Salem Visitation Attorney
There are two types of child custody:
- Legal custody, which concerns decision-making authority for your child's medical care, religious upbringing, education and general well-being
- Physical custody, which is where the child lives
Joint legal custody is the norm in Massachusetts. However, until recently courts normally awarded primary physical child custody to the mother. The father typically had visitation on alternate weekends, alternate holidays, one night during the week and an extended period of time during the summer. This is changing as more and more fathers seek joint physical custody of children.
At The Law Offices of Judith A. Wayne & Associates, we help clients negotiate child custody and visitation agreements throughout the Boston North Shore and metro areas of Massachusetts. We have nearly 35 years of experience helping families work through difficult issues, and we are ready to do the same for you.
Understanding Massachusetts Child Custody Rules
A joint physical custody arrangement affects not only the amount of time you spend with your child, but also the amount of child support you either pay or receive. Before you agree to any child custody arrangement, you should discuss your case with a competent and experienced child custody lawyer.
In Massachusetts, the courts must consider the best interests of the child when making custody determinations. When a child is older than 14, the court will likely allow the child's input to hold great weight. While sole physical custodial arrangements were rare in the past, they are certainly becoming more accepted by the Massachusetts courts so long as both parents can communicate about the best interests of the child.
Child custody modifications
Child custody and visitation arrangements can be changed after divorce if there is a substantial change in circumstances. Examples of a change in circumstances include relocation, illness or loss of employment of the custodial parent, the child's performance at school or any other change that affects the child's well-being.
Attorney consultation
To discuss your child custody case with an experienced lawyer, call The Law Offices of Judith A. Wayne & Associates at 800-879-5503 or contact us online. We have locations in Lynn, Salem, Newburyport and Malden for your convenience. Nous parlons Francais.
