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A Massachusetts law does require if you need to make an oral report to DCF if in your professional capacity you have a reasonable cause to believe that a child under the age of 18 is suffering from abuse or neglect and an original report is supposed to be submitted within 48 hours. In addition, […]

That would include but not limited to: physicians medical interns hospital personnel; engage in the examination or care treatment of people; medical examiners; emergency medical technicians; dentists; nurses; optometrists; chiropractors; public or private teachers; educational administrators; including family and also guidance counselors; childcare licensers including department of education and childcare, early educators; including pre-school, childcare […]

There has always been a lot of controversy about college contribution responsibilities for divorced or divorcing parents. As it is getting more and more expensive for students to attend college, parental financial contribution can end up being a crucial element in the divorce settlement and in a further modification after the settlement. The courts have […]

In Massachusetts can I Stop or Suspend Visits because I am not getting Child Support? Massachusetts does not allow you to stop visits even if you are not getting child support you can file a Contempt action. Other states may allow that, but not Massachusetts. One Question People ask is if One Attorney can represent […]

How Long will it Take for My Divorce in Massachusetts become Final?  A divorce will be final 90 days after the judge issues what is called “Divorce Decree or Divorce Judgment”.  The Decree itself is called a “Nisi”. There is that waiting period of time where the court will then issue a final decree called […]

In Massachusetts how do I determine Which County to File a Divorce?  It is called a “Venue” which talks about the local courts and which to file a divorce action.  In Massachusetts a divorce is filed in what is called the “Probate and Family Court” and the appropriate place to file is the county of […]

How do I Serve a Spouse that is Missing or I can’t Locate?              You can get divorced even if you are not able to notify your spouse because he/she has disappeared. There are some restrictions unless you serve your spouse in terms of alimony or child support. When you know where you spouse lives or […]

What is the Difference between a Temporary Custody Hearing and a “Placement Hearing”? Place decisions are within the powers of the legal custodian; which can include the DCF, 3rd party legal custodian. The court does not choose the placement that is looked at under Section 21 of the General Laws, Chapter 119 and saying whether […]

Under the General Laws, Ch. 119 Section 24 or 25 under Rule 9. The Temporary Custody hearing can be waived by a parent, guardian, custodian or child.  The waiver of a parent, guardian or custodian shall be in writing signed by the parent, guardian or custodian.  Unless the parties are representing themselves, then the attorney […]

There is an interesting case called Care & Protection of Emanuel in Massachusetts that talks about the process where absent or waiver meaning that the parents and child waive the right to a 72-hour hearing. The court would first determine whether the custody of the children should be removed from the child’s parents; or the […]