Briones Law Group

Briones Law Group We provide strong and reliable representation with a concentration in personal injury, probate and family and criminal matters.

Child support plays an important role in helping children receive financial support from both parents after a divorce, s...
06/03/2026

Child support plays an important role in helping children receive financial support from both parents after a divorce, separation, or custody matter. When a parent fails to make required child support payments, the consequences can become serious quickly. Massachusetts courts and state agencies have several enforcement tools available to collect unpaid support and hold nonpaying parents accountable.

Whether the missed payments are intentional or caused by financial hardship, it is important for parents to understand how unpaid child support is handled under Massachusetts law.

Child Support Orders Are Legally Enforceable

Once a Massachusetts court issues a child support order, the payments become a legal obligation. The parent ordered to pay support must continue making payments unless the order is formally modified by the court.
#​Divorce

Child support plays an important role in helping children receive financial support from both parents after a divorce, separation, or custody matter. When a par

After an accident, many injured people hesitate to contact a personal injury attorney because they immediately picture a...
06/03/2026

After an accident, many injured people hesitate to contact a personal injury attorney because they immediately picture a stressful courtroom battle, years of litigation, or the possibility of testifying at trial. In reality, most personal injury cases resolve through settlement rather than a full trial.

While every case is different, the majority of Massachusetts personal injury claims are resolved before a jury ever becomes involved. Understanding how the process typically works can help reduce some of the fear and uncertainty people often feel after suffering a serious injury.

After an accident, many injured people hesitate to contact a personal injury attorney because they immediately picture a stressful courtroom battle, years of li

Child support orders in Massachusetts are based on the financial circumstances of both parents at the time the order is ...
05/06/2026

Child support orders in Massachusetts are based on the financial circumstances of both parents at the time the order is issued. But life changes—and when a parent loses a job or experiences a significant reduction in income, the existing child support order may no longer be realistic.

The short answer is yes, child support can be modified after a job loss. However, it is not automatic, and the process requires taking the right legal steps.

What Qualifies as a Change in Circumstances for Child Support Modification?

In Massachusetts, a parent must show a material and substantial change in circumstances to modify an existing child support order. A job loss is one of the most common reasons for seeking a modification.

Child support orders in Massachusetts are based on the financial circumstances of both parents at the time the order is issued. But life changes—and when a pa

After a divorce or custody order is in place, one parent may consider relocating for a new job, family support, or a fre...
04/03/2026

After a divorce or custody order is in place, one parent may consider relocating for a new job, family support, or a fresh start. However, moving—especially with a child—can significantly affect existing custody and parenting time arrangements. In states like Massachusetts, relocation cases are taken seriously, and court approval is often required before a move can take place.

Does a Parent Need Permission to Relocate?

In many cases, yes. If a parent wants to move with a child in a way that would disrupt the existing parenting schedule, they typically must either obtain the other parent’s consent or seek approval from the court.

Relocation may require court involvement when:

- The move is out of state
- The move significantly increases travel time between parents
- The move interferes with the current parenting schedule

Even relatively short-distance moves can require approval if they affect the child’s routine or the other parent’s ability to exercise parenting time.

After a divorce or custody order is in place, one parent may consider relocating for a new job, family support, or a fresh start. However, moving—especially w

Many spouses considering divorce want to know how long the process will take. The answer depends on several factors, inc...
03/02/2026

Many spouses considering divorce want to know how long the process will take. The answer depends on several factors, including whether the divorce is contested, how complex the issues are, and how quickly the court can schedule hearings. This article explains the typical Massachusetts divorce timeline, the difference between contested and uncontested cases, and what can affect how long the process ultimately lasts.

How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Massachusetts?

An uncontested divorce is generally the fastest option. In these cases, both spouses agree on all major issues, including property division, child custody, parenting time, child support, and alimony. In Massachusetts, this is commonly filed as a “1A divorce.”

After filing the joint petition and required paperwork, the court schedules a brief hearing. If the judge approves the agreement, the divorce does not become final immediately.
#​Divorce

Many spouses considering divorce want to know how long the process will take. The answer depends on several factors, including whether the divorce is contested,

In Massachusetts, a spouse’s consent is not required to file for or obtain a divorce. Understanding how the law works ca...
02/02/2026

In Massachusetts, a spouse’s consent is not required to file for or obtain a divorce. Understanding how the law works can help individuals take informed and confident steps toward resolution.

Is My Spouse’s Permission Required to File for Divorce in Massachusetts?
No. Either spouse has the legal right to file for divorce, regardless of whether the other spouse agrees. While some couples choose to file jointly when they agree on all terms, Massachusetts law does not require mutual consent. If one spouse believes the marriage has broken down, they may initiate the divorce process on their own.

What Happens When Only One Spouse Files for Divorce?
When a divorce is filed by one spouse, the case proceeds as a contested divorce. The filing spouse must formally serve the other spouse with the divorce papers, providing legal notice of the case. Once service is completed, the court gains authority over the matter.
#​Divorce

In Massachusetts, a spouse’s consent is not required to file for or obtain a divorce. Understanding how the law works can help individuals take informed and

For separated or divorced parents, the holidays can bring tension and uncertainty, especially when parenting plans are u...
01/01/2026

For separated or divorced parents, the holidays can bring tension and uncertainty, especially when parenting plans are unclear or emotions run high. Children may feel caught in the middle, shuffling between households and trying to meet each parent’s expectations during what should be a joyful time. Thoughtful holiday planning and communication can help reduce stress and ensure the season remains focused on what matters most: the children’s well-being.

Why Are Holidays So Challenging for Co-Parents?

Holidays carry emotional weight. Parents may feel strongly about spending Christmas morning, Hanukkah nights, New Year’s Eve, or other meaningful occasions with their children. When expectations differ, or when a parenting plan lacks specific holiday provisions, conflict can arise quickly. Children often sense this tension, which can make them anxious or feel responsible for keeping everyone happy. Clear planning helps remove uncertainty and prevents last-minute disagreements.

For separated or divorced parents, the holidays can bring tension and uncertainty, especially when parenting plans are unclear or emotions run high. Children ma

When a couple divorces in Massachusetts, dividing retirement accounts can be one of the most complex and overlooked part...
11/20/2025

When a couple divorces in Massachusetts, dividing retirement accounts can be one of the most complex and overlooked parts of the process. A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is a legal document that ensures retirement assets are divided properly and in compliance with federal law. Without it, one spouse could lose their rightful share of a pension, 401(k), or other employer-sponsored retirement plan.

What Does a QDRO Do?
A QDRO is a court order that allows a retirement plan administrator to divide a retirement account between divorcing spouses without triggering early withdrawal penalties or taxes. It recognizes one spouse’s legal right to receive a portion of the other spouse’s qualified retirement benefits. The order specifies the exact percentage or dollar amount to be distributed and how it should be handled, whether it is rolled into another retirement account or paid directly.

What Must a QDRO Include?
#​Divorce

When a couple divorces in Massachusetts, dividing retirement accounts can be one of the most complex and overlooked parts of the process. A Qualified Domestic

The growth of Uber and Lyft across Massachusetts has made getting around easier than ever—but when a rideshare vehicle i...
10/20/2025

The growth of Uber and Lyft across Massachusetts has made getting around easier than ever—but when a rideshare vehicle is involved in a crash, determining who is financially responsible is far from simple. Many people assume that Uber or Lyft automatically pay for any accident involving one of their drivers, but liability depends on whether the driver was using the app, waiting for a passenger, or actively transporting someone. Understanding how rideshare insurance coverage works under Massachusetts law can make a major difference in protecting your rights after an accident and suffering a personal injury.

How Massachusetts Law Classifies Rideshare Drivers
Massachusetts regulates Uber and Lyft as Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) under state law (M.G.L. c. 159A½). Drivers are treated as independent contractors, not employees, meaning the companies aren’t automatically liable for every crash.

The growth of Uber and Lyft across Massachusetts has made getting around easier than ever—but when a rideshare vehicle is involved in a crash, determining

Since Massachusetts became the first state in the nation to legalize same-sex marriage in 2004, thousands of couples hav...
10/20/2025

Since Massachusetts became the first state in the nation to legalize same-sex marriage in 2004, thousands of couples have built lives together under the same legal protections as opposite-sex spouses. However, when a same-sex marriage ends, the process of divorce can present unique emotional and legal challenges. While the law treats all marriages equally, certain issues—such as asset division, child custody, and the marital home—can be more complex depending on how long the relationship existed before marriage equality was recognized. Understanding the legal landscape and planning strategically can make a significant difference in achieving a fair outcome.

Asset Division and Property Rights
Massachusetts is an equitable distribution state, which means marital property is divided fairly, though not necessarily equally.
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Since Massachusetts became the first state in the nation to legalize same-sex marriage in 2004, thousands of couples have built lives together under the same le

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