Relocation with Children in Massachusetts: What Parents Need to Know
After a child custody order has been entered, life moves on for both parents and the child. At some point, a parent may feel the need or desire to move somewhere else. If the move is within the same state and relatively close by and doesn’t affect the existing custody order...
Know Your Paternity Rights: Commonly Asked Questions for Massachusetts Fathers
“Paternity” refers to the legal relationship between a child and his or her father. Although in some cases paternity is presumed, in others it has to be affirmatively proven. If you are the father but are also unmarried to the mother of the child, you especially need to understand your paternity rights....
Top 10 Reasons to Contact a Family Law Attorney
If you and your spouse or the parent of your child separate, the time has come to seriously consider hiring a family law attorney. Parents and spouses who split up may initially be on good terms, but even in a relatively amicable environment the need for counsel cannot be overlooked. Countless...
Pitfalls of Do-It-Yourself Estate Planning
The internet has revolutionized the legal industry and has given consumers the ability to handle a number of matters on their own. This is no less true with respect to estate planning. And while it may be tempting to plan your own estate, there are several potentially serious risks involved which make...
High-Conflict Custody Battles in Massachusetts: Strategies for Success
Child custody is one of the most contentious issues in all of family law. Unfortunately, high-conflict custody fights can affect not only the parents’ peace of mind but also the child’s well-being. Everyone knows that these battles do nobody any good, but avoiding them is easier said than done. The family...
Legal vs. Physical Custody – What is the Difference?
Child custody is one of the most contentious aspects of family law. If you’ve never been a party to a custody matter before, you may not know that there are actually two distinct types of custody: legal and physical. Understanding the differences is critical to making your strongest case for a...
Can I Lose Custody of My Kids If I Miss Too Many Visitations?
When a parent works to establish a parenting plan, the objective is to develop a schedule that he or she can live up to. Over time, however, the terms of the plan (and the court order enforcing it) could become obsolete. Due to work or other obligations, a parent may start missing...
Trusts Aren’t Just for the Wealthy: A Primer on a Power Tool to Protect Your Loved Ones
Trusts have long been an integral part of developing a comprehensive estate plan because they offer a number of advantages that are not available with a last will and testament. However, most people incorrectly assume that trusts are only for wealthy individuals and families. The reality is that these instruments can...
Estate Planning for Newlyweds
Newly married couples who are just beginning their lives together have a great deal to think about. They may be looking to buy a house together, start a family, or even open a business. Whatever life holds for you and your spouse, it’s important that you don’t neglect creating an estate plan....
Avoiding Common Mistakes in Visa Applications
Visa applicants face an array of potential hurdles that could jeopardize their ability to live permanently in the United States. Making a simple mistake during the application process is one way that you could cause additional delays. While some mistakes are unusual and perhaps unavoidable, others are so common that simply understanding...