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...
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...
Grandparents are often some of the most influential extended family members during a minor’s childhood. In some cases, grandparent involvement in the lives of their grandchildren is limited by the parents. This is particularly true where the parents separate or...
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...
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...
Disabled parents often face an uneven playing field advancing their rights in child custody disputes. Massachusetts lawmakers last week heard advocates for disabled parents' rights. They appeared to testify to endorse a proposed law protecting against such...
Caregiver, guardian and adoptive parent are terms in the lexicon describing adults who oversee the welfare of minor children. Each status, however, imparts different levels of responsibility for the minor’s well-being and varying degrees of court involvement. The...
Warning: Themes of domestic abuse. Jacob and Leah are 7-year old twins. Their parents, Jeff and Hannah, were married for eight years before finally deciding to pursue a separation and ultimately a divorce. The relationship between Jeff and Hannah was tumultuous. For...
Deciding on medical treatment is a tough decision for most people. It becomes even more difficult if the treatment is for a loved one. For any parent, there is nothing more terrifying and painful than the feeling that you cannot help your child. This is compounded if...
Raising a child as an unmarried couple can be difficult. However, the state of Massachusetts has guidelines on how to navigate child custody issues. Some legal issues that unmarried couples will have to consider are: establishing paternity, child support, and...