Parenting, Custody & Child-Related Matters
Helping Families Navigate the Decisions That Matter Most
When children are involved, family law matters often become the most emotional and challenging issues a parent will face. Decisions regarding custody, parenting time, child support, guardianship, or relocation can have a lasting impact on both parents and children. My role is to help clients navigate these matters with thoughtful guidance while keeping their children’s best interests at the forefront.
Every family is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Whether you are establishing parenting arrangements for the first time, resolving a dispute, or addressing a complex issue involving guardianship or grandparent visitation, I provide practical advice and strong advocacy tailored to your family’s unique circumstances.
Whenever possible, I work to help parents reach durable agreements that promote stability and reduce conflict. When litigation becomes necessary, I am prepared to advocate effectively in court while remaining focused on achieving outcomes that serve both my clients and their children.
My Approach
Every divorce requires more than simply knowing the law. It requires careful preparation, sound judgment, and an understanding that no two families—or financial situations—are alike.
Whenever possible, I work to resolve disputes through thoughtful negotiation and practical problem-solving. When settlement is not in my client’s best interests, I am fully prepared to advocate in court. My goal is always to help clients make informed decisions while protecting what matters most.
Matters I Handle
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Divorce
While you are not required to have an attorney, custody disputes often involve complex legal and factual issues with long-term consequences for both parents and children. Obtaining experienced legal advice can help you understand your rights, evaluate your options, and develop a strategy that protects your family’s interests.
No. Massachusetts law does not favor one parent over the other based on gender. Custody decisions are based on the child’s best interests and the specific facts of each case.
A child’s wishes may be considered depending on the child’s age, maturity, and the circumstances of the case. However, the child’s preference is only one factor among many, and the court’s ultimate responsibility is determining what arrangement serves the child’s best interests.
Massachusetts law does not presume that one custody arrangement is appropriate for every family. The court’s primary consideration is always the child’s best interests.
Legal custody involves the authority to make major decisions regarding a child’s upbringing, including education and healthcare. Physical custody determines where the child lives and how parenting time is shared between the parents.
Massachusetts courts determine custody based on the child’s best interests after considering the unique circumstances of each family. The court evaluates numerous factors rather than applying a single formula.
Yes. Child support may be established regardless of whether the parents were married. Child support issues frequently arise in paternity, custody, and parenting matters involving unmarried parents.
Parents are expected to comply with existing child support orders. If a parent willfully fails to pay court-ordered child support, a Complaint for Contempt may be an appropriate legal remedy to enforce the order.
If your income or parenting arrangements have changed, you may be able to seek a Child Support Modification. I help clients evaluate whether a modification is appropriate and guide them through the legal process.
The duration of child support depends on the child’s age, educational status, and other circumstances recognized under Massachusetts law. Every case is unique, and determining when child support ends requires an analysis of the applicable law and the specific facts of your case.
Not necessarily. Parenting time is one factor considered under the Child Support Guidelines, but equal parenting time does not automatically eliminate a child support obligation.
Yes. While the Guidelines apply in most cases, the court has the authority to deviate from them when permitted by law and supported by the facts of a particular case.
In appropriate circumstances, yes. Massachusetts courts may address post-secondary educational expenses, including college costs, depending on the facts of the case and the applicable law.
Depending on the circumstances, income may include wages, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, business income, rental income, investment income, overtime, and other sources of income recognized under Massachusetts law.
Child support is generally calculated using the Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines. The calculation considers factors such as each parent’s income, parenting time, health insurance costs, childcare expenses, and other relevant financial information.
