Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts

I am writing for a friend who is afraid to contact a lawyer. Her husband is was physically abusive to her when she was drinking (she has been sober for 3 years) and uses her history of alcoholism to deny her access to their assets (he gives her a small allowance for food shopping). He is verbally and emotionally abusive (she is afraid of him coming home and finding "a drop of water on the floor" or the canned goods shelved "out of order"). He keeps her jewelry locked up and she must ask him if she wants to wear a piece; her name is not on any of their bank accounts. He also owns a business and she believes he hides cash and other assets from the business as well as from her. They have an 11 year-old autistic son who attends public school but also has many private treators (psychiatrist, behavior therapist, occupational therapist, etc.). They live in a beautiful, large home which he has sworn he would "never leave". What are her rights? Could she legally get him to leave? (I am worried about her safety.) Would he have to support her and their son? She does not care about the "McMansion" and would be willing to leave with their son if he were required to continue support.


Asked on 3/06/10, 10:24 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Suzana Urukalo Kajko, Weisman & Colasanti, LLP

I would need more details in order to give you more accurate information with regards to your friend's situation. That being said, depending on the length of their marriage and both Parties' incomes during the course of the marriage, your friend may be entitled to alimony and if she had custody of their son, would receive child support.

As far as the house goes, it is possible for your friend to remain in the house with her son, again this depends on the specifics of her situation.

I suggest that your friend discusses her situation with an attorney. I offer free consultations and can be contacted at 617-523-3200 or by email at [email protected]. All communication is confidential.

Thank you,

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Answered on 3/11/10, 10:30 am
henry lebensbaum Law Offices of Henry Lebensbaum (978-749-3606)

You are a good friend, but ultimately she needs to meet with an attorney to discuss the details of this sensitive situation and chart her goals.

There are a number of options, and some of which depend on her motivation and her desire to separate or divorce her spouse.

Contact me for a consultation at 978-749-3606.

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Answered on 3/11/10, 10:41 am


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