Kathleen Tannian is a graduate of Tufts University and New England Law Boston. A skilled litigator and knowledgeable attorney, Kathleen also brings a wide variety of life experiences to her practice, enabling her to see things from the perspective of each and every one of her clients. She is adept at handling all aspects of family law and believes that there is no matter too small for her professional attention.
Some of the issues I can take on for you and what the law in Massachusetts has to say about them:
A court may modify a child custody order if:
there is a material and substantial change in the circumstances of the parties and it is in the child’s best interests.
When the child is under 18, one or both parents can ask the court to make decisions for them by getting a court order for child custody or parenting time.
In making an order or judgment relative to the custody of children, the happiness and welfare of the children shall determine their custody. When considering the happiness and welfare of the child, the court shall consider whether or not the child’s present or past living conditions adversely affect the child in any of a variety of different ways.
The parent with whom the child lives for most of the time is often called the custodial parent. The other parent is often called the non-custodial parent. Generally, the non-custodial parent pays child support to the custodial parent.
Massachusetts is an equitable distribution state, as opposed to a community property state. That means the division of assets must be fair, although not necessarily equal.
Upon divorce or a complaint in an action brought at any time after a divorce, a Massachusetts court, provided there is personal jurisdiction over both parties, may make a judgment for either of the parties to pay alimony to the other.
A guardian is a person chosen to make all decisions for a child, just like a parent would. You can request to be appointed as a guardian for a child if:
- you’re caring for a child and need to make more than just educational and medical decisions for him or her
- the child’s parents are unable or unavailable to care for him or her
Call today to get help with these issues and more.
Services
Child Support
Children have a legal right to financial support from their parents. Making sure that the support is a fair amount often requires that you have an attorney by your side. In determining child support, the court takes into consideration many factors which I can help you to understand. To get the best result and the fairest judgment you need an attorney who can walk you through the steps of determining what each party needs to contribute. As a family law attorney, I work very hard to bring my clients judgments and temporary orders that will provide them peace of mind and financial security.
Services
Divorce
No two divorces are exactly alike. As your attorney I can file a simple divorce, representing your side when both parties agree from the outset to end the marriage in the least expensive and least painful way. I also handle divorces that are more contentious, where there are disagreements about topics such as child custody, asset division, and child support. Maybe you believe that the other party is an unfit parent or is hiding assets. Whether it appears simple or complex, your divorce could affect your financial future, as well as your relationship with your children, and is worth careful thought and planning. It is of the utmost importance not to let your emotions impede your ability to find an attorney who is resourceful and who will look out for you. For both the simple and the more complex divorces, I can provide the guidance and expertise that you will need to move on with your life after a relationship fails.
Services
Alimony
When a marriage ends, and it leaves one party without the assistance he or she needs to pay the bills, secure an education, or maintain a decent lifestyle, that is stressful. In some situations, the party who has always worked outside of the home wants to think about retiring and believes that the other party is capable of working. In cases like these, the court may consider awarding alimony to one of the parties. No matter which party you are, as your attorney, I will fight for the best financial outcome for you and help you get the peace of mind you deserve.
Services
Guardianship
In cases where the court may question the ability of either or both parents to raise the children, the issue of guardianship may be raised. As in everything, the court will consider an array of factors before awarding guardianship. So, whether you are the mother or father of the child, or a grandparent who is attempting to secure guardianship, you will need a professional in your corner. I am that attorney who knows what the courts need to see when it comes to granting guardianship. I understand the delicate matters involved and I have the experience to help you navigate them.
Services
Custody & Parenting Time
As a family law attorney, I advocate for getting my clients the child custody and parenting time arrangement that fits their lives and is in the best interest of their children. I can also provide my services as a trained mediator for couples who wish to resolve these and other issues – the custody arrangement that is in the children’s best interests, the scheduling of parenting time to keep each parent active in their children’s lives – without resorting to the courts and litigation to decide matters so unique to every family. There are times when I can be of greatest assistance if I work with both parties to help them resolve the matters on which they have not been able to agree.
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