⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best Divorce Lawyer in Boston
Robert represented me through a complex divorce case. He was able to take over mid-course and correct errors made by my previous attorney and achieved an outcome that was about as good as could be expected for me and my family. Because, my ex did not get the result she hoped for she spent the next 5 years continually returning to the court seeking modifications. Robert and Brenda worked doggedly and finally were able to get an unmodifiable final agreement that provided for my children while allowing me to get on with my life.
- — ANONYMOUS —
BOSTON FAMILY LAW AND DIVORCE LAWYER
Family law
is a broad category that includes divorce, custody, adoptions, child support, parenting plans, paternity, visitation, and more. You will find that Attorney Carpenter provides aggressive and skilled representation to his clients in these areas.
Child Custody
Custody can be sole legal, sole physical, shared legal and shared physical, dependent upon many circumstances, agreements, or findings of the court after a trial. A skilled family law attorney can secure the type of custody that is in the best interest of the child.
Paternity
When parents are unmarried, mothers are presumed to have custody until paternity has been adjudicated. For help obtaining a paternity adjudication. Child support and parenting plans can be ordered in paternity cases. Attorney Carpenter has assisted many clients, both mothers and fathers, in the request for parenting plans and child support orders.
Custody and Parenting Plans
Attorney Carpenter will assist you in making your petition for legal, shared, or sole, and sole or shared physical custody and appropriate parenting plans. Such determination may be made with the assistance of a Guardian ad Litem and/or ARC attorneys appointed for the children.
Child Support
Child support is calculated using standard guidelines based on the income of the parents, costs of medical insurance and child care expenses. Massachusetts Department of Revenue oversees child support collection and enforcement of Probate and Family Court Orders if you wish to use their services. Failure to pay a child support order can result in a contempt order, loss of licenses, job search, and/or incarceration.
Alimony
Alimony is support given to one party in a divorce. It may be temporary or long term, as defined by a Court order, or now modified, according to the Alimony and Reform Act of 2012. Like Child Support, Alimony is formula based for those who qualify. Attorney Carpenter can use experts, such as forensic accountants, to determine an individual’s income stream and ability to pay alimony, or to reduce/modify alimony payments if you suffer a job loss or retire. Attorney Carpenter has obtained favorable alimony awards and reductions for clients.
Modifications
are filed when there is a substantial change of circumstance in terms of custody, child support and/or parenting plans and are allotted for in the Divorce Agreement/Judgment. Property Division is never modifiable.
Adoption
can happen for any number of reasons and is generally the only happy process in the Probate and Family Courts.
Contested vs Uncontested Divorce
Divorces can be agreed upon or contested.
Divorce Law
No one wants a divorce, but having a skilled, aggressive, experienced attorney can make this difficult process a bit easier. Attorney Carpenter provides free consultations, and after a thorough interview, you will have an action plan highlighting what needs to be done to accomplish your wishes and goals. Bring your tax returns, pay stubs, retirement accounts, and any other documents you think is necessary to your free initial consultation.
Pre-nuptial/Post-nuptial Agreements
The agreement highlights the property of each party prior to a marriage, the distribution of assets accrued during the marriage and award of alimony, if any, under named conditions.
Contempt
If a party does not adhere to the agreement or judgement, the court may find the disobeying party in contempt and enforce the order.
Property Division
At the end of a divorce, all property is divested equitably in Massachusetts, which doesn’t mean equally. Experts may be needed to determine the value of real property, businesses, retirement, and other property of the marriage.
Grandparents Rights
Grandparents rights in Massachusetts are strictly limited to those who have been previously involved in the health, safety, and welfare of the child. In many cases, grandparents step up and become legal guardians of their grandchildren when the parents cannot care for their children. Attorney Carpenter has successfully obtained guardianship for many Massachusetts grandparents.
Restraining Orders
Restraining Orders can be issued by the Probate and Family Court or by the District Court in cases where there is domestic violence and abuse. Discuss with Attorney Carpenter if you think you need a temporary restraining order before obtaining one, or a permanent restraining order at the conclusion of your case.
Department of Children and Families
are often involved where abuse has occurred, Juvenile Court may also be involved.
Guardian ad Litem
(GAL) are appointed to investigate case matters for the Judge.
Name Changes
Law Offices of Robert W. Carpenter
Our Location