Divorce and Family Law Blog
Divorce & Family Law Information, Answers, and Analysis from Experienced Divorce & Family Law Attorneys
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,...
Can You Seek Custody in Massachusetts If You Live Out of State?
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....
Understanding the Differences Between Guardianship, Custody, and Adoption in Massachusetts
Key Takeaways Guardianship, custody, and adoption serve different legal purposes. Although all three involve caring for a child, they create very different legal relationships. Understanding those differences is essential before deciding which legal option is...
Who Pays for College After Divorce in Massachusetts?
College Contribution in Divorce in Massachusetts Key Takeaways Massachusetts Courts May Order Parents to Contribute to College Expenses. Under G.L. c. 208, § 28, the Probate and Family Court may require one or both parents to help pay a child's college expenses....
How Long Does a Divorce Take in Massachusetts?
Key Takeaways Every Divorce Is Different – There is no single timeline for a Massachusetts divorce. Some uncontested divorces conclude in a matter of months, while highly contested cases may take a year or more. Uncontested Divorces Usually Move Faster – When spouses...
Preparing for Cross Examination in a Massachusetts Family Law Case
Key Takeaways Cross examination is usually about credibility. Most Massachusetts family law trials do not turn on dramatic admissions. More often, cross-examination focuses on credibility, consistency, bias, and whether a witness's testimony deserves trust. The...