LAW OFFICE OF
SUSAN CASTLETON RYAN, P.C. 
June/July 2012 Newsletter
Molly O'Neil
         

Meet Our Summer Intern, Molly O'Neil

 

Since the beginning of June, Molly O'Neil has been working at the office as a summer intern.  Molly graduated magna cum laude from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in May with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, and began her internship shortly thereafter.  She is currently in the process of applying to law school, and has found her brief time with the office informative and intellectually stimulating.  Molly has had the opportunity to observe four way meetings, court proceedings and negotiation sessions.  These situations provided her with a new perspective on family law as she focuses on her personal and professional goals.

 

 

We wish Molly great success in the future, and appreciate her assistance during the past several weeks.

CHILD SUPPORT PAYMENTS: HOW ARE THEY PAID TO THE CUSTODIAL PARENT?

 

Child support payments are determined by the Child Support Guidelines in effect at the time of the order or judgment. However, it is also necessary to determine how those payments are to be made to the custodial parent. The payments may be made by suspended or implemented wage assignment.

 

A suspended wage assignment means that the obligor (one paying child support) may pay the other parent directly or as the parties agree. Some parties opt for the payments to be made electronically into his/her bank account, by electronic payment, or by check or money order handed to or mailed to the parent. In the event the parties are unable to agree as to how the child support is to be paid, the Court will likely order an implemented wage assignment, particularly if the custodial parent requests the Department's services.

 

An implemented wage assignment requires an employer to withhold the weekly/biweekly child support order directly from the obligor's paycheck, and send it to the Department of Revenue's Child Support Enforcement address. Until the monies are withdrawn directly from his/her paycheck, the obligor must make the payments to the Department of Revenue and not directly to the other parent. This process may take a few weeks. Once the account has been established, both parents may obtain a "pin" number, and will be able to access information related to the account.

 

Whether an order is suspended or if it is implemented, the custodial parent must complete the Department of Revenue form. The Court issues a wage assignment that will state whether the order is suspended or implemented. In the event the obligor fails to pay his/her monies in a timely manner, the custodial parent may request the Court order the monies be paid by implemented wage assignment as above.

 

Under no circumstances should a child be used as a messenger in these matters, that is delivering the check to the custodial parent, or conveying a written or verbal message to the obligor that the money needs to be paid.

 

The most important thing to remember about child support is to pay the correct amount, as ordered, and do so consistently.

ON THE LIGHTER SUMMER SIDE:

MASSACHUSETTS LAWS STILL IN EFFECT BUT MAYBE NOT ENFORCED

 

Did you know . . .?

 

  1. It is illegal to keep a mule on the second floor of a building not in a city unless there are two exits (MGL Chapter 272 Section 80D);
  2. It is illegal to allow someone to use stilts while working on the construction of a building (MGL Chapter 149 Section 129B);
  3. It is illegal to frighten a pigeon (MGL Chapter 266 Section 132);
  4. No gorilla is allowed in the back seat of any car;
  5. Bullets may not be used as currency;
  6. It is illegal to give alcohol or drugs to hospital patients (MGL Chapter 2708.Section 5);
  7. Mourners at a wake may not eat more than three sandwiches;
  8. Snoring is prohibited unless all bedroom windows are closed and securely locked;
  9. If anyone damages a football post, it is punishable by a $200 fine (MGL Chapter 266, Section 104A); and
  10. No tomatoes are allowed to be added to "chowdah"!

 

And how about these local ordinances. Check out what might apply in your town:

 

In Boston it is illegal to take a bath unless one has been ordered by a physician to do so.

 

If you live in Hingham, houses that are seen from Main Street must have white lights only.

 

In Newton, all families must be given a hog from the town's mayor.

 

A Longmeadow ordinance makes it illegal for two men to carry a bathtub across the town green.

 

A Cambridge ordinance states it is illegal to shake carpets in the street, or throw orange peels on the sidewalk.

 

And in Milford, peeping in windows of automobiles is forbidden.
Issue: 34

scales of justice
In This Issue
Child Support Payments: How Are They Paid to the Custodial Parent?
On The Lighter Summer Side
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Need a Speaker?
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If anyone has a topic that would be of general interest, please do not hesitate to contact the office and let us know what items would be of general interest to the readers of this newsletter.
Susan C. Ryan, Esq.
Law Office of Susan Castleton Ryan, PC
(781) 982-8850
 

This newsletter is designed to keep you up-to-date with changes in the law.  For help with these or any other legal issues, please call our firm today.
The information in this newsletter is intended solely for your information .  It does not constitute legal advice, and it should not be relied on without a discussion of your specific situation with an attorney.