Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts
I have a 24 year old son Downs syndrome and autistic. He is on SSI and lives in an adult group home. His rent is 75% of his income and I have to supplement for his medications, clothing, essentials and spending money, food when he comes home. My ex does not contribute and never has since he was conveniently unemployed at the time of divorce. I have never had the money to pay for a lawyer to go back to court. I am wondering if I can go to court to request child support and what papers I would need to file to do this on my own. He refuses to help me. I am 63 and work two jobs to support us both. Thank you for reviewing my questions.
1 Answer from Attorneys
You should be able to take your ex back to court for a modification based on a change in circumstances (ie/. he's working now?).
If you cannot afford a lawyer, you may qualify for free legal aid. In addition, your adult son may also qualify (since his income is based on SSI), and since child support is the right of the child.
This link will bring you to South Coastal Counties Legal Services, Inc. http://www.sccls.org/
They have an office at 231 Main St #201, Brockton, MA 02301
Phone:(508) 586-2110
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