A Deposition is a question and answer session with the other side’s attorney. The attorney for the other side will ask you questions that you will give answers to. There will be a court reporter (Stenographer) taking all the information and keeping a record of everything that is being said in the deposition. What Kinds […]
10
Jun
You can hire an attorney to represent you. At the Fair Hearing you can call witnesses and Subpoena the witnesses; you can get a copy of the DCF records, including the 51A and 51B. The hearing is usually two hours or less in length at the local DCF office where the allegations were supported. Usually, […]
01
Jun
In Massachusetts a Mandated Reporters has to contact DCF when in their professional capacity they reasonably have constant belief that a child under the age of 18 is suffering from neglect and/or abuse. There is supposed to be an oral report filed immediately and a written report filed within 48 hours. Further, the Mandated Reporter […]
27
May
It is important to realize that the DCF worker is not your friend. You do not have to get along with the person; you don’t have to like him or her; in fact, it is rare that that occurs. DCF can attempt to hold it against you if you do not cooperate with your worker. […]
18
May
It can be overwhelming, upsetting and confusing to receive divorce paperwork even if you are expecting a divorce, never mind if you were unaware. It may be very emotional and easy to ignore or act inappropriately. However, there are some important steps to prepare and respond. You should keep track of when you receive the […]
13
May
DCF does have an office of Ombudsman. It does allow parents or guardians who feel that DCF’s been unfair or unjust, and you have not been able to resolve it with the local DCF office, you can call (617) 748-2444, but some of their decisions is on a less formal than a Fair Hearing.
29
Apr
You can file an Appeal requesting a “Fair Hearing”. This is your opportunity to argue about the DCF decision. There will be an Administrative Hearing Officer, who is not involved with the case, who will decide whether DCF was correct or incorrect under the law and the facts. If you are successful, then DCF Fair […]
18
Apr
The answer is yes you can. You can either execute a new will or execute something called a Codicil to your Last Will and Testament. These cannot be simply handwritten changes, as they will generally not be recognized and can make it more confusing to probate the Will. They can also lead a dispute between […]
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