Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts

I am 18 years old, live with my mother, and I have a history of substance abuse problems. A few months ago, my mother had me involuntarily committed to a state rehabilitation program. Since then, I have gotten a job, see a therapist every week, do not use drugs, and am healthy. In general, I am doing very well. My mother is delusional and psychotic, as well as mentally and emotionally abusive. She is now threatening to have me committed again because she thinks I am using drugs again, but I am not. She has told me recently and in the past that she wishes I was never born, that she hopes I overdose and die, that I am a piece of s***, and that she hates me and can't stand me being around. I do nothing wrong at all and am only trying to is live my life and improve it day by day. I need serious help protecting me from being committed for no reason. It is very easy for her to go down to the district court and have me committed, it required no proof, only the "concern of a blood relative." I am scared that she will succeed in doing this because she is my mother. She will lie about anything and everything to have me committed because she wants to be able to literally control my life. I need help protecting me from her and preventing this from happening. She is a chronic marijuana user, suffers from metal disorders, and like I said, she is extremely mentally and emotionally abusive to me. What can I do?


Asked on 12/04/11, 11:02 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

First as an 18 year old you are a legal adult. Second, your therapist can testify for you in any commitment process and I suggest you discuss the situation with your therapist.

If you have a physician, you can have him or her take a blood test and test for drugs. Assuming this comes in negative, it will be supportive of your position. If your mother files a complaint for commitment, you should contact an attorney or ask the court to appoint you one.

I can recommend someone who deals with both criminal drug cases and commitments if you require assistance. However, one thing you might consider is finding a new place to live. If you are working and earning enough money to pay some rent, it might be your best situation. Again, I suggest you talk to your therapist about these issues before seeking legal assistance.

Good luck with your rehabilitation.

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Answered on 12/04/11, 2:53 pm


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