While the laws that affect family formation, marriage and divorce are often made at the state level, there are also many policies and laws at the federal level that affect families and children.  Just some examples from recent years that have impacted families in my mediation practice include changes to the federal tax laws (such as  the elimination of the alimony tax deduction ) and U.S. Supreme Court rulings on same sex marriage and reproductive health rights.  In just over a month, the United States presidential election will have a significant impact on these federal policies going forward, and could choose the next appointments to the U.S. Supreme Court as well. In 2016 and 2020 we shared what each presidential platform said about families and policy regarding family formation and dissolution, and below we'll provide you an update on the 2024 presidential platforms.  As Maya Angelou said, "When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time."...

When completing the Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines Worksheet , many people are surprised by the resulting amount.  The court treats the worksheet amount as presumptive, which means that the amount in the worksheet is likely to be ordered by the court unless there is a good reason to deviate.  A common question in mediation between parents (both married and unmarried) is: If we agree to a different child support amount than the worksheet (or no child support at all), can we opt out or agree to a different child support than the guidelines suggests? The short answer is: sometimes.   In order to receive a Judgment from the court (whether in a divorce or an action between unmarried parents), the court requires the filing of the Child Support Guidelines worksheet.  However, there is a list of deviation factors in the Guidelines that the court can consider for ordering a number different than the worksheet.   When people are proposing a deviation tha...