Genes -- ever think about the role they play in one's life? Do they do more than determine what a person looks like? According to a recent study, one's DNA actually does matter when it comes to making important life decisions. The example in the study has to do with...
A Brighter Future Is Within Your Reach
Year: 2017
Divorce mediation or litigation?
When going through the dissolution of marriage process, there is likely to be some conflict. It is normal. Many times, any issues can be resolved in divorce mediation. However, there are those in Massachusetts who find that litigation turns out to be necessary....
A problem with joint child custody
There is a lot of research out there that shows why shared parenting is good for children. There is a lot to be said for that theory. However, there is a problem with joint child custody that may make it not worth it for some Massachusetts parents. When parents enter...
New child support guidelines now in effect
Laws, they are always changing. As of September 15, the state of Massachusetts has new child support guidelines in effect. Several changes have been made with the hopes of making things simpler on parents. Some of the biggest changes have to do with child support...
Divorce mediation when dealing with a high-conflict personality
Getting a divorce can be rough in more ways than one. When dealing with a spouse who has a high-conflict personality, one may think that litigation is the only way in which a final agreement will be reached. However, those in Massachusetts in such situations may still...
Shared child custody, should it be the new normal?
The custody issue is one that plagues many Massachusetts parents when they are going through the divorce process and even afterward. Simply put, child custody is a difficult thing to figure out, especially when it comes to creating terms that everyone is happy with...
Consequences for not paying child support
Failing to financially support one's child can have pretty significant consequences. Massachusetts and all other states have child support enforcement options available that, if utilized, really can affect an individual personally and professionally. Those who are...
How parenting plans are written and put into action matter
When going through the divorce process, some parents in Massachusetts struggle with child custody. It can be difficult to work out custody arrangements, but it can be even harder to put parenting plans into action in a way that does not negatively affect their...
Do life-insurance premiums count as alimony payments?
For a spouse who has been the primary breadwinner during the vast majority of his or her marriage, if divorce enters the picture he or she may have to continue to provide for his or her ex well after the marriage is over. For some individuals in Massachusetts that...
How to collect child support when the paying parent is unemployed
In Massachusetts, as in other states, orders of financial support for children are created based on the incomes of both parents at the time the support is requested. There is always hope that the initial child support order will be sufficient, but life is always...