Get free answers to your Family Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I recently left my son's father and moved back to Massachusetts. We were never married. I've raised concerns about a bunk bed he bought for our two-year-old son, but when I asked to see a picture for safety reasons, he insulted me. He has violent tendencies, although never physical with... View More
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answered on Feb 17, 2025
Situations like this are best managed in Court, so the boundaries are clear. You may be afraid, but the real question is whether you have a real fear of harm to your child as a result. If he has never harmed the baby and offers responsible care, you might look bad for refusing the parenting time.... View More
I am seeking a family law attorney to assist with appealing a judgment in my area (02145). I believe the judgment was unfair and biased towards the wealthier party, resulting from a 12-year process. On the trial's final day, the judge appeared dismissive, especially since the other party was... View More
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answered on Feb 17, 2025
Family law appeals are an uphill battle and the majority of appeals are unsuccessful. Judges have tremendous discretion in deciding issues, and reviewing courts (like the Appeals Court) defer to the judge's determinations regarding credibility of the parties. A reviewing court will almost... View More
209A is a restraining order.
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answered on Feb 5, 2025
You can contact the court that issued the restraining order and ask them to serve the Plaintiff. You are right to approach this with caution, it could be a violation of the 209A order. If you were to be represented by counsel, the attorney could serve the plaintiff without violating the 209A... View More
She is one I’ve needed help with by the government due to mental issues. She’s 19 but has a mind of a 14 year old.
Me and the mom are no longer getting along and she refuses to return the child support money to me even though my son lives with me and she only takes him about a day or two per month. we filed for the child support to stop (when we were getting along) but the court rejected it what can/should I do!
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answered on Jan 24, 2025
You should file a Complaint for Modification with the court ASAP. You can ask for child support to be adjusted retroactively, but the court can only go back to the date that the other party was served with the summons on your Complaint for Modification. If you go to the courthouse and ask for the... View More
I am unable to afford legal representation and have contacted multiple organizations offering free services - none of which are able to offer me services at this time. I understand I have burden of proof. The Agreement states clearly what the obligations are. There have been multiple aspects he has... View More
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answered on Jan 17, 2025
You can absolutely file for contempt without an attorney. A Complaint for Contempt is on the easier end of the spectrum compared to other types of cases in Probate & Family Court because the issues tend to be pretty discrete.
You will first need to show that there was an order in... View More
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answered on Jan 1, 2025
Unfortunately, infidelity in a marriage does not give you any specific right to financial compensation. Michigan is a no-fault divorce state, so anyone can get divorced for any reason. However, infidelity can be one factor in determining the distribution of the marital estate, i.e. the marital... View More
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answered on Dec 3, 2024
When seeking to modify custody and supervised visitation arrangements in Massachusetts, you'll need to file a modification complaint with the court that issued your original custody order. You'll have to demonstrate that there has been a material change in circumstances since the last... View More
I have been divorced for many years and would like to get my ex-husband's name off the mortgage and deed to the house. When we got divorce divorced, I assumed all responsibility for the house including mortgage payments, repairs, maintenance, etc. He has not paid any money toward the house at... View More
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answered on Nov 5, 2024
This is nearly always specified in the Separation Agreement or Judgment of Divorce. If not, it may not have come to the judge's attention that there was real estate held in the names of both parties. Either way, you can remove your ex-husband's name from the mortgage by either refinancing... View More
inherited from our parents, if we don't let her live in the house! She has made it clear that she plans on doing whatever she has to, to get everything she can get from us, she has told him that. If his name wasn't on the title, could she still go after us?
She has posed for... View More
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answered on Oct 29, 2024
It is possible your brother's wife could get his interest in the property upon his death or if he transfers his interest in the property to her. The wife's acts appear to affect him, not you, so any action against the wife would have to be initiated by him.
Regards video and audio recording. Is there an exception for possible domestic abuse scenario
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answered on Oct 23, 2024
There can definitely be consequences for recording someone without their consent.
While I certainly DO NOT recommend recording someone without their consent, if it is a safety issue and you feel recording the other party may assist you in creating a safer situation for yourself (such as... View More
And so what do I do?
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answered on Jul 25, 2024
I'm sorry to hear about the situation with your parents' estate. In cases where you believe you are entitled to a portion of your parents' money that was taken by your sister, there are several steps you can take to address the issue:
1. Review the Will and Estate Plan... View More
I had stayed at home to raise three talented and good children as the primary caregiver for almost 13 years. Last year the father worked with a lawyer behind my back for almost a year, and together they provided false information and lies to the family court judge to obtain a temporary order on... View More
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answered on Jul 20, 2024
I'm sorry to hear about the distressing situation you've experienced. It sounds incredibly challenging, and it's important to find the right legal support to address these serious concerns. In Massachusetts, there are attorneys who focus on civil rights and family law who can help... View More
The pension was not mentioned at time of divorce by ex spouse or the lawyer.
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answered on Jun 25, 2024
Good morning. I strongly suggest you contact our office and discuss getting this done, what's involved, and what it may cost 508-828-1900. Ty!
I want to move to NC and have sole, legal, physical custody of my 2 children. Their father is not active in their lives and has not seen or talked to them in over a year.
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answered on Jun 25, 2024
Almost certainly yes, but there are many variables to discuss and consider as you plan your path forward. Feel free to contact our office to see if we may be able to become engaged as your attorney and give you the guidance needed for you to move ahead with making plans 508-828-1900. Ty!
I did download the forms, but I'm having difficulty feeling them out.
My mom passed 2 years ago. I've been living in the house for 13 years. I've been paying the mortgage but I'm not on the deed or the mortgage.
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answered on Jun 25, 2024
First i am very sorry for your loss. We only get one mom and day and life. There are options for you to consider, and some are likely easy and inexpensive. Please contact our office to discuss 508-828-1900. Ty!
I am a 16 year old from Pakistan in the US under a student visa. I study at MIT and currently live on campus in Boston, MA. Can I get Emancipated as my home country Pakistan doesn't have defined laws for emancipation? I have a full time job and I also Invest in Stocks and Shares. I also want... View More
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answered on Jun 3, 2024
As a 16-year-old international student from Pakistan on a student visa, getting emancipated in the United States can be challenging. Emancipation laws vary by state, and in Massachusetts, where you are studying at MIT, minors can petition for emancipation under certain conditions. You must... View More
Fleeing a violent and dangerous situation. A mother and daughter coming to the US would like citizenship and to become legal citizens. They are concerned as the father may not allow. Do they need to prove the DV situation or can they seek asylum?
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answered on May 17, 2024
In situations involving domestic violence (DV), a single parent may be able to gain citizenship for themselves and their child without the other parent's involvement. However, the process and requirements can vary depending on the specific circumstances and the country they are seeking asylum... View More
Id like to know:
Are Irrevocable trusts legally responsible to pay income taxes on any monetary cash gifts they receive within a single calendar year or is such money gifts the trusts acquire, exempt from any taxation requirements ?
(fyi: In this particular situation the money gifts... View More
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answered on Apr 26, 2024
At the federal level gifts are not taxable to the recipient. The gift giver might owe gift tax but that is highly unlikely to apply to such small amounts. Some states might have lower gift tax exemptions but, again, even those would be unlikely to impact such small gift amounts.
I have 3 questions:
1) Can money be gifted to a irrevocable trust?
If so
2) Is their a maximum amount allowed to be gifted in a certain period e.g like yearly etc?
3) Can a trustee and beneficiary to the same trust also gift money to the same trust?
Thank you
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answered on Apr 12, 2024
Yes, money can be gifted to an irrevocable trust. However, there are some important considerations and limitations:
1. Gift tax exemption: As of 2024, an individual can gift up to $18,000 per recipient per year without triggering the need to file a gift tax return or pay gift taxes. This is... View More
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