Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts

Child Support/Contempt of Court

I was ordered to pay support which was 55% over Basic Order at the time, 1999. (My ex ''bullied'' me- alot of abuse to me in the marriage, and I'm still afraid of him). The judge said it was too high for my income but set the order ''despite reservations'', then said that she was ''accepting assignment'' for anything to do with this case. Due to my disabilities, I've been unable to work (I did try!) and haven't been able to pay most of the support. (Applied for Soc. Sec. in 2003, denied, appealed, had hearing, Vocational Expert said that I am disabled but denied by the ALJ anyway, lawyer used wrong SS# on appeal letters so it wasn't ''officially'' in appeal, so I took over my case and it's now back in appeal/review. I am now even more disabled). My ex/DOR took me to court in 2003. I had filed a motion (prior) to reduce my child support due to lack of income. The hearing was held before a different judge, and despite the fact that I gave proof of disabilities/ inability to pay, he found me in contempt, (30 day suspended sentence) and refused to consider reducing the child support- I was on state disability. Was this ''Improper Change of Venue''? If so, what can I do about it? The court has documentation stating I'm disabled.


Asked on 2/22/07, 1:16 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Maria Murber Law Offices of Maria Murber, PC

Re: Child Support/Contempt of Court

You have a few different issues going on here (child support, SSI, etc.) If you are considered indigent, you may want to consider contacting the Massachusett's Lawyer's Referral, Boston Bar Association, Attorney's Bar Association, Women's Bar Association, Etc. You may be eligible for a lowered attorney rate and possibly pro bono representation (meaning free). I strongly suggest you call one of those entities and find out, because your multiple concerns will not be able to be fully addressed in this forum.

As to child support, I don't know what county you are in but the child support guidelines have a very specific formula and based on that, your child support obligation should be calculated accordingly.

Sincerely, Maria Murber

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Answered on 2/22/07, 7:15 am


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