Melissa Anne Levine-Piro’s Answers

It sounds like you were trying to file a joint petition for divorce. Since that didn't work due to your ex not complying, you can still file a 1B divorce. You will have to serve your ex or provide alternative notice, but the divorce can happen whether he shows up to court or not. You should consult with a local divorce attorney who can help you through the process and the paperwork. Best of luck. Melissa Levine www.levinepirolaw.com

Yes you are able to file, but you need to get the court's permission for alternative service of process. When you file, you should accompany your complaint with a motion for service by publication and on the divorce complaint you should list your husband's address as unknown. You may want to hire an attorney even on a limited assistance basis to help you through all the paperwork. Melissa Levine www.levinepirolaw.com

I highly recommended getting divorced while your parents are still living. I think you should sit down with a qualified divorce attorney so that you can better understand the process, what to expect etc. Best of luck. Melissa Levine www.levinepirolaw.com

I agree with Attorney Mansur. If your child is away at school and no longer principally dependent on your ex-spouse for support then you should not have to pay both during the school year, however in the summer, you may then have to resume child support if your son is resuming living with your ex and dependent on her during those months. Filing a complaint for modification would be the next step in changing this if your separation agreement doesn't address the issue. Consult with an...

I'm sorry you are going through this. Unfortunately this would not be grounds for an annulment. While this may be hard for your wife to deal with, after some time she may be willing to make the divorce more amicable. When you're ready you can either file for a no-fault divorce on your own or if you can work with your wife, you can file a joint complaint for divorce. In the meantime, you may want to consider marriage counseling and you should also consider talking with an attorney. Many...

I'm so sorry you're going through this. You should really contact an attorney and take out a restraining order. You shouldn't have to feel scared in your own home. I'm unclear if he's living there too or if he's officially moved out. So long as you're still married you each have equal rights to the house, but a lawyer could help you file a motion to vacate and/or a restraining order. Best of luck, Melissa Levine www.levinepirolaw.com

Attorney Harvey gave you an excellent answer. If you are concerned that the funds are being improperly used then it would be a good idea to consult with an attorney.

I wouldn't say it is a mistake. Most family law attorneys practice in multiple counties and Middlesex is one of, if not, the busiest probate and family court in the state so it is likely your attorney has lots of experience practicing there. What is important is that you have a good working relationship with your attorney. With regard to your second question, a retainer is just a retainer, meaning it is still your money until it is earned by the attorney. If you feel as though he is not the...

Landlords are prohibited from doing self-help (like changing the locks). Consult a landlord tenant attorney immediately.

As other have said, she definitely should not hide the fact she received the check. Have her consult with an elder law attorney nearby, many elder law attorneys will make home visits if she is unable to get to an attorneys office.