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Massachusetts Child Custody Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Massachusetts on
Q: A minor currently lives with a grandparent. How does grandparent get custody/ secure parent doesn't take kid during proc

During the process of gaining guardianship, what if parent demands kid comes back

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Mar 3, 2023

You would need to obtain Guardianship over the minor via Petition to the Probate & Family Court where there was either a previous divorce or paternity proceeding or where you live if not applicable. If there is an Emergency you would need to also request temporary guardianship and have grounds... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Can I request a parental fitness eval for a non-custodial, wheelchair bound parent that has unsupervised visitation?

I am an unmarried single mother that has a temporary order for sole legal and physical custody of my 1 year child in MA. Child’s father lives out of state in Maryland and judge has ordered a temporary, unsupervised visitation schedule for father to come to MA every other weekend for 6 hours.... View More

Brian Waller
Brian Waller
answered on Mar 4, 2023

From a practical standpoint, even though he was granted visits, how often is he going to be able to travel from Maryland to Massachusetts for a 6-hour visit? You may want to wait and see how things go. Judges usually give parents the opportunity to show they can parent successfully, but if it... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Massachusetts on
Q: Is circumventing a court order knowing you are doing it the same as violating the order

My ex am I have an order stating neither one of us can cancel a Drs appointment made by the other, she brought him in to the Drs and got the second vaccine shot which was an appointment I made for another date, the office then canceled the appointment I made as it was obviously no longer needed, is... View More

Brian Waller
Brian Waller
answered on Feb 18, 2023

It is hard to say without reviewing the specific order, but a judge would probably look at your ex's intent, but also if that cancellation harmed you or the child in any way. If your ex took the child to a different scheduled appointment and the doctor offered to give your son the second... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Massachusetts on
Q: I just got 50/50 custody of my children. Which parent will receive my disabled daughter's SSDI benefits.

She currently gets the benefits and it's her only income and she expects me to pay child support too because SSDI isn't counted as income which really isn't fair.

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Feb 14, 2023

The amo0unt of SSDI received for the dependent children could be greater than the calculated Guidelines child support to be paid in some circumstances. If it is less is where there would be orders.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Massachusetts on
Q: I have sole custody of my 7 year old. During a visit with his dad, his dad got him vaccinated without my permission

I was never married to my sons father, and then he moved to a different country. He visits twice a year for a few weeks. He was here over Christmas this year, and I had the flu, so he offered to take my son to his annual physical. While he was there he got him vaccinated for covid, against my... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jan 10, 2023

Either parent may consent to the vaccination of a minor.

Theoretically, you can petition the court with jurisdiction over your custody case for the sole right to make decisions for the non-emergency medical treatment of your child. However, your refusal to allow routine vaccinations like...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Child Support for Massachusetts on
Q: I pay child support weekly to my ex for our two kids. She requested a joint account for sports. She ask to up the sport

account monthly. Which I did. Our children are 14-16 she has now interfered with my custody cause I moved in with my Girlfriend. Now wants to modify the agreement so I pay more on top of the sports account. Because she has made it so my girls won't come visit me. Changing the child support... View More

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Nov 18, 2022

The Court can award a Modification of child support if material income changes have occurred and sharing of living expenses is a change in circumstances that may justify Modification.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Family Law and Divorce for Massachusetts on
Q: Followup on my previous question, regarding my daughter trying to get custody or more visitation time.

She was granted attorneys fees of $5,000, but husband refuses to pay, charged with contempt, got an extension to pay, contempt charges filed again, pending. He was supposed to pay her a min amount for reestablishment, refused. She only gets sons on weekend, agreement is she has to take them to... View More

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

She needs to continue to pursue the Contempt and sounds like there are more issues where a Contempt may lie, so try to obtain counsel!!

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Massachusetts on
Q: Daughter qualifies for pro bono lawyer. But is on waiting list. Very abusive husband, 4 children, no money. Suggestion

Husband criminal record for physical abuse in NY in 1999, and then had probation revoked, same. Different woman, no recent record abused my daughter physically and emotionally for 14 yrs. Daughter got retraining order, but withdrew it. Husband retaliated and had her arrested after she dropped... View More

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

Because there is an asset involved potentially she may not qualify for free legal services, but she should definitely try to obtain same ASAP! There could be a Motion for Payment of Counsel Fees with the filing of a Divorce Complaint and other motions for relief, so that husband would be ordered... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Divorce for Massachusetts on
Q: I got served divorce papers an never responded. Never new when court was he got awarded everything. Can it be changed?

He never told me when court was never knew. He got the house an full custody. He never told me. I found out I was legally divorced because I got kicked off his insurance. Can anything be changed with my property?

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Sep 12, 2022

Why did you not respond? Were you in the hospital the entire time??

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 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 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 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

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 Child Custody and Child Support for Massachusetts on
Q: Modification of child custody and child support

Can I modify child custody and support if I went from 5 overnights to 7 overnights plus taking them till 7 at night 4 other nights? And have my kids all day on Sunday while my ex is at work. Yea he only days. Don’t see them are tuesdays and every other Saturday, other then that they are with m... View More

Brian Waller
Brian Waller
answered on May 17, 2022

It sounds like you have a good argument for modification. If you think your ex will retaliate, just be sure you really want to kick the hornet's nest. If your kids are doing well with the current arrangement, it may be worth it to suck it up even though you feel she is taking advantage of you.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Massachusetts on
Q: Abusive father looking for custody and aggressive parenting plan dictating the entire year.I object.

Unwed mother child has lived with me since birth. Father visits but is psychologically abusive, and traumatizing to our daughter, complying with my daughters wishes I told him to stay away and give her a mental break and allow me to get her into therapy. At first he agreed begrudgingly then got... View More

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on May 16, 2022

Do you have guardianship over the minor child? Over your daughter? The proceedings before the Court now are they paternity or guardianship? It would be a good idea to clarify your question and repost same or to discuss with an attorney who practices Family Law.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Massachusetts on
Q: If a parent has lost all custody due to a restraining order, is that parent responsible for their half of child costs

Parent has lost all custody due to a restraining order being pulled against her and her boyfriend by myself, on behalf of our child. In our modified agreement/judgment prior to the restraining order, she was responsible for half of the cost of childcare, medical bills (I pay for insurance by my own... View More

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on May 9, 2022

The Financial Orders are still existing and are in effect unless modified or vacated which they apparently have not been. The failure to comply entitles you to bring a Contempt action.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Massachusetts on
Q: Does a summons have to be served in person?

Can a summons be left inside a mailbox while you are not home. The summons says it was hand delivered and the other attorney certified she hand delivered it to me. This is in the state of Massachusetts.

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

So a summons for a divorce complaint is distinctive from other summonses and you have not specified the item service was attempted of. Once a case has been commenced notice can be served at the party's last known address.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Can I file for child support for my 18 year old high school student with severe mental illness

My daughter has lived with me full time for 4 years. My ex had sole custody of her legally. He hardly gave me any financial support. Since she has turned 18 he refused to help with her. She is still in high school and has a severe mental illness. I have tried taking him to court about a year ago... View More

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

So the child has not graduated from high school and may have special needs also. There should be child support in accordance with the child support guidelines and you may need to once the child has completed high school seek contribution for the child's continued care via equity petition... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for Massachusetts on
Q: have full custody of 2 of my children, they have been staying with their father for last 60 day, does he pay me still

have full custody of 2 of my children, they have been staying with their father for last 60 day, does he pay me still

Per judge on 3/18 and DCF I still have 100% custody nothing ever changed

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Apr 20, 2022

Until the order or Judgment is modified by the Court it is still in effect.

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