unit.  You can also request a fair hearing by writing a letter to the fair hearing unit and sending it by mail, fax, or email. You also must send a copy of the letter to the Area Office […]
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In Massachusetts DCF Cases, What Decisions Can I Appeal for a Fair Hearing?

  • Posted by Alexander Nesson
  • On September 30, 2024
If you disagree with a decision that DCF makes there are certain aspects that you can appeal through a fair hearing, which is not a court hearing but an administrative hearing with DCF.  There are many types of decisions that you can appeal through a fair hearing, but the rules about which decisions can be […]
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