Wright Family Law Group

09/01/2026

In Massachusetts we don’t recognize common-law marriage, so until she signs the official marriage license or related civil paperwork she isn’t legally a wife. That said, in some situations for example where a partner later finds out she was misled about marital status or relied on shared finances, property, or promises — there could still be grounds for a fraud, contract, or equitable claim.

09/01/2026

do you know? You don't have to have all the answers before speaking with a family law attorney. Many people arrive with only a few details—that's perfectly fine. You can start by asking questions about timelines, custody options, division of assets, temporary orders, or what documents to bring. A typical initial consultation lasts about 30–60 minutes and is meant to clarify your options, outline possible next steps, and give you a sense of potential costs so you can make more informed decisions. Understanding your choices can reduce uncertainty and help you decide what comes next. Schedule a consult today using the link in our bio.

You don't need all the answers—just bring your questions. Book a consult via the link in our bio.

09/01/2026

In MA, extra education costs (private tuition, tutoring, special programs) aren't automatic—need a court order or parents' agreement.

In Massachusetts family law, education expenses beyond public school—such as private school tuition, tutoring, specialty programs, summer courses or extracurricular fees—aren't automatically covered by the other parent. To make someone pay, parents must include the costs in a written settlement or parenting plan, or obtain a court order; judges typically consider each parent's income, the child's needs and what’s reasonable when allocating these expenses.

Click the link in the bio for your consultation today.

08/28/2026

In Massachusetts, jurisdiction in a divorce is based on where you and your spouse lived when the marriage broke down—your residence or domicile at the time of separation generally determines which court can hear the case. That choice of forum can affect issues like property division, child custody, and support.

08/27/2026

Manufacturing abuse claims isn't "women are evil"—it's misconduct, and Massachusetts judges take it seriously.

If someone is trying to manufacture abuse allegations, that's not an indictment of women as a group — it's intentional misconduct aimed at misleading the court. False or fabricated claims can damage credibility and may lead to sanctions, findings of contempt, or even criminal charges like perjury or filing a false police report. In Massachusetts family and civil courts, judges closely scrutinize evidence, timelines, corroboration, and expert testimony; when misconduct is proven, courts can impose remedies such as attorney’s fees, limitations on custody or visitation, and formal sanctions to protect the integrity of the process. Courts treat attempts to manipulate abuse claims seriously because they undermine both due process and real survivors’ access to justice.

08/27/2026

08/25/2026

In Massachusetts divorce, the court divides marital assets under equitable distribution, meaning property acquired during the marriage is allocated in a fair — not necessarily equal — manner. If an asset was stolen or acquired through illegal means, it’s typically treated as contraband or non-marital property: the court may exclude it from division, order restitution, or coordinate with criminal authorities. In those cases judges lean heavily on credibility and proof — bank records, receipts, witness testimony, and forensic accounting — to establish origin and ownership. For example, disputed items like jewelry taken without consent or funds diverted from a family business often require detailed documentation; when clear evidence is lacking, outcomes can turn on which party the judge finds more believable.

08/21/2026

Not at all. Mediation is often used when people disagree. The goal is to have those difficult conversations in a structured environment with a neutral mediator, a confidential process, and a focus on practical, mutually acceptable solutions.

08/20/2026