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Massachusetts Family Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Can I file a divorce completely online without having to go to court if my partner is in agreement with the divorce?

We have no children, property, assets or bank accounts together so I was wondering if we could file the paperwork electronically or by mail and skip the in person court process since we don’t have anything to split up between each other, thank you

Brian Waller
Brian Waller
answered on Dec 9, 2023

You can e-file all the required documents with the court, then the court will typically schedule you for a Zoom hearing. The e-filing system isn't entirely intuitive, but if you are somewhat tech-savvy you will be able to figure it out. You can also mail the documents to the courthouse instead... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Massachusetts on
Q: I have primary physical custody of my daughter, mom has joint. Mom gets daughter fri-Sun and refusing to return Now what

Mom posted on Facebook Thur she was looking for a custody attorney. Daughter went for her weekend visit and mom is now refusing to return daughter. Claiming my daughter is scared to come home because daughter supposably said I hit her. (Which I didn’t). She is court ordered to return my daughter... View More

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Dec 4, 2023

If the allegation is untrue then a Contempt Complaint and Emergency Motion for Orders to Return the child and Affidavit in Support could be filed by you and perhaps also seeking the appointment of a Guardian Ad Litem to investigate and report to the Court with respect to what is happening with the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Can my spouse sell the house without my consent? Only his name is on the deed, he bought the house after we got married

He bought the house after we got married in Massachusetts. My name is not on the deed.

Brian Waller
Brian Waller
answered on Dec 9, 2023

If a divorce has been filed, he would be prohibited from selling the property without your agreement or an order of the court based on the automatic restraining order (Rule 411). It would be a good idea to file for divorce ASAP if you haven't yet, you could ask the court to prevent him from... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law, Real Estate Law and Elder Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Can my grandson take my house away from me?

My mother-in-law lost her husband 10 years ago. The grandson who has been living there with them rent free for over 20 years is now trying to take the house away from her. My mother-in- law is 83 years old and is alert, drives a car and manages and pays all the bills. She thinks the grandson stole... View More

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Nov 17, 2023

If she is missing her Will she can "replace" it by doing a new one if she is competent.

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Family Law and Landlord - Tenant for Massachusetts on
Q: Co-tenants signed lease together and are breaking up.

Our daughter and boyfriend signed a housing lease. 4 months remain. Our minor grandson (10) visits and stays in his own room on the weekends. The boyfriend states his financial obligation moving forward, will be 1/3 of the rent. The boyfriend did make less money than our daughter when they signed,... View More

Christopher Tolley
Christopher Tolley
answered on Oct 4, 2023

I assume the lease states your daughter and the boyfriend are 'jointly and severally' liable for the rent. This means that each is liable for the entire rent. In the event of dispute, the landlord can seek the entire rent from either your daughter or the boyfriend or both. I don't... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Divorce and Family Law for Massachusetts on
Q: I live in Massachusetts and have a divorce agreement that states I have to breathalyze for my ex husband at 7am and 3pm

I did not do it this passed weekend. Can he take my children away?

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Oct 3, 2023

If your divorce agreement includes specific requirements like breathalyzer tests and you fail to adhere to them, the other parent might use this as a basis to request a modification of custody or visitation arrangements. However, taking the children away would typically require a court order. If... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Massachusetts on
Q: As a disabled veteran married for 28 years , if I divorce my wife in Massachusetts do I have to pay her part of my

Disability no children are involved just a house. I get social security Disability and veteran disability.

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Sep 13, 2023

In Massachusetts, disability benefits such as Social Security Disability and veteran disability benefits are typically considered separate property and are not subject to division during divorce. However, the division of marital property, including assets like the house, is determined by the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Massachusetts on
Q: I live in Ma. My spouse live in ga. Where should I file a divorce
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Aug 16, 2023

Deciding where to file for divorce when you and your spouse live in different states involves considering residency requirements, jurisdictional rules, and personal factors. Typically, you would file in your current state of residence, but it's important to understand the specific residency... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Massachusetts on
Q: What does other and further relief as the nature of Mr. Doe cause may require what does it mean?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Aug 16, 2023

In a legal context, the phrase "other and further relief as the nature of [Name's] cause may require" is often found in legal documents, typically as part of a prayer for relief in a complaint or petition. This phrase indicates that the plaintiff (the person bringing the case to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Juvenile Law and Probate for Massachusetts on
Q: What does the request by a family court to file a motion to waive a citation mean?

I have recently filed for the name change of my child. The Probate and Family Court returned the petition and all necessary documents, along with the reason for returning being that I should file a motion to waive the citation signed by both parents. i don't understand this request, what... View More

Thomas Shack III
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answered on Aug 8, 2023

In Massachusetts family court, a request to file a motion to waive a citation means that the court is asking you to submit a formal request to waive the requirement of serving a citation to the opposing party. By waiving the citation, the court aims to expedite the legal process.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support, Family Law and Public Benefits for Massachusetts on
Q: Hi. Can you receive child support if parent is on social security disability?
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answered on Jul 19, 2023

When it comes to child support, the fact that a parent is receiving Social Security disability benefits does not automatically exempt them from their obligation to pay child support. Child support is typically determined based on various factors, such as the needs of the child and the income and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Massachusetts on
Q: If a court order (family law) has been filed and served and no court date has been assigned yet due to back up in courts

Parents of children unmarried split. father went to court to establish custody and parenting time as the mother is trying to dictate how and when he can see the them. So far a docket # assigned but the court date is in process. (custody/parenting time). mother is keeping kids from father because he... View More

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Jul 18, 2023

Your question is confusing-Did you file a Petition? Or did the Court enter Orders? If there is a violation of a Court Order there can be a Contempt Complaint filed and served to address the violation. If a Petition or Complaint was filed by you ,then you would need to have it served upon the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Elder Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Good afternoon, What is the caretaker child exemption law in Massachusetts and how do I qualify for this? thank you

My mom is 92 years old and she is living with me right now as her home is being repaired. I have been taking care of her since 2/2023 when my dad passed away. How can a person qualify for the caretaker child exemption law?

Thank you

Michael M Marques
Michael M Marques
answered on Jul 12, 2023

The Caregiver Child Exemption generally enables an elderly individual to transfer their home to their adult child without violating Medicaid's Look Back 60-month period on asset transfers. Under 130 CMR 520.019(D)(6)(d), a transfer of a former principal residence by a nursing home resident to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Divorce, Family Law and Internet Law for Massachusetts on
Q: My husband allowed me to access his email when married and left his emails and texts on the home family shared computer

We are getting divorced he left private conversations openly on our shared computer between him & a female friend can i screen shot then and use them in divorce ?

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Jul 12, 2023

In Massachusetts conversations recording without consent of both parties to the conversation is an offense and the Courts wouldn't allow introduction of same.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Massachusetts on
Q: I want to go back to my country and take my daughter but my husband won’t let me, or sign for it, what should I do

My mother is sick I want to go back but he refuses to sign to let me return with our daughter, what should I do in legal terms

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jun 26, 2023

You may be able to petition the court for a divorce and secure the right to take your daughter with you to another nation temporarily. The court's primary concern will be evidence that you will return your daughter promptly to the United States where her father resides after visiting your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Child is 22 - can support end? Massachusetts

I have been paying child support for 12 years. My child just turned 22 and just graduated with his SECOND associates degree, works 30 hours a week and is planning on working 40 per week in the near future. His mother forced him into the second degree program so child support wouldn't end... View More

Brian Waller
Brian Waller
answered on Jun 7, 2023

Judges have discretion in this situation, but I think it makes sense to go forward with your modification. Based on his employment and age alone, it seems like child support should end. Obviously, this is said with very limited information, but I think it would be hard for your ex-wife to argue... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Probate and Family Law for Massachusetts on
Q: My ex is taking me back to court for contempt I feel what he is doing is litigation abuse. I cannot afford a lawyer.

I am not able to answer his phone calls every single night so he can speak to our son. The last lawyer I had said to agree to the terms of him speaking to my son every night and that it wouldn’t be a big deal. I never wanted to agree because I know my schedule is crazy and I shouldn’t have to... View More

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on May 24, 2023

If there is a Court Order that there is a phone call father has at such a time each night, someone needs to make sure the call happens so that if someone else is watching the child, then they can handle the child responding to the call.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Real Estate Law and Land Use & Zoning for Massachusetts on
Q: No Tittle No Registration.

My Grandmother left 2 lands in PR to 4 siblings more then 50 years ago. My mother was leaving in one of the land and my uncle build a house in the second land. All siblings has deceased. I went to PR to find out under who's name was both lands. Theres no record of registration couldn't... View More

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on May 15, 2023

It sounds like the first step would be to contact a real estate attorney In Puerto Rico to see if there is real estate still owned by your grandmother. If there is, then the next step would be to determine where your grandmother was a resident at the time of her death as the law of the State of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Federal Crimes, Family Law, Child Custody and Civil Rights for Massachusetts on
Q: Can a judge order a hair follicle test on hearsay? No drug history or evidence. Just hear say from other parent?

My child's father believes that I am using drugs. The reason is because he heard a recording of my current partner and i arguing. That he obtained from a 3rd party, illegally. Also, my partner didn't know he was being recorded. In the audio it uses a slang word for a drug, but that word... View More

Brian Waller
Brian Waller
answered on Apr 30, 2023

The judge can basically order anything that they deem to be in the best interests of the child. If there is a reason for them to be concerned about drug use, they can order a drug test. It doesn't really matter how they came to making that order, unfortunately. You could choose to appeal it,... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Divorce and Probate for Massachusetts on
Q: In Massachusetts is there an agreement that can be filed with the courts for the termination of a domestic relationship?

My domestic partner is looking to end the relationship. We currently own a house together and share bank accounts for the past 3 years. In speaking with the mortgage company I would need a court document stating we are separating and agreeing that I would keep the house for her to be released from... View More

Brian Waller
Brian Waller
answered on Apr 24, 2023

You could file a Petition to Partition in the Probate and Family Court. I have never seen one filed jointly, but I don't see why you couldn't do that, or you could file it as contested then file an agreement for judgment. I believe that could also be filed in Land Court, I am pretty sure... View More

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