Child custody is often the most difficult and contentious matter to resolve. You and your spouse or partner may agree as to the major decisions involving the raising of your children, such as where they will attend school, who will provide medical care and how matters involving their moral development and/or religious education will be handled (referred to as legal custody) but disagree as to how a parenting plan will be arranged (at one time referred to as physical custody). We have in depth experience working with couples as to both custody and parenting plans and are often able to assist couples in reaching an agreement as to both. If an agreement is not possible, we know which issues a court will focus on so we can present your case in a positive light for the judge who will make the final orders.
 

The law regarding child support in Massachusetts is updated every few years pursuant to the Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines. The most recent Guidelines became effective in October of 2021. The Guidelines require both you and your spouse or partner to contribute to the support of your children until they are emancipated, which can occur any time from their eighteenth to their twenty-third birthday, depending on the circumstances. Deviation from the Guidelines is possible and we have the experience to determine if a deviation is appropriate in your case.

Cases in which one parent wishes to relocate to another state or at such a distance within Massachusetts as to impact the parenting time of the other parent are some of the most difficult faced by clients, the attorneys who represent them and even judges. We have years of experience with these kinds of cases and can assist you with a relocation with your children if this is a matter to be considered.