If I am not a citizen, but my husband is, do I have rights to my children if we divorce ?

Attorney answers (9)

1. Licensed in MA

   

   Anton R. Reinert

   Wellesley Divorce / Separation Lawyer

   Contributor Level 13

   10

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   Answered February 06, 2013 10:28. I am sorry to hear about this situation. Even if you are not a citizen, the Probate and Family Court can grant you rights with regard to your children and the marital estate. If you are an abused spouse, you may also petition to get a permanent resident status through the United States Government. You should consult with a qualified family law attorney to provide you further guidance. Good luck.

   Advice provided is of a general nature to provide guidance. Divorce law is state specific. One should always... moreAdvice provided is of a general nature to provide guidance. Divorce law is state specific. One should always check the laws in their home jurisdiction. An attorney-client relationship is not intended or established through provided responses. less

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2. Licensed in MA

   

   Catherine Taylor

   Holden Family Law Attorney

   Contributor Level 13

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   Answered February 06, 2013 10:29. Yes, but I would hire an attorney who is familiar with both divorce law and immigration law to make sure that all of your rights are protected. Good luck!

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3. Licensed in MA

   

   Melissa Levine-Piro

   Maynard Divorce / Separation Lawyer

   Contributor Level 13

   5

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   Answered February 06, 2013 11:17. You would definitely have rights. You should consult with a local attorney regarding your situation, many offer free consultations.
   
   Melissa Levine
   Levine and Piro, Attorneys at Law
   Maynard, MA
   www.levinepirolaw.com

   Melissa Levine is a licensed attorney in Massachusetts. All answers are based on Massachusetts law and should not... moreMelissa Levine is a licensed attorney in Massachusetts. All answers are based on Massachusetts law and should not be construed as legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by Attorney Levine answering your question. It is advisable to consult with an attorney about your personal legal concerns. less

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4. Licensed in MA

   

   Alan J Pransky

   Dedham Family Law Attorney

   Contributor Level 12

   5

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   Answered February 06, 2013 11:45. Immigration status is not a factor for a judge to consider when granting custody. If the parent is trying to hide from immigration because they are not properly in the country, then their behavior of hiding could have an adverse effect on the child and this could affect custody. An example would be not putting the child in school to hide from immigration. However, immigration status alone is not a factor. In fact, it may be illegal for a judge to consider citizenship as a factor in custody.

   THIS COMMUNICATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE CREATION OF AN ATTORNEY-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP. Legal rights vary greatly... moreTHIS COMMUNICATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE CREATION OF AN ATTORNEY-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP. Legal rights vary greatly depending on specific facts, and it is impossible on the basis of the recitation of a few facts to determine whether or not an individual has a viable case, what is the full range of options, or what limitations exist which may bar an individual's potential claims. ON THE BASIS OF THE INFORMATION PROVIDED TO ME, I RECOMMEND THAT YOU PROMPTLY CONSULT AN ATTORNEY TO DETERMINE THE SCOPE OF LEGAL RECOURSE, IF ANY, YOU MAY HAVE. YOU SHOULD NOT RELY ON ANYTHING I HAVE STATED AS ADVICE TO DO ANYTHING OTHER THAN TO CONSULT AN ATTORNEY TO DISCUSS FULLY AN APPROPRIATE COURSE OF ACTION. less

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5. Licensed in MA

   

   Richard B. Kell

   Andover Divorce / Separation Lawyer

   Contributor Level 10

   4

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   Answered February 06, 2013 10:27. Absolutely.

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6. Licensed in MA

   

   Robert CarpenterPro

   Boston Divorce / Separation Lawyer

   Contributor Level 12

   

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   Answered February 06, 2013 11:24. You have absolue rights to your children. I suggest an immigration/family law attorney who can help you with all the issues that will arise (out of country travel, etc.).

   This is not legal advice until I am retained and have reviewed all facts about your situation.

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7. 

   C. C. Abbott

   Fort Myers Immigration Attorney

   Contributor Level 20

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   Answered February 06, 2013 11:20. I agree with the comments made by my faily law colleagues. You should contact an attorney who is familiary with family law issues within your State (MA) and also aware of Federal Immigration Law - including what options, if necessary, you have under immigration law. Good luck.

   Legal disclaimer: The statement above is provided by CC Abbott is based on general assistance and not intended to... moreLegal disclaimer: The statement above is provided by CC Abbott is based on general assistance and not intended to be a legal opinion because not all the facts are provided. The person requesting information and all others reading the answer should retain an attorney who is permitted by the state bar within the jurisdiction who can examine the complete facts and provide a legal opinion on your case. All information provided in the above answer and other information provided by CC Abbott does not create an attorney/client relationship within any state of Federal law. less

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8. Licensed in MA

   

   Helena FriedmanPro

   Springfield Divorce / Separation Lawyer

   Contributor Level 3

   

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   Answered February 08, 2013 02:41. I agree with my colleagues, so long as you are in the United States legally. If your children are US citizens and your visa has expired for some reason, or you do not have permanent residence status, should you be deported, that would be a reason you would lose custody. Otherwise, there is no immagration based reason for you to lose custody.

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9. Licensed in MA

   

   Henry Lebensbaum

   Andover Criminal Defense Attorney

   Contributor Level 19

   1

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   Answered February 06, 2013 12:04. yes

   Criminal Law (all misdemeanor & felonies in District and Superior Courts), Drunk Driving and Drug arrests, Sex... moreCriminal Law (all misdemeanor & felonies in District and Superior Courts), Drunk Driving and Drug arrests, Sex Offenses, SORB, Crimes involving Violence or Theft, Domestic (Divorce, Child Custody, Alimony and Child Support) and Family Law (Modification, Contempts & Paternity), Juvenile Law, Domestic Violence and Restraining Orders, Business Law, Personal Injury claims, Probate Law (Guardianships, Conservatorships & Estate Administration) and Legal Malpractice. For these and other areas, contact me. NOTE: This preceding message DOES NOT create an attorney-client relationship. It is not a protected or confidential communication. The statements made herein are not to be interpreted as representations or warranties of any kind. No reliance should be placed on the statements made herein. It is recommended that the recipient(s) should undertake their own research to reach their own opinion. The writer does not accept professional responsibility on this matter. TO CREATE an attorney-client relationship REQUIRES a signed retainer/fee agreement along with a retainer fee that must be received by my office. less

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