Legal Blog - Children

Putting together a Massachusetts parenting plan, formally called a child custody/visitation schedule, can be a very difficult process. There are only so many hours in the day and both parents generally want to spend as much of their free time with their child(ren) as possible. Additionally, both par…

It is important for divorced parents to be aware of the specific challenges and benefits that children of divorced parents experience when applying for financial aid. Families are required to complete a Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) when applying for federal subsidized loans and Pell gran…

Child Exemption – IRS form 8332 – During tax season, parents with a Massachusetts child support order frequently ask me whether or not they can claim their child on their taxes. The IRS rule is that the custodial parent has the right to claim the exemption. This is the default rule, but it i…

…

The Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines effective January 1, 2009 have supporters and opponents. The payors argue that after payment of child support there is not enough money left for his or her own needs and the payees argue that they need additional money to support the child(ren). For both th…