Expert Advice When You Need It Most

Kristen Mara's Answers

Kristen Mara
Northampton Intellectual Property Law Attorney.
Contributor Level 6

4

Attorney answers:

  1. Bernadette Stark
  2. Kristen Mara
  3. Henry Lebensbaum
  4. Kelly A. Broadbent

How do I go about getting child support for my two daughters?

Asked by a user in Northampton, MA - over 2 years ago.

You are still entitled to child support despite the fact that your ex has had a reduction in work hours. If you have a Court order he has to continue to pay unless he files a Modification. If he fails to pay child support as ordered, you can file a Complaint for Contempt. From the information you provided, it sounds like you do not presently have a Court order. If that's the case, you may want to consider filing a Complaint for Separate Support to establish an order for child support that...

1

Attorney answers:

  1. Kristen Mara

How much does it cost to change a child's last name in springfield mass?

Asked by a user in Springfield, MA - over 2 years ago.

The filing fee for a Change of Name Petition is $150, plus a $15.00 surcharge. You will also have to pay for the publication of your petition in the local newspaper and obtain a certified copy of your child's birth certificate, which may require payment of a small fee.

3

Attorney answers:

  1. Kelly A. Broadbent
  2. Henry Lebensbaum
  3. Kristen Mara

My x is taking me back for a modification in Ma for addl. child support.My income has not risen over 20%.(actually decreased)

Asked by a user in Springfield, MA - over 2 years ago.

The standard for modification is a material change in circumstance of the parties since entry of the prior order or judgment. Some changes that can justify an increase of a financial order include an increase in your income, a decrease in your ex’s income or an increase in your ex’s needs. It’s your ex’s burden to show/prove that a material change of circumstance exists. If one or both of you are pro se (w/o attorneys) you will meet with probation services first. Be sure to bring a copy of...

1

Attorney answers:

  1. Kristen Mara

Name change after marriage.

Asked by a user in Hyannis, MA - over 2 years ago.

Changing your last name to that of your Husband is easy enough. You need to file a Petition for Change of Name with a certified copy of your birth certificate. Your spouse will need to sign the form too. You can download the form for Barnstable county here: http://barnstablecountypfc.com/Departments/Change%20of%20Name.htm. The Court will require public notice of the name change and if there are no objections after a period of time, the change will be allowed. Changing the last of name...