Custody Articles

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

Nondisparagement Order and Free Speech

A recent Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court case discusses an important issue at the intersection of family law and the First Amendment — a nondisparagement order. In custody cases, can a court issue an order that compels the parents not to disparage each...

Co-Parenting Tips During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Being a parent is not easy, especially now, during the Coronavirus pandemic. You may find it difficult to home-school kids while working from home or to explain world events to your kids in an age-appropriate way. It may be hard to soothe anxieties—your own and those...

Considering Past Abuse in Custody Modifications

Massachusetts child custody cases are decided based on the “best interests of the child” standard. This standard takes many different factors into consideration. Under Massachusetts General Laws, chapter 208, section 31A, in a proceeding granting temporary or...

Child Custody Order Violations

The ramifications of violating a temporary or permanent child custody order are significant. This post addresses conduct that subjects a parent to a contempt finding by a Probate and Family Court. Additionally, penalties and remedies for defying custody orders are...

Considering Same-Sex Adoption

All 50 states allow same-sex adoption provided one member of the couple is already the child’s birth or adoptive parent. Massachusetts allows second-parent or co-parent adoptions for unmarried couples. Same-sex or opposite-sex married or unmarried couples under...