Massachusetts readers of this blog may be interested to learn of a recent custody battle in another state. The father of a 4-year-old boy who is fighting with his estranged wife for shared custody was told to settle his issues or face the consequences. If the two can’t reach an agreement, the little boy they’re arguing over will have to testify in court. The judge stressed that she did not want to involve the child. She said, however, she would have no choice if the couple could not come to mutually agreeable terms about the boy’s custody. The latest altercation was prompted by a denied demand for fast food. The boy’s father refused to take the boy for a Happy Meal. A temper tantrum reportedly ensued. The boy’s mother responded by informing the court-appointed psychiatrist, who recommended the mother be given sole custody based on the incident. The father responded by filing a lawsuit against the psychiatrist. The judge painted a bleak picture of what testifying could mean for a 4 year old. She said the facility itself was imposing and compared it to a “fortress” with scary artwork and statues that could be terrifying for someone so young. She claimed the experience would be traumatic for the boy, and she hoped sincerely it did not take place. The couple has two months to work out their issues concerning shared custody. Hopefully they can put aside their differences and agree to a solution that makes their son the top priority.

Most parents, regardless of gender or what they do for a living, want the best for their offspring. Fame does not change that, whether a person works in Hollywood or Massachusetts. If the couple can agree on the terms, shared custody can often be the ideal way to raise any children they might have. Actress Hillary Duff and her husband, a former hockey player, have agreed to share custody of their young son upon completion of their divorce. Duff and her husband were married just under four years. They have a son that is nearly 2 years old. Duff confirmed recently that she and her husband have separated. The actress’ mother told a gossip website that the two plan to file for divorce in the near future but stresses there is no animosity between them. She reportedly said the two are better at maintaining a friendship than they are a marriage. A spokesperson for Duff confirmed that the couple had agreed to separate. Despite the end of their marriage, they plan to continue their friendship. They both are committed to providing a loving home for their child and ask fans to respect their need for privacy during this time. The approach Duff and her husband are taking to determine how to best raise their son is one that many Massachusetts couples have also implemented successfully. Shared custody is not an area in which success comes easily and without effort. If, however, both parents can work together and focus on what

Once a couple has gone through a Massachusetts divorce, many fathers feel as if the most difficult part of the process is behind them, and that there will be smooth sailing ahead. Unfortunately, many are surprised to find that there effects from a divorce and shared custody arrangement can linger long after the paperwork is complete, and are ill-equipped to handle the emotional reactions that they experience. It is important to recognize that there will be long-term ramifications associated with the decision to end a marriage, in order to respond in a way that meets the needs of both father and child. One issue that often arises involves feelings of failure. After a divorce, it is common for both parents to feel as if they have failed as a family. This can arise during predictable times, such as holidays, or can seemingly come from nowhere. In some cases, parents can discuss these feelings together, and gain a sense of reassurance that the choices made were best for all involved. This level of communication between divorced parents is not always possible, however, and some fathers may want to work with a counselor if feelings of failure do not subside. Another consideration facing many divorced fathers who share custody is a sense of having little to no control over the home environment of their former spouse. In many cases, both parents will move forward into new relationships. If those relationships become serious, there is a high likelihood that another man will be