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Massachusetts Domestic Violence Questions & Answers
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

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Immigration Law, Personal Injury and Domestic Violence for Massachusetts on
Q: Greetings. My name is Mikael 34 years old.I've been victim of domestic violence. Can i file for citizenship?

We've been in a relationship for almost 5 years I have videos of the abuse and after we break up she and her brother stated that if i ever go back to my country they will get me killed.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 8, 2024

Mikael, I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Experiencing domestic violence is a serious matter, and it's important to know that there are legal protections available to you.

Regarding your citizenship query, being a victim of domestic violence does not automatically qualify...
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1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for Massachusetts on
Q: Does one have to disclose an entry in the Domestic Violence Record Keeping Sys when applying for a firearms permit?

More than 15 years ago, my oldest daughter lied to Judge Ross in Orange, MA, District Court and obtained a 209A order against me. It was never violated. Judge Ross vacated the order upon my motion after learning that my daughter had lied. I do not have a probation record. I understand that I do... View More

Brian Waller
Brian Waller
answered on Nov 6, 2023

You could request a CORI or CARI report before applying for an FID card so you know what is there. In all likelihood, unless the 209A restraining order was vacated by the judge and the judge ordered the records removed, it would likely appear on your report. I would suggest speaking with an... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence, Sexual Harassment and Personal Injury for Massachusetts on
Q: I also need a Civil lawyer that covers sexual abuse as well.

As I have gotten SA’d within the facility and got written up and laughed at just for trying to report it. They even tried to take my phone away and took the program phone away for a week hoping I couldn’t get a sane test. They were forcing me to give up my pregnancy results which violates... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Sep 25, 2023

A Massuchusetts attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for three weeks. You're seeking an attorney, and this forum isn't set up like an attorney referral service. I'm sorry for your ordeal. In addition to your own searches, you could look into the "Find a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence and Elder Law for Massachusetts on
Q: How can we remove our granddaughter from our deed?

She wanted to purchase our home and build an addition on it for us to live in. We allowed her to move in after she sold her house so the kids could go to school here. When she found out it would be too costly for her to do that she asked me if she should buy another house and I agreed but she... View More

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Aug 14, 2023

Likely, you would have to do a partition action and buy out her interest in the property. Contact a real estate attorney in your county.

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for Massachusetts on
Q: What happens if the victim violates the restraining order?

If I answer the phone when the victim calls and talk will I also be violating the restraining order?

Lissa McKinney
Lissa McKinney
answered on Aug 20, 2022

YES- If she calls and you answer YOU are violating the RO. Let it go to voicemail; screen shot the incoming call and back it up because it demonstrates she is not "in fear of imminent seriously physical harm." If you DO NOT answer maybe she will call more than once which will help you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Massachusetts on
Q: In MA, will I have a warrant if I don’t go to a court date as a VICTIM/WITNESS to a A&B on a household member?

My girlfriend and I got in an argument in January 2022. I was drunk and being mean while she drove us home. She got tired of it, pulled over and unbuckled me and while she pulled the buckle around me to get me out of her car, she accidentally hit me. I got mad she was making me get out and walk and... View More

Lissa McKinney
Lissa McKinney
answered on Aug 15, 2022

The operative word in the caution is "may."

In practice, it is rare that a Court issues a warrant for a victim- it tends to discourage people from calling the police when they really need to. Generally speaking, all of us are required to advise you to follow the law. Your...
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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Massachusetts on
Q: Can you assist me in sealing my record?
Joseph B. Simons
Joseph B. Simons
answered on Sep 4, 2021

If the case ended with a dismissal, you can petition the court anytime. If it was a conviction, you need to wait 3 years for a misdemeanor or 7 years for a felony. I do a lot of petitions to seal, so feel free to call if you have any questions: 781-797-0555.

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1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence, Family Law and Child Custody for Massachusetts on
Q: Can family judges be changed? Are children supposed to be removed when their parent has a restraining order on them?

I've had the same biased judge since 2013 who is never on my side despite the evidence. I filed an ex parte hearing due to my 15 year old daughter's father almost killing his wife by strangulation. The wife has a restraining order on him. I arrived with police to witness the father, wife,... View More

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Jul 7, 2021

The Court assigns the Judges usually by docket number and unless there is a reason for the Judge to recuse, it is very difficult to change the Judge assigned. If your 15 year old is unsafe or unhappy due to what is occurring with her father and his household, then you can seek a Modification and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Domestic Violence and Probate for Massachusetts on
Q: I was accused of drug use with zero history of drug usage. In family and probate. Pat.g. Parents. Are temp gaurdians

My son and I were physically assaulted by my now ex. My sons father. He is being charged with 3 counts a&b and 2 counts suffocation/strangulation. He was bonded on $5000 bail, plus gps and zero contact with myself and our son. He was found to be a danger. After this transpired, my decade long... View More

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Apr 7, 2021

If you are seeking custody of the child and opposing guardianship of paternal grandmother then you should engage counsel to represent you if you are able to do so. In contesting guardianship an indigent parent can have court appointed counsel via motion to the court requesting same. The is random... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law, Child Custody and Domestic Violence for Massachusetts on
Q: I asked a hair follicle drug test question prior

Recently my son and myself were assaulted by me ex. He was arrested. Found to be a danger. Zero contact with myself and son. Paternal g.parents have temp. Guardianship. She filed for an emergency hearing accusing me of drug abuse. She received this information from her son, my abuser. I feel like... View More

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Mar 29, 2021

Have you counsel representing you ? If not , you have a right to counsel and if you are indigent or believe you are indigent the Court will appoint counsel to represent you, but you need to file a Motion for Appointment of Counsel and you should also consider requesting random screening as the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Domestic Violence for Massachusetts on
Q: How much trouble could my mom get in for being abusive?

My mom's is somewhat physically abusive, extremely emotionally/ mentally abusive (example: threatening suicide) and also threatens me and my brother a lot (example: "I'm gonna slit your throat and watch you bleed"). She has also denied me food and various occasions, punished me... View More

Kimberly Winslow
Kimberly Winslow
answered on Mar 15, 2021

Are you a minor? You can talk to a trusted teacher or guidance counselor at school. Another option would be to self-report to the Department of Children and Families by calling 508-910-1000. More information is available here:... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Domestic Violence for Massachusetts on
Q: unable to see evidence before trial.

I recently had a trial for custody and ended up loosing based on false information. My ex, who abused me utilized DCF to hurt me. the power of DCF is so strong that regardless of my therapist saying: "I never seen anything like it. The poor girl had no chance no matter what she did." My... View More

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Feb 11, 2021

It is likely that an appeal would not be successful as the judge is the fact finder and assesses credibility. It is possible that remaining in an abusive relationship was neglectful. You do not state whether you have any issues or what the DCF found as a result of their involvement with your family... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody, Domestic Violence and Probate for Massachusetts on
Q: Why doesn't MA take parental alienation seriously?

I have exhausted all options I could think to do. Modifications, motions, emergency motions, DCF reports, attempted to have a GAL appointed, ARC attorney only telling court her wishes. Nobody sees an issue with this. A good relationship to a nonexistent one. The hate and anger coming from my child... View More

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Aug 27, 2020

Not sure what you are trying to do at this point. If counseling is ordered then you should comply with the Court's Order. Is there a review hearing date? If so you will need to report that counseling has not gone well and are concerned that there should be separate individual counseling for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Domestic Violence for Massachusetts on
Q: Where can I find a pro bono lawyer for child custody in Taunton, MA?

Parental alienation. Emotional and psychological abuse. Gaslighting. I'm getting absolutely nowhere in court.

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Aug 27, 2020

You can check with the local Bar Associations- I believe Bristol is your county.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Family Law and Domestic Violence for Massachusetts on
Q: What to do when a custody issue isn't taken seriously by the court?

Simple. My daughter and I had a great relationship 6 months ago to absolutely nothing. The court has a mountain of evidence proving emotional and psychologically abuse.

The ARC attorney is only sharing my daughter's wishes. I filed motions, emergency motions, contempt actions as well... View More

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Aug 26, 2020

Has your case gone to trial or is it at the temporary orders stage? Temporary orders can be changed as circumstances change ,so although there is an Interlocutory appeal process generally cases are appealed that have gone to Judgment and there are rules of procedure that must be promptly followed... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Massachusetts on
Q: What can i do to help my boyfriend after my daughter made false assault and battery charges on her stepfather?

She said that he punched and kneed her in the face for not cleaning the room i was there the whole time but i was never really question on by dcf not the police she had no injuries consistent with that hes been in her life for a long time we all live together.

Joseph B. Simons
Joseph B. Simons
answered on Aug 23, 2020

The best thing you can do for your boyfriend is to make sure he has an excellent criminal defense attorney. Domestic violence charges - probably "assault and battery on a family or household member" - are prosecuted quite harshly in Massachusetts. It sounds like you will make a good... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for Massachusetts on
Q: I have to appear for a pretrial for domestic violence and I'm not sure what to say or do.

My wife and I were under a lot of stress and ended up in an argument. While I was sitting on the couch she hit me in the head and so I pushed her. She ended up tripping on a dog bowl and falling down. She was so angry she called 911, told them I pushed her, then hung up refusing to answer when they... View More

Lissa McKinney
Lissa McKinney
answered on Aug 12, 2020

YOU should not handle the pretrial hearing alone. You really need to have a lawyer and gget one if the COurt willnot give you one. Your arraignment signifies to you that the beginning of a CRIMINAL PROCESS. Neither you nor your wife control the criminal process or the result. The... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Domestic Violence and Family Law for Massachusetts on
Q: What are my options at virtual mediation? Child wants to stay with me and it is much safer here anyway.

High-conflict divorce and custody dispute, with ex having a lifelong history of mental illness diagnoses and treatments. Divorce and custody arrangement finalized in a previous state of residence where she still resides. Child is currently with me in MA and has been since the start of the pandemic.... View More

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Jul 16, 2020

Because the child has not been living in Massachusetts for at least 6 months, our Probate Courts do not yet have jurisdiction over custody and visitation as the former state of residence still is the home state until then. However, if there is a safety concern about the child going to the other... View More

Q: How do I go about filing an appeal on DCF? I am involved in case on which I am NOT the supported person of neglect.

Domestic violence with my children's father, in which I am the victim, have landed DCF in my life for the third time.

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Jul 6, 2020

This is actually an area of specialization. However, briefly, if you are within 30 days of the supported finding of abuse or neglect you can ask for a fair hearing and if the finding is adverse at the fair hearing, then the Superior Court would be involved if an appropriate appeal of the hearing... View More

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