Summer is finally here.  The air is humid, the sunblock is out, and it's finally time for vacations and school break.  But enjoying summer too much has its consequences.  Our  Summer Lovin'  series is about those consequences for Unmarried Parents in Massachusetts: Summer Lovin' Series #4: How do Unmarried Parents pay for their Child's Expenses? There are many expenses involved in raising a child, starting with the costs of pregnancy and continuing all the way through college.  When unmarried parents can't agree on how they will divide their child's expenses, then the court can make certain orders regarding support. The court can order parents to pay child support, extracurricular activities, health insurance, uninsured medical costs, birthing and pregnancy costs, and even education and college expenses. Child Support is typically paid by the non-custodial parent to the custodial parent for the support of the child. To obtain a court order fo...

Summer is finally here.  The air is humid, the sunblock is out, and it's finally time for vacations and school break.  But enjoying summer too much has its consequences.  Our Summer Lovin' series is about those consequences for Unmarried Parents in Massachusetts: Summer Lovin' Series #1: Unmarried Parents with a Baby on the Way! Unmarried parents who are separated can still plan for the baby's arrival together.  This planning should include how to pay for the expenses of the pregnancy and birth, and how to pay for the expenses of the child once he or she arrives.  In addition, for parents who are living apart, they should begin to consider a reasonable parenting plan for when the baby arrives. A Parenting Plan is a comprehensive agreement which sets out both the time that children will spend with each parent as well as the rights and obligations of each parent to the children and the other parent during their parenting time. It can include a holiday...