Koiles Pratt Family Law Group
Child Custody
As a parent, your child’s well-being is your number one priority. So when facing a divorce, the question that often looms largest is, “What will happen to my kids?” This concern is one that can keep you up at night, stirring a mix of fear, confusion, and endless ‘what-ifs.’ Let’s…
Read MoreCreating a custody arrangement is a bit easier during the school year since the kids are out of the house for so many hours each day. When summer comes, parents often forget how much planning they need to adapt to with the kids being home every day. Summertime custody mistakes…
Read MoreAlthough the tax exemptions for dependents have been discontinued, the tax code still offers numerous tax benefits for those who can claim a child as a dependent on their tax return. So, when parents divorce, who gets to claim their child? Can they share the child for tax purposes just…
Read MoreCourts in Massachusetts generally presume the happiness and welfare of children is best preserved when they maintain a relationship with both parents. However, that does not mean courts favor joint custody arrangements. In fact, Mass. Gen. Law ch. 208, §31 specifically states that there is no presumption in favor of shared custody. …
Read MoreParents who want to minimize the stress and disruption for their children during divorce in Massachusetts often consider adopting a strategy known as birdnesting. In this technique, the divorcing couple maintains the family home for the children and they alternate taking turns residing in the home and living elsewhere. Is…
Read MoreNew child support guidelines take effect in Massachusetts on October 4, 2021. The new standards will apply to every child support order and judgment entered starting on that date and going forward. What do the new guidelines include? How could they affect your situation? Here’s a brief overview of the changes. Why…
Read MoreDuring heated custody cases, disgruntled ex-spouses may throw around the phrase “unfit parent.” If you are in the midst of a divorce or custody battle involving minor children, you should understand the legal standard for parental “unfitness” in Massachusetts. What Is Parental Unfitness in Massachusetts? The state of Massachusetts has…
Read MoreA child custody schedule in Massachusetts is determined by the “best interests of the child” standard. While there is no set standard for what is in the best interests of a child since every case is different, several factors will weigh into the court’s consideration when determining the best custody…
Read MoreDoes infidelity impact the divorce process? While adultery can cause an emotional upheaval for a divorcing couple, it may not significantly affect the process of a no-fault divorce in Massachusetts. However, there are ways infidelity can make a legal impact on divorce in certain circumstances. Moreover, adultery can provide grounds…
Read MoreIt’s a common assumption that mothers usually get custody of the children when parents split. But this isn’t always the case in Massachusetts, where both mothers and fathers have equal rights in child custody cases. While it can be somewhat challenging for fathers to gain custody in certain situations, working…
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