Children are the most important factor in parents’ lives. They want to make sure that during divorce proceedings their children are not facing any emotional turmoil. Divorce can be a hard thing for children to wrap their heads around. They may not fully understand the concept of divorce. Either way, they should be reassured that they will have both their parents in their lives to ensure they are happy and healthy. During this time, children can be sensitive and act out against their parents. Depending on their age, their behavior can change due to their level of understanding on what is going on. Parents need to make sure they are still providing for their children. In divorce cases, child custody and child support will be arranged.
Child support can be decided on by a judge after they consider many factors. These factors relate to the child’s health and happiness. Also, the parents’ lives are taken into account to see how much they can provide for the child. Massachusetts judges have to review various factors to determine the best support structure possible for the child. These factors can include a range of aspects that consider each parent’s status and the child’s well-being. These factors consist of the financial status of each parent, each party’s work history and each party’s earning capacity. In addition to this, the income, debt and assets of each parent are considered. The judge can estimate how much each parent can provide for the child financially by looking into all of these factors. The judge considers factors that do not relate to financial means, too. They take into account the amount of time the child spends living with each parent. Since the court needs to decide with the best interests of the child in mind, they consider a variety of factors involving the child. This includes the child’s needs, age, health, education and the cost of providing for the child, including daycare.
During divorce cases where children are involved, the judge will try to rule in the child’s best interests. This is to protect them during this time. The judge considers anything that can affect the child’s stability.
If you require compassionate and knowledgeable legal guidance for a matter of divorce, family or estate law, please contact the experienced attorneys at the Law Offices of Cynthia L. Hanley today. Our firm proudly serves clients in Mansfield, Massachusetts and throughout Bristol County.
