Lawyers, Answer Questions  & Get Points Log In
Questions Answered by Lillian J. LaRosa
1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Massachusetts on
Q: Are the spouses of the divorce permitted to cancel the case prior to the final trial or select the broker?

In this case, both lawyers decided to sell the property (house), and select the broker. They agreed to give the spouses 5% of the house value to get an apartment and keep the remainder in escrow until the case is finalized because the spouses disagree on the percentage split. Will the escrow... View More

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Sep 6, 2022

You would need to notify your counsel that this deal may not be viable due to the lack of income for an apartment and you have not stated what State you are in so the laws of that State are applicable with regard to child support and alimony.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Massachusetts on
Q: My son is incarcerated and due to be released November 1, 2022. He is divorced and has one son. His ex wife has since

remarried. Her husband is petitioning to adopt his son. My son wants to object but needs pro bono work as he has no money. Is there someone in the Worcester County family court that can help him pro bono? Thank you

Patty

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Sep 6, 2022

He can file a Motion where the Adoption is pending for Appointment of Counsel based on Indigency and that he is objecting but needs legal assistance in preparing objection if that is the situation.

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Massachusetts on
Q: HUSBAND DIED with no will then WIFE DIED 2 months later WITHOUT CLAIMING INHERITANCE, who inherits the deceased husband?

MASSACHUSETTS - HUSBAND DIED with no will, and his WIFE DIED 2 months later WITHOUT CLAIMING INHERITANCE of husband, can the SIBLING OF THE DECEASED HUSBAND inherit him? The husband had NO children and parents NOR does the wife.

Did the wife AUTOMATICALLY get the inheritance, or did she... View More

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Sep 2, 2022

Assuming the decedents were Massachusetts residents and there was no Will and that the husband had no children from a prior relationship, the wife would still be the heir . If there was a Will excluding her you have not so stated.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Probate for Massachusetts on
Q: My step mother had contacted me 3 years after my dads passing for myself and my sister to sign to make her executer

When my dad passed away 3 years ago he had no assets including house cars or property. She had randomly reached out tonight asking us to sign and make her executer of his “estate”. How should we proceed?

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Sep 2, 2022

First of all , was he a resident of Massachusetts? If so ,Is it a Late and Limited Petition? Because a regular estate post 3 years is not available. The Late and LImited Petition is just that- a filing to determine title to assets inasmuch as the 3 years post date of death has passed.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Child Support for Massachusetts on
Q: Can I deny my wife's request for an increase in child support since we are still married and do not have a court order?

I am married, but have been separated from my wife for 15 years. We have two children together, so I have been paying child support per a verbal agreement between my wife & I. She has raised my payments many times over the years any time her rent increased. Now, both children are over 18 and... View More

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Aug 30, 2022

You are not under any Court Order and there is no proceeding pending in any Court correct? Then everything you have done is voluntary and the longer you stay married the more complicated your divorce get!!! If you die then she is your heir!!! Get a lawyer contact pro bono law school programs.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Estate Planning and Landlord - Tenant for Massachusetts on
Q: What is the easiest way to do a lease to own from parent to son?

I am downsizing and my son/wife want to own my home and we discussed 2 year lease. I am not sure how it works. What do I need to do? Do I become a landlord?

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Aug 23, 2022

There can be a Lease and a separate Option to Purchase instrument. It is unclear if you want a Right of First Refusal or an Option with a price setting mechanism.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Massachusetts on
Q: During separation, Is my soon to be ex able to cash/deposit the proceeds from the sale of our home without my consent.

My wife of 30 years and I are getting a divorce. Mediation broke down and we are currently selling our house. She wants more than 50%. Without a mediation agreement in place, is she able to deposit or cash the check without my signature? I live out of state? I hope to have a mediation agreement in... View More

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Aug 22, 2022

You and wife were living in Massachusetts correct? This is what I am assuming. Are you on the Deed? If there is no divorce complaint on file with the Probate Court, the closing attorney would make the check payable to the title holder. Your filing and serving a divorce complaint and summons on your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Personal Injury and Arbitration / Mediation Law for Massachusetts on
Q: I drove a girlfriend's car cross country for her to drive there. She broke it off and jerking me around

What should I do to stay out of trouble? She is not cooperating.

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Aug 15, 2022

Not sure what your question is. The relationship is over so don't contact her anymore, don't contact her friends or relatives and stay clear of any stalking type behavior or aggression to avoid legal problems.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Massachusetts on
Q: Hi am trying to find legal counseling for divorce
Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Aug 4, 2022

It would be helpful if you were to indicate what county you and spouse have been living in.

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Massachusetts on
Q: I'm the executor of my uncle's estate. 6 years ago I negotiated a promissory note for the estate. 2 beneficiary opted ou

I have the final note payout do I pay them?

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Aug 2, 2022

Is the final payout due under the note's terms? If so, yes!

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody, Child Support and Juvenile Law for Massachusetts on
Q: I let my 17 year old son go from Massachusetts to North Carolina to visit his father his father agreed to bring him home

now his father is telling me he's no longer going to let him come home what are my rights I've been raising him for the last 17 years and his father owes over $100,000 in child support in Massachusetts what can I do to get my son back legally?

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Aug 1, 2022

If you are the primary custodial parent he is in Contempt and a Contempt Complaint should be filed in the Court where your custodial orders were established ASAP with a Motion and Affidavit for Emergency hearing to have the child brought back to Massachusetts also potentially has also violated... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for Massachusetts on
Q: Husband died with no will, and the wife died 2 months later without claiming anything, whose next of kin inherits what?

MASSACHUSETTS - Husband died without will and then his wife died 2 months later. The husband has no children and parents, only a sibling nor does the wife. Did the wife automatically get the inheritance, or did she need to follow a procedure to get it within some days? Does the inheritance belong... View More

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Jul 29, 2022

Were they domiciled in Massachusetts ?Did the death of husband happen after March 2012? Neither had any children? A post March 2012 death brings the Massachusetts Probate Code into the response so that if husband had no children then surviving wife would take all if no Will.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Massachusetts on
Q: Can a probation officer from probate court take away court ordered visitation?

I volunteered for a probation officer to investigate my custody dispute currently I'm court. I currently have visitation that is ordered from the judge. I take random urines and there was a problem with the system and it reported I didn't have a urine and the probation officer said I did... View More

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Jul 26, 2022

It sounds like something is amiss and you should have legal representation in this important matter which you have tried to handle pro se to your detriment. You may seek a hair follicle examination via Motion citing the information you have given in this question, but your ability to navigate the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Massachusetts on
Q: My God mother died recently and gave me instructions to send money to one of my kids. I sent it 2 days after she died.

She verbally left everything to me and her partner and family agrees

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Jul 25, 2022

If your godmother was domiciled in Massachusetts she needed to have a Will ( nonverbal- in writing ) with suitable witnessing , etc. so, you have acted without authority in any event and it is up to her heirs or potentially other creditors as to what they wish to do against you for taking the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Probate for Massachusetts on
Q: How can I retrieve money from bank that is in my deceased brothers name, No wife or kids. I'm it. No death certificate

I am left from my family. My brother never married or had children. He passed in 2011. A bank in Boston has money of his. How can I retrieve it?

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Jul 15, 2022

You will need to follow the process for a Voluntary Statement filing in the Probate Court for the County where your brother was living and you will also need to obtain his death certificate which the funeral home can help you with and you can also contact the town where he died .

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Child Custody for Massachusetts on
Q: How do I go about getting an expedited contempt hearing?

My ex has primary custody of our kids. They live in filth and squalor, sleeping in beds with moldy food, used tampons, etc. I have video and photographic evidence, along with my ex admitting to the conditions in text messages, asking me to help clean, and stating, "I can't put all my time... View More

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Jul 13, 2022

It does sound like neglect from your description of the children's living situation and the DCF can be contacted to investigate. They will know a divorce is pending and that you are a party. Is this a new distinguishable state of affairs in the household ? One of the questions that will be... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Massachusetts on
Q: I am living in a house that was just sold do the new owners have the right to do renovations in or outside of house
Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Jul 14, 2022

Do you have a lease which states notice times for inspection and repairs if the interior is being renovated ? Normally exterior repairs would not affect your tenancy.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Massachusetts on
Q: Can being part of a throuple affect child custody?

My ex has two partners and they are sleeping over at his home (all in one bed, according to the children) while my young children are present. We share custody but I am concerned that the home isn't stable or supportive for my kids, and that inappropriate behavior may impact them negatively.

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Jul 7, 2022

If there was a divorce judgment or other judgment involving custody and visitation, then you will ASAP need to file a Modification Complaint along with a Motion to Suspend/ Limit Visitation so that third persons are not present overnight with the children and an affidavit as to what the children... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury for Massachusetts on
Q: Owner occupied condominium. Father & son who was in a car seat. Tripped & fell over empty pill bottles from a unit owner
Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Jun 15, 2022

Unclear why information about car seat was included.. Sounds like a trip and fall personal injury case, but no inuries and damages referred to -but then also confused by the car seat reference.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Massachusetts on
Q: Do both parties have to be present when notarizing the divorce paperwork? Can it be done separately?

I want to get my signature notarized then mail the paperwork to my ex and have her do it separately. Is this possible or must we both do it together simultaneously?

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on May 25, 2022

Yes, this works. You don't need to be in the same room as wife and can use different notaries.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.