Massachusetts Divorce and Family Law Blog
Divorce & Family Law Answers from Experienced Attorneys
R.K. v. R.M.: When Can Massachusetts Courts Change Custody?
Key Takeaways Custody orders can be changed when circumstances materially change. Massachusetts courts may modify an existing custody judgment when there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances and the modification is necessary for the child’s best...
Understanding Alimony in Massachusetts
Key Takeaways Alimony is based on need and ability to pay. Massachusetts defines alimony as support paid by a spouse who has the ability to pay to a spouse who needs support for a reasonable period of time. There is no automatic formula. Income matters, but judges...
How Massachusetts Courts Handle Substance Abuse in Child Custody Cases
Key Takeaways Substance abuse can significantly affect custody and parenting time. Massachusetts courts consider alcohol and drug abuse when determining what custody arrangement serves a child's best interests. A substance use disorder does not automatically make...
Kehlani K. v. Tripp T.: Massachusetts Coercive Control Law
Key Takeaways Physical violence is not required. Massachusetts law now recognizes coercive control as a form of abuse under Chapter 209A, even when there has been no physical assault or explicit threat of violence. A pattern of controlling behavior can qualify as...
What is Supervised Visitation in Massachusetts?
Key Takeaways The Child's Best Interests Guide Every Decision. Massachusetts courts focus on what best protects the child's health, safety, emotional well-being, and development. Judges tailor parenting orders to meet each child's specific needs. Supervised Visitation...
What’s Considered an Emergency in Massachusetts Family Court?
Key Takeaways Not Every Urgent Family Problem Is a Legal Emergency. Although many family law disputes feel urgent, Massachusetts Probate and Family Court generally reserves emergency treatment for circumstances that cannot reasonably wait for the ordinary motion...
Do I Really Need a Divorce Lawyer in Massachusetts?
Key Takeaways Massachusetts Law Does Not Require You to Hire a Divorce Lawyer. You have the right to represent yourself in a divorce, but doing so means you will be responsible for complying with court rules, filing requirements, deadlines, and the legal standards...
How Do I Protect My Disabled Child in a Divorce in Massachusetts?
Key Takeaways Protecting a child with disabilities requires planning that extends far beyond determining custody or child support. Depending on the child's diagnosis, functional limitations, and long-term prognosis, parents may need to address ongoing medical care,...
How to get Custody of My Children When I Don’t Live in Massachusetts
Key Takeaways Living outside Massachusetts does not automatically prevent you from seeking custody here. The critical question is usually not where you live, but whether a Massachusetts court has legal authority to decide the custody dispute under the Uniform Child...
What Liz L. v. Ursel U. Means for Massachusetts Prenuptial Agreements, Alimony, and Property Division
The Massachusetts Appeals Court issued an important decision on September 15, 2026, addressing what happens when a prenuptial agreement signed decades ago collides with changes in Massachusetts divorce law that occurred years later. In Liz L. v. Ursel U., No....