Massachusetts Child Custody Legal Questions

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117 legal questions have been posted about child custody by real users in Massachusetts. Ask your question and dive into the knowledge of attorneys who handle your issue regularly. Similar topics to explore also include family law, adoptions, and child support. All topics and other states can be accessed in the dropdowns below.
Massachusetts Child Custody Questions & Legal Answers - Page 3
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Recent Legal Answers

How can I keep custody of my daughter?

Answered 12 years and 6 months ago by attorney Wyckoff Nissenbaum, Esq.   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
Child custody is based on the best interests of the child. The best interest of the child is based on several factors. Without having a better understanding of your situation it is very difficult to offer any advice. My suggestion is to have a consultation with a local attorney in order to understand the likely outcomes. Once you understand the various possibilities, you will be in a better position to make decisions. ... Read More
Child custody is based on the best interests of the child. The best interest of the child is based on several factors. Without having a better... Read More

Child relocation after divorce question

Answered 12 years and 6 months ago by attorney Wyckoff Nissenbaum, Esq.   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
You wife cannot move out of the state without your permission or the courts. You should discuss with your divorce attorney language that can be included in the divorce agreement that will allow Wife to remove the child.    Wyckoff Nissenbaum www.SomervilleLawOffice.com
You wife cannot move out of the state without your permission or the courts. You should discuss with your divorce attorney language that can be... Read More

Can my exwife enroll my child in private catholic school without my consent?

Answered 12 years and 7 months ago by Greg Krikorian (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
Shared legal custody gives BOTH parents the right and responsability of making major decisions involving the child. Decisions as to choice of education is one such recognized right. You may want to amicably remind your exwife of your right, or show through the Probate and Family court that her unilateral decisions as to your children's education is not in the "Best interest of your children"... Read More
Shared legal custody gives BOTH parents the right and responsability of making major decisions involving the child. Decisions as to choice of... Read More

my daughter mother is caught up with DSS an I've had her since but Dss is trying to take my daughter an i want full custody of her

Answered 12 years and 7 months ago by Greg Krikorian (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
It will be helpful if you could provide a fuller explanation and background about "is caught up with DSS"
It will be helpful if you could provide a fuller explanation and background about "is caught up with DSS"

Can I legally take my children away from husband if we are not getting a divorce?

Answered 12 years and 8 months ago by Susan Correia-Champa (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
I think you need to discuss with an attorney the concept of a complaint for separate support. In Massachusetts, you can file a complaint for separate support which is one step behind filing for divorce. However, if you do that your Husband can file a divorce and does not need your consent to do so.... Read More
I think you need to discuss with an attorney the concept of a complaint for separate support. In Massachusetts, you can file a complaint for... Read More

How do I get divorced if I have been estranged for twenty plus years?

Answered 12 years and 8 months ago by Loren Paul Zahn (Unclaimed Profile)   |   16 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
It is possible to give notice and get past that requirement.
It is possible to give notice and get past that requirement.

Will my wife have access to the bank account?

Answered 12 years and 9 months ago by Glen Edward Ashman (Unclaimed Profile)   |   18 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
If your social is on the account it is YOUR account, not theirs and your wife certainly can go after it in a divorce. Why would you have set it up that way?
If your social is on the account it is YOUR account, not theirs and your wife certainly can go after it in a divorce. Why would you have set it up... Read More

Should we ask an attorney to draw up a joint custody agreement?

Answered 12 years and 9 months ago by Glenn E. Tanner (Unclaimed Profile)   |   23 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
This arrangment could dramatically effect the child support.
This arrangment could dramatically effect the child support.

How do I terminate the father's child custody rights if he disappeared for seven years?

Answered 12 years and 9 months ago by Glen Edward Ashman (Unclaimed Profile)   |   14 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
You can't. And there's no need to.
You can't. And there's no need to.
Unfortunately you cannot control your baby Mother's behavior. As the Father you have legal rights and obligations. You have the right to have frequent parenting time with your daughter and the responsibility of supporting her. If the baby mother is going to prevent you from seeing her, then you may need the court to enforce you legal rights. Do not hesitate to contact my office at 617-410-6467 to discuss your legal and non-legal options.  Wyckoff Nissenbaum... Read More
Unfortunately you cannot control your baby Mother's behavior. As the Father you have legal rights and obligations. You have the right to have... Read More

Am I entitled to some of my husband's retirement funds if we divorce?

Answered 12 years and 10 months ago by Steven D. Dunnings (Unclaimed Profile)   |   14 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
Yes.
Yes.

Can my mom prevent me from living with my biological father when I turn 18?

Answered 12 years and 10 months ago by Mr. Theodore A. Speaker (Unclaimed Profile)   |   25 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
No. Yes - you may need an attorney.
No. Yes - you may need an attorney.

Is it possible for a child to appeal his mother's custody if she is not a good parent?

Answered 12 years and 10 months ago by Glen Edward Ashman (Unclaimed Profile)   |   13 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
No.
No.

Does the mother have to pay support if she gives up her parental rights?

Answered 12 years and 10 months ago by Barbara Peyton (Unclaimed Profile)   |   11 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
No.
No.

Is it considered abandonment if I do not let me see my child?

Answered 12 years and 10 months ago by attorney Zari Hadjian   |   15 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
No.
No.

If we agree on everything and work together on child support and custody, do we have to include them in the paperwork?

Answered 12 years and 10 months ago by Aaron H. Hutchins (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
Yes.
Yes.

Can a mediation agreement that has been signed by all parties including attorney's be revoked due to child support?

Answered 12 years and 10 months ago by Mark T. Peters, Sr. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   3 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
Probably not, but that is really a question you should put to your attorney.
Probably not, but that is really a question you should put to your attorney.

Is there a conflict of interest here?

Answered 12 years and 10 months ago by attorney Wyckoff Nissenbaum, Esq.   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
You need to contact a local child custody attorney to get help with your situation. Based on the information that you have provided there may be a conflict of interest, but additional information is necessary. 
You need to contact a local child custody attorney to get help with your situation. Based on the information that you have provided there may be a... Read More

What should I do to get child support from him and could I get it started right away?

Answered 12 years and 10 months ago by Mark T. Peters, Sr. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   3 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
You file a petition for paternity, custody and child support.
You file a petition for paternity, custody and child support.

What should I do to get child support from him and could I get it started right away?

Answered 12 years and 10 months ago by Anita Alice Webster (Unclaimed Profile)   |   3 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
You should contact the District Attorney, Child Support Division. They will establish paternity and set child support.
You should contact the District Attorney, Child Support Division. They will establish paternity and set child support.

Can my wife tell me when I can come back to our house?

Answered 12 years and 10 months ago by Anita Alice Webster (Unclaimed Profile)   |   5 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
She cannot keep you out of the house unless there is a court order giving her exclusive possession of the house or a temporary protective order. Although, if you think the arguments could turn physical you might want to consider not returning to the home. You should probably talk to an attorney about this.... Read More
She cannot keep you out of the house unless there is a court order giving her exclusive possession of the house or a temporary protective order. ... Read More

What can I do if ex is not following court orders?

Answered 12 years and 10 months ago by Mark T. Peters, Sr. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   5 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
You can move to have him held in contempt. However, you will have to prove that the grandfather and uncle were under the influence.
You can move to have him held in contempt. However, you will have to prove that the grandfather and uncle were under the influence.

I would like to have my 16 yr old niece come live with me and my family.

Answered 12 years and 10 months ago by attorney Wyckoff Nissenbaum, Esq.   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
You can go to the probate and family court in your county and file for guardianship of the child. Because of her age her the court will take into consideration her wishes. If you need further assistance, you can contact my office at 617-410-6467. 
You can go to the probate and family court in your county and file for guardianship of the child. Because of her age her the court will take into... Read More

If a mother is in drug rehab, can her children be take away from her by her husband or dyfus?

Answered 12 years and 10 months ago by Mark T. Peters, Sr. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   2 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
Probably, at least until you can prove that you are now clean and sober and can be trusted.
Probably, at least until you can prove that you are now clean and sober and can be trusted.

Can the mother of my child disappear with my child without notifying me or seeking my consent to move?

Answered 12 years and 10 months ago by Jonathan Edward Shimberg (Unclaimed Profile)   |   4 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
Are you on the child's birth certificate? If not you are not legally the father. If you are, is there a support order in place; a visitation order? If not there is no requirement she tell you anything. If there is a visitation order in place, when you are not given you visitation you can seek relief from a court to enforce the order. If there is no order in place, you need to get one. Then you will known where your child is.... Read More
Are you on the child's birth certificate? If not you are not legally the father. If you are, is there a support order in place; a visitation order? ... Read More