Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts

Jurisdiction for child support

I am recently separated from my husband, who lives in MA. I am trying to decide where to settle with my two small children. I have been told by an attorney that I can file for divorce in another state but must sue for child support in the state that my husband resides. What state has jurisdiction to award child support?


Asked on 5/26/99, 12:02 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Alan Pransky Law Office of Alan J. Pransky

Re: Jurisdiction for child support

In order to sue for money damages, (alimony, child support, or property division) a

state must have in personam jurisdiction. This means the defendant must be

physically present, have lived in the state, be a citizen of the state, or done other acts

within the state sufficient for an exercise of jurisdiction. It sounds like you can only

sue your husband for child support in Massachusetts. There is another way, interstate

methods of collecting child support do exist. However, it will take longer and you are

likely to get less money.

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Answered on 6/01/99, 10:29 pm


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