Maintain The Integrity Of Your Family Relationships

Attorney Erica M. Foster believes that the family unit is the primary building block of our society. During times of transition – when you are separating or divorcing – it can be difficult to balance disputes and your child’s best interests without your family dynamics tumbling down like a game of “Jenga.” Erica understands your need for personal attention as you sort through the changes and rebuild your life. She listens carefully to your family’s goals and provides the information you need to make good choices for shaping custody and parenting time agreements. She is committed to helping you confidently maintain the integrity of your family relationships throughout each step of the process.

Child Custody And Parenting Time

In Massachusetts, if the parents are not married, the mother has sole legal and physical custody until a court decides otherwise or a “Voluntary Acknowledgment of Parentage” is signed. Establishing parentage (previously called paternity) the first step to creating a custody settlement.

To reduce emotional stress for the children involved, Erica M. Foster aims to resolve child custody and visitation issues, also known as “parenting time,” in a collaborative fashion. Erica works closely with you and your former partner to design an agreement that meets the needs of your children while accommodating parental circumstances such as finances, occupation and housing. With a history of supporting families, she understands how to minimize conflict and create sustainable custody and parenting time plans that set the stage for harmonious co-parenting through negotiation and mediation.

If your child’s other parent is unwilling to keep your child’s best interests at the helm of these new custody and visitation arrangements, the court may intervene. Attorney Erica M. Foster will be at your side to assertively safeguard the best interests of your child in the courtroom.

Frequently Asked Questions About Child Custody

When your children are involved, nothing is more important than ensuring their future is safe and stable. These questions highlight key custody issues in a Massachusetts divorce.

Is one parent typically awarded custody in Massachusetts divorces, or do both parents share it?

In Massachusetts, the courts generally prefer that both parents stay involved in their children’s lives. This means judges often favor “shared” arrangements for both legal custody (making big decisions about school or doctors) and physical custody (where the child lives). However, every family is different, and a child custody attorney can help you determine if a shared or sole custody arrangement is the right fit for your specific situation.

How does a judge determine the “best interests of the child” during a custody case?

A judge looks at what will keep the child safe, healthy and happy. This includes making sure their physical needs like food and a stable home are met, as well as their educational and emotional needs. The court also looks at who provides daily care and emotional support while ensuring the child is protected from any harm, such as domestic violence or substance abuse. A child custody attorney plays a key role in presenting evidence to the court to show how your parenting plan meets these vital needs.

Can a child choose which parent they want to live with in Massachusetts?

There is no specific age where a child gets to make the final choice. However, as children get older and more mature, a judge may listen to their wishes and take them into account. The court’s main goal is still to decide what is in the child’s best interest, even if that is different from what the child wants at the moment. Working with a child custody attorney helps you navigate these sensitive conversations while focusing on the long-term happiness of your child.

Contact Erica For Personal Attention And Guidance With Your Child Custody Arrangements

Erica has more than three decades of experience helping divorcing and separating couples successfully reshape their family relationships. She will help you keep your child’s best interest at the helm of your decision-making process. She can also assist you with family law issues, including child support, paternity, divorce property division and alimony. Call Erica at 978-605-4105 or click here to complete her online form to initiate your free consultation.