Bristol and Suffolk County Family Law Attorney

Family Lawyers in Massachusetts & Rhode Island

When it comes to family law, even common legal matters can be complicated, emotional, and challenging to settle. At the Law Office of Frank D. Camera and Associates, P.C., our Bristol County family lawyer combines thorough preparation with dedicated advocacy for each family law case we take.

Trust the Law Office of Frank D. Camera and Associates on these and other family law areas:

• Marriage Dissolution. Massachusetts is a “no-fault” divorce state. The plaintiff need only claim there has been an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. There can be other grounds for the divorce, such as adultery, drug/alcohol addiction, desertion, and serving a jail sentence of at least five years. The general residency requirement for you to file for divorce is 12 months.
• Child Custody. Massachusetts child custody laws recognize joint custody; allow for visitation by grandparents; and consider the child's own wishes.
• Child Support. The court determines child support based on set guidelines that include each parent's income, daycare expenses, cost of medical insurance, and the living arrangements of the children.
• Prenuptial Agreement. These agreements usually center on how property and money acquired during the marriage will be characterized and how debts will be handled.
• Domestic Violence. Massachusetts domestic violence offenses can include crimes such as assault or sexual misconduct. Victims may bring civil charges in family court or criminal charges.
• Name Changes. This is part of the divorce settlement if the change is related to the end of a marriage. Other name changes go through a petition process. A judge can deny the new name if the change is “inconsistent with public interests.”
• Guardianship. The three types of guardianship are of a person, property, or both. An elderly parent or a disabled relative are examples of those who might need guardianship. Depending on the situation, a guardian may make medical decisions for the other, may ensure they have food or may determine how and where they invest money.
• Termination of Parental Rights. A parent’s rights may be terminated by the courts due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment, among other reasons. A parent can voluntarily terminate their rights, but the court must approve and determine that doing so is in the child’s best interest.
• Juvenile Matters. Examples include emancipation of a minor, Child Requiring Assistance, and a child arrested in a criminal matter.