Seeking a name change is something that many people do throughout their life, and for various reasons. For example, you may need to change the name of an adopted child; may choose to change your last name as a result of a marriage or a divorce; or may want to change your first, last, or…
Raising a child is a responsibility that is rife with both challenges and innumerable rewards. For some, raising a child may be the most important and significant thing that they ever do. Of course, there are many different ways to have a strong influence over a child’s life, shaping and guiding it. For some, becoming…
When pursuing a divorce, there are dozens of different things to think about. Where will each party live? How will property and debts be divided? Who will get custody of the kids? Will you maintain the same friend group? What else will change?
While mothers are automatically granted parental rights in Massachusetts and immediately incur the rights and responsibilities bestowed to parents as such, the same is not true for fathers. In fact, unless parents are married at the time of a child’s birth, then paternity must be established through one of two ways. Establishing paternity is critical…
Many couples know that their relationship is over—and perhaps even live separately—for many months or years before they file for a divorce. In some situations, couples may even be separated and back in the dating game, despite the fact that their divorce is pending. While dating again after your separation may feel completely natural, it’s…
When couples are going through a divorce, there are many things that must be resolved before the divorce can be finalized. One important issue to resolve is that of property and asset division. Couples are encouraged to work together to reach an agreement, although the court will intervene if an agreement cannot be reached. Unfortunately,…
Divorce is a decision that no one comes to easily, especially parents with children. For parents, choosing to get divorced can be particularly excruciating, and telling the kids about the divorce can be heartbreaking. While divorce can take an emotional toll on children, having the right conversations with children at the right time can help…
Divorce is always complex, even when parties are in agreement about the divorce and pursue it jointly. When one party is incarcerated, the process of filing for divorce can be especially confusing. If you’re divorcing an incarcerated spouse in Massachusetts, our divorce attorney at the Law Office of Heather M. Ward can help. Please call…
Having a child and being a parent is a beautiful thing. While no parent wants to think about it, planning for the slim possibility that something happens to both you and your spouse, leaving your child parentless, is important. At the Law Office of Heather M. Ward, we can work with you to name a…
For divorcing parents, reaching an agreement about child custody is a key part of finalizing a divorce settlement. After a divorce, though, one parent may want to relocate to a new city or state, potentially impacting each parent’s current time spent with the child, and potentially breaching the child custody agreement. If you or your…