Usually, a retroactive order can only go back as far as the date the opposing party was served with the complaint for child support. If there has never been an order previously, you may have the ability to argue for retroactive support back to the child's date of birth, but it would depend if... View More

There sounds like a lack of relationship over a lengthy period of time and the Court is sensitive to the effect of father's suddenly attempting to regain contact where there had been no regularity. Asking for contact information about other people is indeed odd and really not your information... View More

There are pro bono attorneys such as through the Volunteer Lawyers project of the Boston Bar Association and the major law schools have law clinics which may be a route. She has obvioulsy rights not to be abused and there would be child support orders for the child. If this is a brief marriage... View More

Even though you have custody as a result of a DCF case, you would still need to get the permission of the Probate and Family court before you could move out of state with your child if MA removal laws apply. MA law requires you to get permission-

IF your child was born in MA or has lived... View More

More information is needed, but it cannot come from her. You have no affirmative duty nor direct evidence of fraud by the husband! Strangely, you ‘may know’ more incriminating facts about her!

It reads more like, she ‘seems to want’ out of a marital relationship that appears to... View More

Basically you can hire counsel as long as you find one who will take your case. Occasionally counsel is brought in late in the proceedings and asks for a Continuance which the Court can allow. This may be the concern you have- delay of the proceedings. Occasionally counsel brought in may have a... View More

It has to be filed with the Court and acted upon to take effect. If you have second thoughts you really should have counsel represent you!!

I don’t know that you can. If the court order was entered after the start of the pandemic, you most likely need to allow visits. If it was entered previous to the pandemic, I would suggest requesting masks (as well as your other requests) be worn in writing. If they refuse, I would document the... View More

Maybe, it depends on all of the factors surrounding your divorce and living together prior to marriage. The Judge must consider about 15 factors then decide what an equitable division of all the assets would be.

You want to consult with an experience divorce attorney who will review the... View More

Your counsel can file a Motion requesting the appointment of counsel for the child. The Court may also determine to appoint a Guardian Ad Litem to investigate and report to the Court concerning the best interests of the child in custody and visitation matters.

Since your 15 year old has been with you and apparently wants to stay with you , this is a Modification of custody complaint which you would be bringing. At 15 your child would have a voice about her primary residence and would still have visitation with father. It is unfortunate that you have not... View More

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

You can commence a Paternity action and seek support orders; both parties have the duty to support their child and if there are public benefits involved, the government has the ability to go forward to seek paternity adjudication regardless of whether you are interested in pursuing the matter.

Assuming you are talking about divorce, "filing a complaint" is not enough to get what you call "answers" and the Rules call "Defendant's Answer".

Have you received and served, according to the Rules, a Summons?

It looks like you are not prepared... View More

This is a very confusing question , particularly if a Modification is being sought against an estate? If there is not an order of child support, is there an order relative to life insurance?

Unless he is under guardianship due to disability, he is an adult and can live elsewhere.

If you are being mentally abused, have you told a Mandated Reporter such as a pediatrician , social worker, mental health counselor, psychologist, or school guidance counselor or school official or DCF hotline # about this matter and the underlying facts which constitute mental abuse? Is the... View More

This would probably be a new adoption petition. An adoption practitioner can go over all of your unique facts.

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

If by legally you mean that your husband adopted your son and your husband's name is on the birth certificate, I don't think the biological father can do anything because he would have been notified about the adoption. If your husband isn't on the birth certificate then the... View More