How is Child Support Calculated for a High Income Parent in Massachusetts?
The state child support guidelines in Massachusetts consider the income of parents as a key factor in determining the child support payment obligation. Up to a certain level of income, the child support amount will be largely proportionate to the income. Although the...
Post-Divorce Modifications in MA: A Short Guide
A divorce agreement may not last forever because the circumstances of either party may change, which warrants a modification. In order to obtain a favorable post-divorce modification order, you will need to convince the family law court in Massachusetts that there has...
Can Substance Abuse Impact Child Custody in MA?
Child custody is usually one of the most sensitive matters in Massachusetts divorce cases where minor children are involved. The family law courts in the state will critically evaluate various factors before determining which parent gets the primary custody of the...
Do Courts Give Preference to Mothers in Child Custody Cases in MA?
At the time of divorce, many couples are under the misconception that the family law courts in Massachusetts may favor the mother when deciding the issue of child custody. In reality, there is no such preferential treatment for a mother, and a father has equal custody...
Co-Parenting Advice: How to Make a Divorce Easier On Your Children (Bonus: Ann Landers’ 12 Commandments for Divorced Parents)
Co-parenting while keeping things peaceful and cordial can be difficult after a divorce. However, with successful joint custody, your children can remain close with both parents and benefit from security and stability in their lives. If you do not have to contend with...
How Can a Restraining Order in MA Help You in Case of Domestic Violence?
Being in a toxic, abusive relationship can severely affect you at a physical, mental, and emotional level. Being subjected to physical or sexual violence, especially by a person with whom you share an intimate relationship, can not only be degrading, but can also be...
Key Mistakes to Avoid in Your High Net Worth Divorce in MA
When Jeff Bezos and his wife of 25 years, Mackenzie, got divorced in 2019, it was touted as the most expensive divorce of all time. Bezos ended up paying $38 billion in a divorce settlement, making Mackenzie the world's fourth-richest woman, but not because of merit....
What Happens if You Withhold Visitation in MA During an Emergency?
The COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented crisis for many people, including divorced parents in Massachusetts with minor children. In normal circumstances, after the divorce is final, the child custody and visitation agreement will become legally-binding. If...
Who Gets to Keep the Pets in a Massachusetts Divorce?
For many married couples in Massachusetts, their pet is their baby. They will provide the finest of care and love for their pet, take him or her on family vacations, share their pictures on social media, and have a deep emotional attachment with the pet. But a serious...