In Massachusetts the court can order the parenting time; particularly during COVID-19 but at any point it can be monitored at a visitation center. However, there is normally a cost associated with that as the visitation centers in Massachusetts usually charge for both in person visits at the center along with virtual or zoom visitation. […]
21
Dec
In Massachusetts a child needs to be 18 before they are the sole decider about where they would live. In Massachusetts it’s what is in the child’s best interest. However, if the child is mature enough their input can be part of the decision-making process for what is in that child’s best interest.
20
Dec
There is a lot of confusion about what the waiting period is in a divorce and what it means after a binding divorce agreement (called a “separation agreement” in MA) is approved by the court. In Massachusetts, a spouse must wait for the “Nisi Period” of either 90 days or 120 days before the divorce […]
17
Dec
Both state and federal laws require if children are in and out of a home state placement be reviewed periodically and not less at least once every six (6) months. Interested individuals can participate in a meeting; which focuses on the child’s placement and the appropriateness of that. The individual’s participation and completions are what […]
14
Dec
It is important to ask them and to also if you have an attorney to talk to an attorney about what their different roles might be. There are different social workers for different aspects of the case. There are screeners that will take the emergency information about the 51A over the phone. There are investigators […]
10
Dec
There is physical neglect, where the child is not getting the basic needs met or not being properly supervised or kept safe. An educational neglect, emotional neglect or medical neglect are examples as well.
07
Dec
The answer typically is that DCF is allowed to show up unannounced. You do not need necessarily have to let them in unless there is a court order, an administrative hold or the police are present with them. It would be important to talk to a lawyer prior to determining whether or not the advantages […]
03
Dec
The definition is if the parent, guardian or other caretaker either deliberately or through inability or negligence fails to take actions necessary to provide a child with minimally adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care, supervision, emotional stability, growth or other essential care is one definition.
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