Not every state chooses to, but some do tax Social Security benefits. In 2022 the average check for a single beneficiary will rise from $1,565 to $1,657. This gives claimants an extra $92 per month. The COLA rose by 5.9% in an effort to help offset inflation prices...
Month: December 2021
What to do if Your Massachusetts Landlord Refuses to Make Repairs
Here are the options available to a Massachusetts tenant if the landlord refuses to make necessary repairs. 1. Withhold Rent One way to get your Massachusetts landlord to fix bad conditions is to withhold all or some of your rent until the landlord actually makes the...
Have You Been Denied Unemployment Benefits in Massachusetts?
Some states are making it easier for Americans to collect unemployment benefits if they’re fired for being unvaccinated against Covid-19. The governors of Florida, Iowa, Kansas and Tennessee signed laws in recent weeks that change eligibility rules for jobless...
How Does Child Support Get to the Massachusetts Custodial Parent?
When the Massachusetts probate court makes a child support order, it also orders that the child support payments be made by "income assignment" through the Department of Revenue. This means that the employer of the person paying child support deducts the child support...
Massachusetts Child Support for Children 18 – 22 Year Olds
The Massachusetts court can make orders for support, maintenance, and education for children between 18 and 21, if they live with their parent and are mainly dependent on that parent for their maintenance. The court can also make these orders for 21 and 22 year olds...
Massachusetts Child Support and Parenting Time or Visitation Are Not Connected
As a general rule, there is no connection between paying child support in Massachusetts and parenting time or visitation rights. The court orders parenting time or visitation when it is in the best interest of the child. Paying child support does not automatically...
Massachusetts Child Support Order Must Include Health Care Insurance
A Massachusetts child support order must include health care coverage. Parents can: Provide health care coverage through their employer. Buy health care coverage on their own. Get health care coverage for their children through MassHealth. Give the court a written...
Divorced Massachusetts Parents Going to Court Over Covid-19 Vaccines For Their Children
For many Massachusetts separated or divorced parents, the COVID-19 vaccine for children isn't a relief, but rather another source of co-parenting contention. That's certainly the case for Jillian, a 32-year-old mom of three living in Washington State. She's eager to...
When May Your Massachusetts Landlord Enter Your Apartment
Many Massachusetts landlords think that they can let themselves into your apartment any time they want. This is not true. Your landlord must have your permission to enter. If you do not give your landlord permission to enter: the landlord can enter if there are terms...
If We Do Not Marry in Massachusetts, Who Gets the Engagement Ring?
If you are engaged, but haven't married your fiancé in Massachusetts: You may be able to keep your engagement ring, or Your fiancé may be able to get it back. It all depends on what happened. It depends on why you did not get married. Your fiancé may be able to get...