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Massachusetts Child Support for Unmarried Parents

Ensuring that a child receives financial support is essential, regardless of the parents’ marital status. In Massachusetts, both parents have a legal obligation to contribute to their child’s financial needs, whether they were married or not. For unmarried parents, obtaining child support can be a complex process that involves establishing paternity, calculating support obligations, and enforcing court orders when necessary. Understanding the legal process can help custodial parents secure the financial assistance their child is entitled to. Establishing Paternity: The First Step Before child support can be ordered, paternity must be legally established. Massachusetts law provides multiple ways for unmarried parents to confirm paternity. The most straightforward method is signing a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (VAP) at the hospital when the child is born or at a later time through the Registry of Vital Records. This document legally recognizes the father and grants him rights and responsibilities toward the child. If there is any dispute about paternity, either parent can file a petition with the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court to request a court-ordered DNA test. Establishing paternity not only allows a custodial parent to seek child support but also ensures the child can benefit from parental health insurance, inheritance rights, and other legal protections. How Child Support is Calculated in Massachusetts Massachusetts follows the Child Support Guidelines, which provide a framework for calculating support based on both parents’ incomes and other financial circumstances. Factors considered in the calculation include: The gross income of both parents. The number of children requiring support. The amount of parenting time each parent spends

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Division of Marital Assets in Massachusetts: Protecting Your Financial Interests

One of the most critical aspects of divorce proceedings is the division of marital assets. In this article, we provide helpful and informative content on how Massachusetts law handles the division of marital assets and how you can protect your financial interests during this process. Understanding Marital Assets Before we delve into the division process, it’s essential to understand what constitutes marital assets. In Massachusetts, marital assets are generally considered to be any property or debts acquired during the course of the marriage. This includes real estate, bank accounts, retirement funds, investments, businesses, vehicles, and personal belongings, among others. However, it’s crucial to note that not all assets are automatically considered marital. Assets obtained before the marriage, inheritances, and gifts specifically given to one spouse are typically considered separate property and may not be subject to division. Nevertheless, commingling of separate and marital assets can complicate matters, making it crucial to seek professional advice to distinguish between the two. Equitable Distribution in Massachusetts Massachusetts follows the principle of “equitable distribution” when dividing marital assets. This means that assets are not necessarily divided 50/50 but in a manner deemed fair and just by the court. In determining what is equitable, the court considers various factors, including: Length of the Marriage: The duration of the marriage can influence how assets are divided. Longer marriages may result in a more even distribution. Contribution to the Marriage: The court assesses the financial and non-financial contributions of each spouse to the marriage. Contributions can include

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