The Financial Statement is a court required form that each party must complete in order to move forward in a divorce or paternity proceeding. This statement has been separated into two different forms. The Short Form is to be completed when making less than $75,000 a year, whereas the long form is to be completed if you make over $75,000 a year.
Due to federal mandate, the Massachusetts Probate & Family Court revisits the Child Support Guidelines every four years. Through the utilization of a Task Force appointed by the Chief Justice, the court is able to discuss and make any necessary changes to the existing Guidelines. These guidelines, though imperfect, are imperative in ensuring that children are financially cared for by their parents.
Consult with an attorney as early as possible. Locate an attorney who practices in the Probate & Family Court in your county. The lawyer should be very familiar with the judges at your county’s Probate & Family courthouse.
Paternity is not automatically established unless the biological parents are married when the child is born. This is true even when the parents are currently residing together. It is essential for parents to establish paternity as soon as possible so that the child has a legal father.
People often try to avoid legal expenses by drafting estate planning documents on their own. They may not realize the expense they actually create for those they leave behind, as well as the disappointment that their loved ones may feel when they do not receive the share of the property that they expected.
Managing a co-parenting relationship can be difficult for parents, even more so during a global pandemic. However, despite these unprecedented times, parents must keep in mind that existing parenting orders are not stayed due to Covid-19. Meaning, that any custody order set in motion by the court carries just as much weight and authority as it did before the pandemic.
