Desertion as Grounds for Divorce

Dean and Doreen are married. However, they have not lived together since Dean left their marital home in Massachusetts. He left about two years ago and moved out of state. Massachusetts recognizes no-fault divorce. A party only needs to claim an irretrievable...

Changing a Child’s Last Name

Typically, a child born into a valid marriage receives the husband’s last name. In Massachusetts, the husband is presumed to be the father. There is, however, no law in place that requires the parents to give their child the father’s last name. Massachusetts...

I’ve Been Served with Divorce Papers…Now What?

If you have been served with divorce papers, your spouse has filed for divorce. The case is in Massachusetts Probate and Family Court. You have several options for the next steps in the case. Consider the following options: You may file an Answer to your spouse’s...

Federal Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act

In a divorce action between spouses, special procedural rules apply if one or both spouses are military members. The Federal Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act (SCRA) entitles active military personnel to a continuance in any action. This includes divorce or custody...