Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts

typical visitation

I have an 8 month old whose father has only seen him at birth. Father lives out of state - NOT driving distance away. He is taking me to court for custody. I left him b/c of drug/alcohol/verbal abuse and he recently got a DUI. (I have never used drugs or had issues with alcohol)

Taking into consideration my sons age, the fact that we were never married, his father's drug (undocumented), alcohol, and verbal abuse, and the fact that we live 1500 miles apart, what can I expect a judge to order in regards to #1 custody and #2 visitation/time away from me and spent with father (holidays, weekends, vacation - but he is only an infant). Also, would a judge order supervised or unsupervised visits and if supervised, until what age?

Thank you for any help.

Can you recommend any books on winning custody?

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Asked on 8/20/07, 6:53 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Gregory Lee Gregory P. Lee, Attorney at Law

Re: typical visitation

You should have an attorney represent you.

Provided that this is a Massachusetts case, and that you have no significant problems with mental illness, drug or alcohol abuse, or other activity that would place your child at substantial risk of neglect or abuse, you have a good chance of winning custody under Massachusetts law.

A Massachusetts judge is unlikely to send an infant 1500 miles unsupervised.

You should seek and obtain legal assistance rather than a book. Please feel free to review my sliding scale fee program at www.gregleelaw.com.

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Answered on 8/20/07, 7:12 pm


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