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What is a DCF 51A-51B Investigation?

  • Posted by Alexander Nesson
  • On April 21, 2022
The DCF 51A/51B Investigation is supposed to be completed within 15 working days after the intake. However, in reality that does not always occur.  DCF has to make a determination whether the allegations are supported or unsupported or a substantiated concern.  If it is supported that means that there is a reasonable cause to believe […]
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What is the 51B Investigation?

  • Posted by Alexander Nesson
  • On April 18, 2022
What ends up happening is there is going to be a DCF worker assigned to look into the 51A report and they are supposed to provide a Notice of Response letter that will state the child’s name, the allegations, the parent or caregiver associated with the allegation and signed by the DCF worker appointed to […]
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In Massachusetts What is the Standard for a Mandated Reporter to be Obligated to Make a 51A Report?

  • Posted by Alexander Nesson
  • On April 11, 2022
Massachusetts law requires mandated reporters to immediately make an oral report to DCF when, in their professional capacity, they have reasonable cause to believe that a child under the age of 18 is suffering from abuse or neglect. Mandated reporters must also submit a written report to DCF within 48 hours. Examples of mandated reporters can […]
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The Publicity about Different Problems between Massachusetts and New Hampshire with Child who are both Involved with the Courts and Child Welfare, is that Problem Resolved?

  • Posted by Alexander Nesson
  • On April 7, 2022
There is still a lot of different issues going on between states at the time of writing this blog.  I have a case where Massachusetts closes the cases out because the mother moved to Rhode Island and then the Rhode Island DCF closed the case out because the father got custody in Massachusetts.  It is […]
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In Massachusetts What is a DCF Assessment?

  • Posted by Alexander Nesson
  • On April 4, 2022
The “MA DCF Assessment” is a process by the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (MA DCF). It is when the Department evaluates a family to see if they should be connected to services based on the family’s problems. DCF should start assessments only for families who they believe to need their help. DCF will not begin an […]
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How does the Court Determine Whether to Deviate from the Child Support Order?

  • Posted by Alexander Nesson
  • On March 28, 2022
If a court finds by the weight of evidence, that applying the Child Support Guidelines would either not meet the needs of the child or it would be inappropriate or unjust to apply the Child Support Guidelines the court will order deviation. It is though one that has to be written finding why the court […]
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Filing for Divorce in Massachusetts and Stating on What Grounds.

  • Posted by Alexander Nesson
  • On March 24, 2022
When you file for divorce in Massachusetts you have to determine whether to state a ground or reason for the divorce and it can be either based on fault or no fault. If it is a no-fault divorce you don’t have to blame your spouse for the divorce and that is a more common situation.
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Can a Child Support Order that is in Place be Imposed Retroactively?

  • Posted by Alexander Nesson
  • On March 24, 2022
The answer is yes and no.  It can only be retroactive to the date that you have the other side served the Complaint for Modification. So, if it is something that you waited years to do, it is only until the other side gets notice through the return of service on the Complaint for Modification. 
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