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Couples who are able to work cooperatively toward ending their marriage often hear the term “uncontested divorce.” For spouses seeking a respectful and efficient resolution, understanding this option is essential. At Kelly & Murstein, many clients ask whether an uncontested divorce is appropriate for their situation and how the process works in Massachusetts. This article answers common questions about uncontested divorce
Kelly & Murstein is pleased to announce that Attorney Amanda Shuman will be a featured instructor at the MCLE New England Family Law Mediation Workshop 2026. Attorney Shuman will lead the session “Agreement Writing: Purposes, Pitfalls, and Good Practice,” a critical component of this four-day, 30-hour in-person program starting Monday, February 23, 2026 is designed specifically for attorney mediators and
Meeting Rule 8’s training requirements for mediators MCLE is pleased to present this four-day, thirty-hour Workshop designed specifically for training mediators with knowledge of basic divorce law. ( Print Brochure ) Rule 8 of the Uniform Rules on Dispute Resolution provides system-wide standards for court-connected alternative dispute resolution services in Massachusetts. Rule 8’s guidelines establish training, evaluation, mentoring, and continuing
People often use the terms “separation” and “divorce” interchangeably, but they have very different legal meanings. In Massachusetts, understanding this distinction is essential when evaluating next steps in a marriage. Does Massachusetts Recognize Legal Separation? Massachusetts does not recognize legal separation as a formal legal status. Spouses may live apart, but they remain legally married until a divorce is finalized.
Holiday travel is common during school breaks, but for divorced or separated parents, travel plans can quickly become a source of conflict. Whether a parent wants to visit extended family, travel out of state, or take a vacation with the children, questions often arise about consent, notice, and scheduling. At Kelly & Murstein, Massachusetts family law attorneys regularly help parents address
When life changes after a divorce or family court judgment, the original court orders may no longer fit the needs of the parents or children involved. A modification order is the legal process for updating an existing judgment so it reflects current circumstances. At Kelly & Murstein, many clients seek guidance on when and how to pursue a modification and what the court
For many couples, the marital home is the most valuable property they own and the place where their children have grown up. When divorce becomes inevitable, questions about who will live in the home, both during and after the divorce proceedings, often cause significant stress. In Massachusetts, the marital home is treated like any other property subject to division, but
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
Couples who are able to work cooperatively toward ending their marriage often hear the term “uncontested divorce.” For spouses seeking a respectful and efficient resolution, understanding this option is essential. At Kelly & Murstein, many clients ask whether an uncontested divorce is appropriate for their situation and how the process works in Massachusetts. This article answers common questions about uncontested divorce
Kelly & Murstein is pleased to announce that Attorney Amanda Shuman will be a featured instructor at the MCLE New England Family Law Mediation Workshop 2026. Attorney Shuman will lead the session “Agreement Writing: Purposes, Pitfalls, and Good Practice,” a critical component of this four-day, 30-hour in-person program starting Monday, February 23, 2026 is designed specifically for attorney mediators and
Meeting Rule 8’s training requirements for mediators MCLE is pleased to present this four-day, thirty-hour Workshop designed specifically for training mediators with knowledge of basic divorce law. ( Print Brochure ) Rule 8 of the Uniform Rules on Dispute Resolution provides system-wide standards for court-connected alternative dispute resolution services in Massachusetts. Rule 8’s guidelines establish training, evaluation, mentoring, and continuing
People often use the terms “separation” and “divorce” interchangeably, but they have very different legal meanings. In Massachusetts, understanding this distinction is essential when evaluating next steps in a marriage. Does Massachusetts Recognize Legal Separation? Massachusetts does not recognize legal separation as a formal legal status. Spouses may live apart, but they remain legally married until a divorce is finalized.
Holiday travel is common during school breaks, but for divorced or separated parents, travel plans can quickly become a source of conflict. Whether a parent wants to visit extended family, travel out of state, or take a vacation with the children, questions often arise about consent, notice, and scheduling. At Kelly & Murstein, Massachusetts family law attorneys regularly help parents address
When life changes after a divorce or family court judgment, the original court orders may no longer fit the needs of the parents or children involved. A modification order is the legal process for updating an existing judgment so it reflects current circumstances. At Kelly & Murstein, many clients seek guidance on when and how to pursue a modification and what the court
For many couples, the marital home is the most valuable property they own and the place where their children have grown up. When divorce becomes inevitable, questions about who will live in the home, both during and after the divorce proceedings, often cause significant stress. In Massachusetts, the marital home is treated like any other property subject to division, but
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
