Custody Articles

Written by an experienced Divorce and Family Law Attorney with offices in Boston | Andover | Newburyport | Newton

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...

Acknowledgment of Paternity: How Does It Work?

Larry and Lakshmi are the parents of Tom, a child who was born out of wedlock. Larry wants to acknowledge that he is Tom’s father. What steps does Larry need to take to acknowledge paternity in Massachusetts? The most common method to establish parentage is voluntary...

Keeping Children from Third Parties

Leila and Liam divorced. They share physical custody of their two children. Liam has a new girlfriend who has moved in with him. Leila disapproves of their living arrangements, which she claims are against her moral beliefs. She wants to know whether she can prevent...

Custody and the Religion of the Parents

Alba and Andrew recently divorced after ten years of marriage. They ended their decade-long relationship. They have one child, Andy, and per the divorce decree, the share physical and legal custody. Alba is growing concerned. Andrew recently joined a religious order...

Parents Attending Post-Termination Hearing

A biological parent whose parental rights have been terminated. Does this parent have the right to participate in a post-termination hearing regarding visitation rights? Yes, according to a recent decision by the Massachusetts Appeals Court. In Adoption of Zak, the...