How can I make My Divorce file Private?

Massachusetts has an “open court system” for nearly every type of case. Our courtrooms and court files are open to the public. Therefore, making a divorce file private is challenging. Some types of cases, such as adoption cases, close automatically. The...

Case of the Week: An Order Must Issue

It’s not uncommon for a hearing to occur and a judge to take a matter under advisement. That means the judge essentially wants to think about the matter before deciding what to do. Sometimes days or weeks pass before an order actually issues, but as we explain...

What is the role of a GAL?

In some domestic relations cases, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem (GAL). The GAL helps investigate the parties’ relationship with the minor children and presents the findings to the court.The GAL might have the following roles: Conducting factual...