Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts

Marital Mis-treatment

My husband has been emotionally/verbally mistreating me and my son (his stepson) for quite some time. We separated once, then he came back with the condition that he would complete a state approved Batterer's Program. He is attending, but has not made much progress in changing his behavior (I have counselors/therapists letters attesting to this). At this point, he is using other tactics of (what I consider mistreatment) He kept from me that he is not paying utility bills(our gas got shut-off this week); I am working 3 jobs to make ends meet; he has made no attempt to get a second job or help with house chores.

We have 2 children together 5 & 6 yrs old and we own a house. What are my chances of gaining full-custody? Do I have grounds to for a restraining order?

Could you refer me to an attorney that specializes in domestic violence in the central MA area? Thanks in advance.


Asked on 11/09/06, 9:58 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Dmitry Lev The Lev Law Firm

Re: Marital Mis-treatment

I do quite a bit of work with restraining orders. You will be successful in obtaining an order if you can show the court that you are in fear of serious and imminent physical harm from this person. If there has been a prior history of abuse, this should not be difficult. Feel free to contact my office with more details.

Read more
Answered on 11/09/06, 11:24 pm

Re: Marital Mis-treatment

You probably have a good chance of getting custody and/or a restraining order. Although not paying utility bills is not in and of itself abuse. I would suggest you contact one of the state Battered Women's projects for the names of attorneys or you can contact the Massachusetts Bar Association or the Boston Bar Association. Good Luck

Read more
Answered on 11/09/06, 10:34 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody and Adoption questions and answers in Massachusetts