Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts

I'm am 17 and i turn 18 in 2 months. A couple days ago Department of Children and Services went to court and got custody of me because my mother has tryed to kill herself 7 times since January. They put me in a group home and i ran away to another state to stay with my grandmother. Will she get in trouble? When i turn 18 can i just go home and everything will b over?


Asked on 6/13/10, 10:10 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

First, I am sorry to hear your mother is suicidal.

Once you are 18 you are an adult and DSS should no longer have custody of you. However, I would at the age of 18, file a petition to have their custody terminated, depending on what the court order says. They could take action to seek that your Grandmother return you to their custody.

I would suggest that your grandmother seek advice of counsel in the state she resides and she could seek temporary custody of you from the Court.

Nevertheless, it is not a good idea for you to return to your mother's home if she is suicidal. I would not be surprised to see DSS file a petition for your mother's commitment.

Good Luck

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Answered on 6/13/10, 1:31 pm


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