Under Massachusetts Law, the Child Support Guidelines must be reviewed every
four (4) years by a task force to determine whether any revisions are required to usher in a fairer way of apportioning family expenses, including but not limited to child care, health care and college.
2017 Changes to the Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines
Cries of a Massachusetts Child; Parents Misinterpret
One of the most frequent concerns divorced Massachusetts parents express in
custody disputes is that when their child is supposed to spend time with the other parent, the child cries or clings or sometimes "begs" not to be made to go. The parent generally interprets the child's behavior to mean that the child hates to spend time with the other parent. Sometimes they interpret the behavior to mean the other parent is abusive, or at least incompetent, as a parent. In fact, there are many possible reasons why children resist going from one parent to the other. 1. The children may really not want to spend time with the other parent, sometimes for good reason. But, this is actually quite rare. 2. The children may want to spend time with the other parent but not want to leave the parent they're with. It is common for human beings to simultaneously desire two, mutually exclusive results. We often wish we could eat our cake and have it too. Children are no different. In fact, most children really want to be with both parents and not to leave either. Their favorite fantasy is that their parents would get back together. 3. The children may be sensing non-verbal cues from the parent they are leaving that she or he is sad when the children leave. The children maybe reflecting the parent's feelings, not expressing their own. 4. The children may believe it pleases the parent for them to be sad about leaving. The children may be telling the parent what they think the parent wants to hear. 5. The children may simply find changing from one parent's home to the other uncomfortable. This is usually a temporary upset. Some children welcome change. Others have a more difficult time with it. Parents ought not jump to conclusions when a child resists parenting time. One suggestion is that these parents choose a counselor to help them (the children and the parents) sort out what is really troubling them. Just as important as figuring out the children's true concerns is finding solutions to the problem. The first solution many parents propose is to stop parenting time. That is almost never the best answer, and the counselor can also help the parents devise ways for the children to comfortably spend time in both homes. Often it is the parents who need to learn new skills such as how to give their children sincere permission to feel and express love for both parents.
Massachusetts Tenants Have a Right to a Decent Place to Live
All Massachusetts tenants have a right to a decent, safe, and sanitary place to
live. In Massachusetts, there are primarily four sources of law that give tenants this right:
Dangers of Posting Massachusetts Kids Pictures!
We often agonize about the technology expectations we have for our Massachusetts 
kids, but what rules do our children want for us?
Massachusetts Defendants: Don't Bother Avoiding Process Servers!
Many people think they can avoid a Massachusetts action for divorce by avoiding a process server. After all,
a Massachusetts divorce can't officially commence until the defendant has been given proper notice.
Massachusetts Landlords: Don't Get Into Hot Water With Your Tenant!
Many Massachusetts landlords are unaware that before charging tenants for hot
water and sewer service, they must comply with the requirements of the Massachusetts Water Sewer Sub-Metering Law.
How to Manage a Child's Medical Care After Massachusetts Divorce
In a Massachusetts divorce, it is crucial that parents handle medical care decisions
for their children with attention and clarity to ensure that they continue to receive the treatment they need.
Reasons Massachusetts Landlords May Evict Tenants
Massachusetts landlords may only evict tenants for the following reasons:
- Non-payment of rent
- Violations of lease provisions
- Nuisance/damage to unit
- Illegal activity such as drug use
- Refusal to agree to lease extension or renewal
- Failure to provide access
- Subtenant not approved by landlord
- Landlord requires premises for housing for family member
- Post-foreclosure and occupant refuses to pay fair market rent
Whether you are a tenant or landlord faced with an eviction problem, contact the Law Offices of Renee Lazar at 978-844-4095 to schedule a FREE one hour no obligation consultation to learn of your rights.
Text Slang All Massachusetts Parents Should Know
Written communication among Massachusetts kids and teens today has morphed into such a
confusing mixture of acronyms and emojis that it can almost make hieroglyphics more easily understood.
Men Are Aggressively Pursuing Alimony During a Massachusetts Divorce
Alimony which is also called spousal support in Massachusetts used to be 
a common factor in a divorce, and it was usually awarded to wives.
Massachusetts Tenants May File a Counterclaim Against Landlord During Eviction
Massachusetts tenants in eviction ("summary process") cases have the option of
suing the landlord who is trying to evict them, in an action known as a counterclaim. A counterclaim, is a lawsuit brought against the party who first filed the lawsuit. Counterclaims are permitted in eviction cases brought for a tenant's failure to pay rent or a no-fault eviction. Counterclaims are not permitted for cause evictions (ex. violating the terms of a lease).
Massachusetts Divorce: It's a Business Deal, So Keep Emotions Out of It!
Ending a Massachusetts marriage can be painful and emotionally difficult. In fact,
many parties experience depression, anxiety, grief, anger, and stress while going through the divorce process.
Tenants: How to Handle Unsafe Conditions in Your Massachusetts Apartment
Unsafe conditions in a Massachusetts apartment is an unfortunate reality for many tenants and
landlords owning rental property. Buildings by nature get old and need repair, and despite the efforts of even the best landlords, unsafe conditions in an apartment can arise.
Contentious Divorce May Impact Massachusetts Kids' Immune Systems
Years of study, observation, and information have shown that children may be at
risk for mental and emotional issues if their parents go through a Massachusetts divorce. Now, more recent information is suggesting that the negative effect is more a product of a contentious divorce, and not just a divorce itself. A new study backs this recent revelation; it suggests that bitter divorce could negatively impact a child's immune system, perhaps for the rest of their lives. Thankfully, there are ways that parents can reduce this risk. The following information explains how.
Massachusetts Divorce Preferable to a Marriage Without Love
Infographic: 6 Types of Massachusetts Bosses and How to Work With Them
From a visionary to a commander, there are different types of bosses. By understanding the leadership style of your manager, you'll be able to work with them better and create a path for success.
ABLE Accounts for the Disabled Available in Massachusetts
Types of Reasonable Accommodations Available to Massachusetts Employees
Lack Funds to Fight Your Massachusetts Divorce? Divorce Finance Could Be The Solution
As the Massachusetts divorce process begins, it's not uncommon for the spouse with the financial power during the marriage to declare war against their former partner by cutting off credit cards, hiding assets and hiring the most litigious attorney. This could send their estranged partner into a financial and emotional tailspin.
Does a Military Career Increase Your Chances of Divorcing in Massachusetts?
According to a recent analysis, workers in certain fields are seeing higher divorce rates by age 30. The highest divorce rate was for first-line enlisted military supervisors. They had a divorce rate of 30%. The occupation involves leading operations and coordinating the activities of enlisted military personnel.
