Divorce and Family Law

The decision to end a marriage is difficult and life changing.  There are many factors that should be considered in choosing which path is best for you and your family.  The divorce process requires diligent attention to details and thoughtful consideration of the particular needs of each family.  While some divorces are contentious, many times couples can work with each other and their lawyers to collaboratively negotiate the details of a separation agreement.     

Divorce results in inevitable changes in the lives of parents and their children.  Ideally, both parents work together to continue to meet the needs of their children and to encourage positive relationships between the children and each parent.  Joint legal custody allows both parents to make important decisions for the children.  Joint physical custody allows children to spend equal time with each parent.  In some families, it makes sense to maintain the routines the families' established  when they were together and children will remain in the primary care of one parent  and have regular parenting time with the other. Parenting time schedules are drafted to meet the specific needs of the children and to ensure as much as possible that the children do not experience unnecessary disruptions in their care and routines.  

Massachusetts calculates child support based on a formula that considers the incomes of each parent, insurance costs and other factors.  Child support can be paid directly to a parent or the Massachusetts Department of Revenue who can track payments free of charge. 

If parents of a child are determined to be unfit and unable to meet the needs of their child, the Court can consider the appointment of a guardian to care for the child.  Temporary guardianship may last months.  A permanent guardianship is reviewed annually and may be terminated at any time should a parent become able to care for their child.