Expert Advice When You Need It Most

Jo Ann Citron's Guides

Jo Ann Citron
Newton Upper Falls Child Custody Lawyer.
Contributor Level 8

De Facto Parents in Massachusetts

Written by attorney Jo Citron, 7 months ago.

DE FACTO PARENTS People other than legal parents sometimes play such an important role in a childs life that they achieve something approaching parental status. The law often acknowledges such adults using terms like equitable parent, functional parent, or psychological parent, d...

Co-parent Adoption in Massachusetts

Written by attorney Jo Citron, 7 months ago.

LEGAL PARENTS AND LEGAL STRANGERS Biological and adoptive parents are legal parents. They are generally entitled to legal custody (the right to make major life decisions for a child in the areas of health, education, and moral instruction) and physical custody (the right to provi...

Unmarried Cohabitants in Massachusetts: Be Careful!

Written by attorney Jo Citron, 7 months ago.

ONCE UPON A TIME . . . Chuck and Beth moved onto a farm that Beth owned.The farmhouse was primitive with no indoor plumbing, no central heat, and no insulation.The couple made improvements with a mortgage and an unsecured note for which they were jointly liable.They deposited the...

Relocation Law in Massachusetts: An Overview

Written by attorney Jo Citron, 7 months ago.

Massachusetts' removal statute (M.G.L. c. 208, sec. 30) may not be removed from the Commonwealth unless both parents consent or the court orders otherwise upon "good cause shown." "Good cause" means simply that the move must be in the child's best interest. Yet there is nothing s...