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What happens after the 51A Investigation is Completed?

  • Posted by Alexander Nesson
  • On January 29, 2016
DCF can either support or unsupported the allegation. The unsupported report means that DCF found that there is no evidence indicating that the children were abused or neglected. A supported report means that DCF believes that there is evidence tending to show that the child or children were abuse or neglected; or at risk for […]
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What is Basic Estate Planning and the documents?

  • Posted by Alexander Nesson
  • On January 18, 2016
A basic estate plan usually consists of Wills, typically one for each spouse, a Power of Attorney, again one for each spouse, a Durable Power of Attorney and the Healthcare Proxy, one for each spouse. The costs varies significantly between what the attorney’s charges for this. It can be anywhere from a few hundred dollars […]
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Can DCF take my Children if I don’t know about the 51A?

  • Posted by Alexander Nesson
  • On January 15, 2016
A 51A is an allegation of neglect or abuse. If the report describes an emergency, DCF may present the 51A to the judge and obtain permission to take your child or children away from you without notifying you beforehand. However, if this emergency procedure is used, you may not hear about the 51A until after […]
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Does DCF Always go to Court if a 51A Report is supported?

  • Posted by Alexander Nesson
  • On January 8, 2016
The answer to that questions is no. There is a lot that DCF can consider doing; including, asking you to sign a Voluntary Placement Agreement, but the most typical situation is that DCF will ask for “Family Assessment” and that Family Assessment is used to determine whether or not the family needs services and working […]
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In Massachusetts what is the Fault Statute in Divorces?

  • Posted by Alexander Nesson
  • On January 2, 2016
The Fault Statute of Massachusetts G.L. Ch. 208, Section 1 is that the courts are authorized in specific fault situations of adultery, impotence, deserting for one (1) year, gross and confirmed habits of intoxication caused by voluntary in excessive use of liquor, opium or other drugs, cruel and abusive treatment, imprisonment. Those are what is […]
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What if the Report supported?

  • Posted by Alexander Nesson
  • On December 28, 2015
A 51A becomes either supported or unsupported. Unsupported means that DCF found that there is not any evidence If the report is supported, DCF could try and take custody of your child or children; or they may just want to offer services to your family. Other times DCF might try and ask that you voluntarily […]
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Am I Obligated to speak to the DCF Social Worker?

  • Posted by Alexander Nesson
  • On December 21, 2015
The answer to that questions is, you are not. You do not have to let them into your home. You do not have to participate in the investigation. However, that at times can have a risk of backfiring, if DCF thinks that your child is in immediate danger. They can try to get the police […]
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What is a DCF Service Plan?

  • Posted by Alexander Nesson
  • On December 15, 2015
Under the law, DCF has to provide appropriate services to strengthen the families if the 51A is supported. This is the case whether the children are in your home or even placed out of the home; and services can include a wide variety of things; including counseling for you and your children; daycare; in-home services; […]
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How do you handle a DCF Investigation?

  • Posted by Alexander Nesson
  • On December 7, 2015
Again, having an attorney even in the very early stages, can really help the situation, but some of the things you might want to do if you are not going to be able to have an attorney is ask what the specific charges or allegations are; take notes; you want to stay on the topic […]
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