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Questions Answered by Christine G. DeBernardis
1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for New Hampshire on
Q: How to inform biological father about relocating, when you don't know where he may be.

Hi, I have sole custody and sole decision for my 2 boys for 12 years now. One is now 19, but the youngest is going on 13 next month. My parenting plan states I need to give 60 days notice if I move further away. I released him from child support 11 yrs ago but I had a line added that he could see... View More

Christine G. DeBernardis
Christine G. DeBernardis
answered on Feb 1, 2019

You can notify by publication or seek the Court's permission to remove the child (which will also cause you to notify him when the petition is filed).

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for New Hampshire on
Q: If a parent has no job or "home" of their own, does parenting time still continue, even with overnights?

Child' father lost his job and kicked out of where he was staying. Started living with his mother while trying to find a new job and a new place to live. He is supposed to have our child overnight every other weekend. Does this change now that he doesn't not have a place of his own? What... View More

Christine G. DeBernardis
Christine G. DeBernardis
answered on Feb 1, 2019

If the child has a "sleeping space," (own bed or area to sleep, but most preferably a bedroom), the Court may still permit the parenting time to continue. Many people lose jobs or fall into bad situations and live with a relative. If this is weekend parenting time, the Court is more... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Domestic Violence for Massachusetts on
Q: I am going through a divorce. I can't afford a lawyer or qualify for a free one I am 61 years old. Do I need a lawyer?

Of course no children. No home. Only tax debt. $20,000. I qualify for tax relief, he does not. Is this debt automatically split 50/50?

The document has alimony checked off.

We are both on disability and currently earn about the same. I am in the apartment and paying all the bills.... View More

Christine G. DeBernardis
Christine G. DeBernardis
answered on Jan 31, 2019

You can certainly proceed without counsel. If you cannot afford an attorney, check with your local court to see if they have an "attorney for the day" program or legal aid to assist.

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody for Massachusetts on
Q: Now that my child is 21-1/2 am I entitled to a child support reduction, I live in Massachusetts
Christine G. DeBernardis
Christine G. DeBernardis
answered on Jan 31, 2019

Maybe. Child support is not typically determined by a child's age. It is more important to know whether the child is in school, dependent upon the other parent, working, etc. The Separation Agreement or Court order is also very important to determine whether the award should be terminated.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Massachusetts on
Q: stepparent's obligation for child support if it's not in divorce decree. (In MA)

Divorce decree states "no child support, no alimony" in both directions. Mother has full custody and (adoptive) stepparent has the kid every other weekend. Fast forward seven years, the kid is 16, getting into trouble, and mostly uninterested in going to Stepdad's every other... View More

Christine G. DeBernardis
Christine G. DeBernardis
answered on Jan 31, 2019

It sounds as if you may be entitled to support regardless of whether the child continues with weekends. If you are the custodial parent, you are entitled to support of the child.

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