Life After Divorce: When and How to Modify Custody, Support, or Alimony in Massachusetts
Divorce decrees and separation agreements are designed to reflect the realities of life at the time they are made. But as time passes, those circumstances may change significantly. Massachusetts law allows individuals to request modifications to child custody, child support, or alimony orders when a substantial change occurs. Common Reasons for Seeking a Modification While […]
Securing Child Support for Unmarried Parents in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, both parents have a legal obligation to contribute to their child’s financial needs, whether they were married or not. For unmarried parents, obtaining child support can be a complex process that involves establishing paternity, calculating support obligations, and enforcing court orders when necessary. Understanding the legal process can help custodial parents secure the […]
Child Support Enforcement in Massachusetts
Child support in Massachusetts is a legal requirement aimed at ensuring that both parents contribute to the financial needs of their children, regardless of whether they live together or apart. When one parent fails to meet their child support obligations, it can create financial hardships for the custodial parent and negatively impact the child’s welfare. […]
Child Support: Navigating Obligations, Modifications, and Enforcement in Massachusetts
Child support is a crucial aspect of family law that ensures the well-being of children after a divorce or separation. In Massachusetts, understanding the intricacies of child support obligations, modifications, and enforcement is vital for both parents involved. As experienced Massachusetts family law attorneys at the Briones Law Group, we guide our clients through the […]
Navigating Child Support Guidelines in Massachusetts: Obligations and Modifications
Child support is a critical component of divorce or separation cases involving children. It ensures that both parents contribute to the financial well-being of their children. In Massachusetts, child support is determined based on guidelines established by the state. Understanding these guidelines and the process for obtaining child support can help parents navigate this aspect […]
Massachusetts SJC Decision Affecting Alimony and Child Support Calculations
The recent Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) decision in the case of Cavanaugh v. Cavanaugh has changed the way lawyers think about alimony and child support in Massachusetts family court cases. The SJC’s decision, which was issued in June 2022, has caused a significant shift in the way family court cases are approached, as it has […]
What To Ask For In Your Divorce Settlement
A fair divorce settlement leaves both parties with what they need to start over. Before negotiations begin, you should discuss your options with your divorce attorney. To help guide your negotiations and avoid surprises, you should create a list of your nonnegotiables, the things you’re willing to be flexible on, and the things you’re willing […]
What to Expect During a Massachusetts Divorce
When considering divorce, there is a lot at stake. Many people are overwhelmed by the legal aspects of divorce, so this article will outline some common questions individuals ask during a Massachusetts Divorce. How much does a Massachusetts divorce cost? Wanting to know the cost of divorce is understandable. Unfortunately, the answer differs for every […]
Alimony, Child Support…and Plane Tickets? Navigating Long-Distance Child Custody Arrangements
Not Just a Drive Across Town Change can be hard on children, especially children of parents going through a divorce. The goal of the courts, as well as parents, is typically to see to the child’s best interest and try to provide as stable and consistent a lifestyle as possible. However, when parents live a […]
New Child Support Guidelines Issued
Changes to Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines Coming in October New guidelines will make substantial alterations to how Massachusetts courts calculate how much child support is owed, effective in October. After a decade of steadily decreasing child support requirements in Massachusetts, it seems that pressure by public advocacy groups has reversed this trend. The new guidelines, […]
When to Modify Your Divorce Agreement
How long has it been since you terminated your marriage? Have your circumstances changed since then? While your divorce may last forever, your divorce agreement can change over time. There are many reasons to consider modifying your divorce agreement. Some examples include: a significant change in income that will impact child support or alimony payments […]
Understanding Child Support in Massachusetts
Divorce cases involving children often require a court decision regarding which parent should have physical and/or legal responsibility. Whether granted joint or sole custody, physical custody designates where the child will actually live. The parent who the child resides with most of the time is considered the custodial parent. The non-custodial parent may be required […]