Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Family Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Massachusetts Family Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Criminal Law, DUI / DWI and Family Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Hi and so my parents had some money in the bank my sister took when parents died. I believe a portion of it is mine.

And so what do I do?

Bao Tran
PREMIUM
Bao Tran
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

View More Answers

0 Answers | Asked in Family Law for Massachusetts on
Q: seeking assistance about the MA "Guardian's Care Plan/Report" form questions below,

Question 9b says, “do you hold or receive funds belong to the incapacitated person as your role as guardian other than as representative payee?”

The SSA annual Rep. Payee report asks how monthly money is disbursed for things like housing (group home charges), personal care, how much is... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Family Law for Massachusetts on
Q: My father in law is in a nursing home and wants to make my husband his POA. Dad does not have an id

We have his Birth certificate plus letters from Dad's doctor. Is that enough to have my husband POA?

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Family Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Can someone refer some lawyers in Massachusetts to help me file lawsuits against someone for civil rights violations?

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

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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

0 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Probate for Massachusetts on
Q: do grandparents have any rights in Massachusetts I really miss my grandchildren and don’t know what else to do

Their father is my son who passed away February 3 years ago before that I was always allowed to see the kids and since Christmas last year I have not been able to see them and I don’t know why is there anything I can do?

0 Answers | Asked in Family Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Does a spouse living in another country not in US, who is married to a US citizen. Do they have right SS OR ANY benefits

Does the foreigner spouse have rights to SS benefits or pension of the US citizen. If they are still living in their country outside the US

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Massachusetts on
Q: I am 71 yrs old. Need to get a Quadro filed to get the pension from ex spouse. I am on SS ,my only income. Please help.

The pension was not mentioned at time of divorce by ex spouse or the lawyer.

Thomas J. Percy
Thomas J. Percy
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!

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Does a parent with sole, physical, legal custody need the other parents permission to move out of state?

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.

Thomas J. Percy
Thomas J. Percy
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!

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Massachusetts on
Q: I need help with the process of probating a will. My Mom willed me her house but I'm not on the deed.

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.

Thomas J. Percy
Thomas J. Percy
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!

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law, International Law, Family Law and Child Custody for Massachusetts on
Q: Can an International Student get Emancipation in the United States?

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

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Domestic Violence, Family Law and Immigration Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Can a single parent gain citizenship for themselves and their child without the other parent being involved due to dv?

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?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Tax Law and Family Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Is a Irrevocable trust legally obligated to pay income taxes on monetary cash gifts it receives ?

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

Nina Whitehurst
PREMIUM
Nina Whitehurst pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law, Real Estate Law and Tax Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Can money be gifted to a irrevocable trust ?

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

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Domestic Violence for Massachusetts on
Q: If I flee d.v. from my husband and leave the home with our son can he call the police on me for kidnapping?

I do have photos of marks and bruises from assaults

over the last few months emailed secretly to a 2nd account but it's escalating and I'm scared for our safety but he's threatening me with police and has threatened my life if I leave with our sob

Brian Waller
Brian Waller
answered on Apr 9, 2024

Your husband could definitely call the police, the question is what the police would do. I would suggest applying for an abuse prevention order, which can be done at the District Court or Probate and Family Court, or you can go to a police station to file a report there and they will assist you by... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law, Adoption and Family Law for Massachusetts on
Q: How can I change my sons date of birth on his birth certificate and citizenship papers. He was adopted from Haiti.

we have since received an new birth certificate from vital records in Haiti? Thank you

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 8, 2024

Official documents like birth certificates and citizenship papers are legal records, and altering them is considered forgery, which is a serious crime.

If your son was adopted from Haiti and you have received a new, official birth certificate from the proper authorities in Haiti, then that...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Immigration Law and Family Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Good Morning, I’m an Asian transwoman that just moved in Boston. Are there any divorce lawyers that can help me?

My husband, well, soon-to-be ex-husband has been bullying ever since we moved here but I guess because i loved him, and I wanted to continue to fulfill my vow, i just let it go past me. Now, after i got back home after he banished me, because i feel like he’s having an affair, when i pointed out... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 29, 2024

Good morning, I'm truly sorry to hear about the challenges you're facing. It's important to find a divorce lawyer who is experienced in handling complex cases, especially those involving immigration matters. Boston has numerous legal resources and firms that can provide the support... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Civil Rights for Massachusetts on
Q: Can dcf ask a caretaker(guardian) for releases for Dr.s, when allegations/case were on the parent?

My daughter got a case open with dcf. During that time I went and got temp guardianship and now have full guardianship for past 7 months. Each month dcf has something new they want in order to close (my daughters) case. Which my daughter is no longer around. They now are asking me to sign releases... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 24, 2024

Based on the information provided, it does not seem reasonable for DCF to require you as the guardian to sign releases for your medical records or other private information. Some key points:

- The allegations and original case were against your daughter's parent, not against you as the...
View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Civil Rights, Health Care Law and Nursing Home Abuse for Massachusetts on
Q: Steps on how to move my mom back to the states from Puerto Rico after just living there for two years ?

My mom moved two years ago to take care of her mom. A month ago my grandmother had a stroke. And her siblings have told us that my mom herself is not doing well. My mom’s family has Alzheimer’s in her family. My sisters and I have been trying to get her paper work and ID to get her back, her... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 24, 2024

To move your mom back to the states from Puerto Rico, especially under these complex circumstances, it's crucial to approach the situation methodically. First, gather all necessary documents that prove your relationship to your mom, such as birth certificates and any legal documents pertaining... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law, Divorce and Family Law for Massachusetts on
Q: How are assets split in a marriage between a H1-b visa holder and their H-4 dependent?

Hi there,

I am an Indian Citizen living in the US on an H1-B visa. I plan on marrying my childhood sweetheart (an Indian citizen) and bringing her over on a H-4 visa.

In case we decide to get a divorce in the future, how will our assets be split?

1. What happens to my and my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 27, 2024

In the event of a divorce in the United States, the division of assets can vary significantly depending on the state where the divorce proceedings take place. Most states follow either community property or equitable distribution principles. In community property states, assets acquired during the... View More

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.