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When parents are not married and the father’s name is not on the birth certificate, questions often arise about parental rights, especially regarding child relocation. In Massachusetts, family law governs these matters carefully to balance the rights of both parents and protect the best interests of the child. One common and complex question is whether a mother can legally move
Family law orders such as child custody, child support, and alimony are based on the circumstances at the time the order was issued. But life rarely stays the same. When material changes occur—such as a job loss, relocation, or changes in a child’s needs—it may be possible to seek a legal modification to an existing family court order in Massachusetts.
For many spouses, especially those who have spent years managing the household or raising children, the idea of divorce can be overwhelming—not just emotionally, but financially. If you do not have a steady paycheck or control over household finances, the thought of separating from your spouse may come with a fear of being “cut off” or unable to afford basic
Why “Gray Divorce” Is on the Rise Divorce among couples over the age of 50—often referred to as “gray divorce” or “empty nester divorce”—has become increasingly common in recent years. In Massachusetts, many long-married couples are choosing to separate after their children have grown and moved out. Without the shared responsibilities of parenting, some spouses realize their goals, values, and
Being served with divorce papers can be an emotionally jarring experience. Whether expected or not, receiving official notice of a spouse’s intent to file for divorce marks the beginning of a legal process that can significantly impact your future. In Massachusetts, the act of “being served” is a formal and necessary part of initiating a divorce case. This article explains
Raising a child is a significant financial responsibility, and when parents are not married, it is important to understand their legal rights and obligations regarding child support. In Massachusetts, both parents are legally required to support their child, regardless of their marital status. Whether the parents were in a long-term relationship that has since ended or never intended to stay together,
Alimony, or spousal support, is a financial arrangement ordered by the court to support a lower-earning spouse following a divorce. While alimony agreements are binding, they are not always permanent. Changes in circumstances can warrant revisiting the terms. This article explores when and how alimony can be modified in Massachusetts, the legal requirements for doing so, and examples of common
Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that affects individuals and families across Massachusetts. To protect victims and ensure their safety, the state provides various legal remedies and resources. Understanding these protections is critical for those seeking to escape abusive situations and for individuals navigating related family law matters. This article explores key legal protections, including abuse prevention orders, and explains how domestic
Co-parenting after divorce is crucial for a child’s stability and well-being, with Massachusetts family law providing guidelines to support healthy family dynamics. Court orders related to co-parenting define each parent’s rights and responsibilities, ensuring both contribute to the child’s upbringing even after separation. These legal measures aim to foster collaboration, reduce conflict, and help parents prioritize their children’s best interests.
Kelly & Murstein Family Law, LLC is pleased to announce that the firm’s Partners, Katharine Kelly Heinle and Wendie Murstein, have been selected to the 2024 Massachusetts Super Lawyers list. This is an exclusive list, recognizing no more than five percent of attorneys in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters, is a research-driven, peer influenced rating
When parents are not married and the father’s name is not on the birth certificate, questions often arise about parental rights, especially regarding child relocation. In Massachusetts, family law governs these matters carefully to balance the rights of both parents and protect the best interests of the child. One common and complex question is whether a mother can legally move
Family law orders such as child custody, child support, and alimony are based on the circumstances at the time the order was issued. But life rarely stays the same. When material changes occur—such as a job loss, relocation, or changes in a child’s needs—it may be possible to seek a legal modification to an existing family court order in Massachusetts.
For many spouses, especially those who have spent years managing the household or raising children, the idea of divorce can be overwhelming—not just emotionally, but financially. If you do not have a steady paycheck or control over household finances, the thought of separating from your spouse may come with a fear of being “cut off” or unable to afford basic
Why “Gray Divorce” Is on the Rise Divorce among couples over the age of 50—often referred to as “gray divorce” or “empty nester divorce”—has become increasingly common in recent years. In Massachusetts, many long-married couples are choosing to separate after their children have grown and moved out. Without the shared responsibilities of parenting, some spouses realize their goals, values, and
Being served with divorce papers can be an emotionally jarring experience. Whether expected or not, receiving official notice of a spouse’s intent to file for divorce marks the beginning of a legal process that can significantly impact your future. In Massachusetts, the act of “being served” is a formal and necessary part of initiating a divorce case. This article explains
Raising a child is a significant financial responsibility, and when parents are not married, it is important to understand their legal rights and obligations regarding child support. In Massachusetts, both parents are legally required to support their child, regardless of their marital status. Whether the parents were in a long-term relationship that has since ended or never intended to stay together,
Alimony, or spousal support, is a financial arrangement ordered by the court to support a lower-earning spouse following a divorce. While alimony agreements are binding, they are not always permanent. Changes in circumstances can warrant revisiting the terms. This article explores when and how alimony can be modified in Massachusetts, the legal requirements for doing so, and examples of common
Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that affects individuals and families across Massachusetts. To protect victims and ensure their safety, the state provides various legal remedies and resources. Understanding these protections is critical for those seeking to escape abusive situations and for individuals navigating related family law matters. This article explores key legal protections, including abuse prevention orders, and explains how domestic
Co-parenting after divorce is crucial for a child’s stability and well-being, with Massachusetts family law providing guidelines to support healthy family dynamics. Court orders related to co-parenting define each parent’s rights and responsibilities, ensuring both contribute to the child’s upbringing even after separation. These legal measures aim to foster collaboration, reduce conflict, and help parents prioritize their children’s best interests.
Kelly & Murstein Family Law, LLC is pleased to announce that the firm’s Partners, Katharine Kelly Heinle and Wendie Murstein, have been selected to the 2024 Massachusetts Super Lawyers list. This is an exclusive list, recognizing no more than five percent of attorneys in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters, is a research-driven, peer influenced rating
