Getting married is one of the biggest decisions that you’ll ever make. Which is why when you get married, you want to be sure that it’s the right choice. Unfortunately, some people almost immediately regret the marriage and want to find a way to undo it. In a small number of cases, an annulment may…
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When a person is unable to care for themselves or manage their affairs on their own, the court may appoint a guardian, a conservator, or both. Guardianship and conservatorship in Massachusetts are both large legal responsibilities that require an understanding of each role’s expectations. If you are applying to be a guardian or conservator, please…
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Being the victim of violence is terrifying, especially if the violent person is someone living in your household or with whom you have an intimate relationship. At the Law Office of Heather M. Ward, we want you to know that you are not alone—there are resources for victims of domestic violence. One way to protect…
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Most teenagers aren’t considered adults until they reach the age of 18 and, even at this time, many still rely on their parents for financial support, decision-making support, or both. While the age of majority may be 18—which is the legal age at which a child becomes an adult—there are some situations in which a…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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