Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts
Custody of 14 year old son
My 14 year old son decided to go and live with his father. My son was appointed a attorney. No GAL as I was told it would be too costlyfor me to go through. This is a Parental alienation case. Now a 6 month temporary custody arrangement with Dad. Visitation order in draft. Not signed yet. My ex eliminating visitation days already. My son's attorney stating ''she is just carrying out her clients wishes''. I am a good mom. No history of abuse or neglect. My ex a police officer in Springfield. Power and control. I can see the writing on the wall. I will lose contact with my son. Not sure if my attorney is suffficient enough for this PAS. I reside in Springfield, Mass. I feel as if I have no rights. Do not have much money to go to trial...I believe my son is being manipulated into telling his attorney he does not 'want to see mom''.. to please his father.. I recently became engaged . I know that is also part of this scenario. Lave my son to make his own choices. or fight against this brainwashing?? Will Mass. court honor Parental alienation.??U term or just show action. I am paying for a visitation order that will never be followed??? Filing contempt after contempt. ?? I am positive this will happen. Any info greatly appreciated
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Custody of 14 year old son
Under certain circumstances, and in certain courts, an attorney can be assigned if you are indigent.
Re: Custody of 14 year old son
Your case requires a G.A.L., expense or not, on the visitation issue. A chanmge of lawyer can't do much at this moment.
However, there is an ugly reality in cases of this type: it may take a while for the child to catch on, even after tyhe trial. Kids often do, eventually.
At this age, the court unfortunately understands that a safe home at which the child is in control is usually better than a foster home. The latter is the only option if the boy refuses to cooperate with you, even if you win custody.
I strongly urge that you consider the practical aspects.
You must do what you can to maintain contact. this means some amount of compromising with a 14-year-old. Yes, this hurts, but parents who stay together do some of this as well.
The child's lawyer -is- just doing her job, for better or worse.
Sometimes, the court system has no good answers, a fact which I hate gto admit.
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