Domestic violence may not always involve physical harm to the children, but it can create an environment of fear. Navigating a divorce is hard enough when there has been violence within the marriage, but trying to figure out child custody matters complicates things....
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Child Custody
How to build a visitation schedule when one parent moves away
Creating a parenting plan after a divorce is rarely an easy task. It involves navigating each individual's particular wishes and schedules so that both parents get a fair share of rights and responsibilities. If one parent decides to move further away, however, it can...
How the court determines parental unfitness
Divorce is typically an emotionally charged process. When the process includes child custody, it is even more difficult. A parental unfitness claim requires extensive evaluation by the court, often involving the Department of Children and Families. How Massachusetts...
Factors to consider in a custody exchange
As summer comes to an end and with autumn right around the corner, Massachusetts residents will once again face the uncertain weather patterns and dramatic daily changes that the end of the year brings. Divorced parents are wise to consider numerous factors that might...
How can I improve communication with my co-parent?
It is likely that there is some level of bad feelings between you and your ex-spouse. After all, it is likely that they are your ex-spouse for a reason (or several reasons). However, if you and your ex-spouse have joint custody of any children, you will need to find a...
How the Massachusettes courts decide custody
Divorce is very hard, particularly when there are children involved. Sometimes one of the main disputes in a divorce is over who gets custody. If you cannot agree with your former spouse, the courts will decide for you. They take a variety of factors into account. Who...
What decisions should be included in a parenting plan?
After a divorce, you and your ex-spouse will likely develop a parenting plan for the shared custody of your children. Knowing the most important issues to discuss during the writing of this document will help you both avoid disagreements. It can also help you come to...
Can a custodial parent leave Massachusetts with the children?
If you share custody of your children in Massachusetts, the other parent cannot move out of state with the children without giving you notice. You can either agree to the move or ask the court to prevent the other parent from relocating with your children. Review the...
Should I seek sole custody?
By far, the most common child custody situation after a divorce is joint custody, also known as co-parenting. This is because children do best with both parents involved in their lives, even if the parents divorce. However, it is not uncommon to hold negative feelings...
Best interest of the child
One of the greatest challenges that any couple can face when their marriage is dissolving is determining who will have custody of the child. One of the fundamental principles followed throughout the country is that the court will always look for the best interest of...