Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Massachusetts

We bought our home in 1972. In 1978, our local Board of Health told us to install a graywater system for the washing machine, which we did. In 1997, we chose to upgrade to a title v system through a betterment loan. We were only allowed a 3000 gal. tight tank due to proximity to lake we live on. Permits were issued, installation completed and a Cert. of Compliance issued. Cost + appr. $15,000. In 2002, town said they made a mistake. Should not have allowed T T with graywater system and we would have to fix problem. We resisted because we felt we had done everything we were supposed to do and this was not our fault. Town started court proceedings against us, we got scared and agreed to put in a new system (not knowing what it cost) then issue was held up in DEP appeals. My husband lost his job on 12/28. I lost most of my hours way back and am in a GED course. We have a 15 yr. old son (the last of 4 children) and we are now on public assist. Town wrote letter through atty. to immediately move forward with system. We asked for extension. They replied with contempt charge to be heard on 2/25. Help??!! Is there anything we can do for now? New system is $40-50,000. Thank you


Asked on 2/14/11, 11:02 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jonas Jacobson Law Offices of Jonas Jacobson

The town is looking for civil contempt? That sounds tough. The problem is that you really need a lawyer for this, but you don't really have a contingent claim.

The best thing you could do, I think, would be to hire someone to fight off the contempt. You cannot let that happen, it would be ruinous. I cannot handle this case for free, and would be hard pressed to think of anyone I know that could. Still, you need a lawyer...

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Answered on 2/15/11, 3:47 pm


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