Posts Tagged ‘Amp Child’
Virginia Maryland Massachusetts Arson Defense
Virginia Maryland Massachusetts Burglary Defense
Virginia Maryland Massachusetts Carjacking Defense
Virginia Maryland Massachusetts Credit Card Fraud Defense
Virginia Maryland Massachusetts Criminal Defense
Virginia Maryland Massachusetts Criminal Misdemeanor Defense
Virginia Maryland Massachusetts Trespassing Defense
Virginia Maryland Massachusetts Disorderly Conduct Defense
Virginia Maryland Massachusetts Domestic Violence Defense
Virginia Maryland Massachusetts Driving On Suspended License Defense
Virginia Maryland Massachusetts Drug Crimes Defense
Virginia Maryland Massachusetts DUI Defense
Virginia Maryland Massachusetts DWI Defense
Virginia Maryland Massachusetts Expungement Help
Virginia Maryland Massachusetts Felony Defense
Virginia Maryland Massachusetts Gang Defense
Virginia Maryland Massachusetts Illegal Gambling Defense
Virginia Maryland Massachusetts Indecent Exposure Defense
Virginia Maryland Massachusetts Larcey Theft Defense
Virginia Maryland Massachusetts Sex Crimes Defense
Virginia Maryland Massachusetts Weapons Crime Defense
Virginia Maryland Massachusetts Reckless Driving Defense
Virginia Maryland Massachusetts Traffic Ticket Defense
Virginia Maryland Massachusetts Child Custody & Child Visitation
Virginia Maryland Massachusetts Grandparents Rights
Virginia Maryland Massachusetts Divorce Attorneys
Virginia & Maryland Civil Litigation Attorney
Virginia Maryland Massachusetts Attorneys
Virginia Maryland Immigration Attorneys
GRANDPARENTS & CHILD CUSTODY, GRANDPARENTS & VISITATION RIGHTS & GRANDPARENTS RIGHTS
Family Law Attorneys Helping Grandparents Exercise Their Rights
Frequently, the grandparents’ rights attorneys of the SRIS Law Group are contacted by grandparents who are either seeking custody of their grandchildren, grandparents seeking visitation with their grandchildren or grandparents who want to know what rights they have as grandparents in regards to their grandchildren.
The honest answer is that it is a fact specific question. What we mean by this is that the law does allow for grandparents to obtain custody of their grandchild or grandchildren. The law also allows grandparents to have visitation with their grandchildren. However, the application of these laws varies from state to state. Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts each have different set of laws and the case laws in each state are truly fact specific.
The SRIS Law Group has attorneys that assist grandparents with custody & visitation rights issues in Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts. Grandparents can contact us on line or call us at 888-437-7747
MASSACHUSETTS CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS
DEFEND CLIENTS CHARGED WITH RAPE & CHILD MOLESTATION IN MASSACHUSETTS
The Massachusetts criminal justice system takes a no holds barred approach towards those who are accused of a sex crime such as rape or child molestation in Massachusetts. In the eyes of the Massachusetts Court, the District Attorney and the Public, the most heinous of sex crimes is sex crimes against women and children. If you are accused of rape in Massachusetts or child molestation/abuse in Massachusetts, you must have a Massachusetts sex offense attorney who is not scared of the Court, district attorney or public opinion. You will find such an attorney at the Massachusetts Law Office of SRIS,P.C. Our sex offense attorneys will aggressively defend you against charges of rape in Massachusetts or child abuse/molestation in Massachusetts. Our sex offense attorneys in Massachusetts are not shy about saying they defend clients who are charged with rape or child abuse offenses in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts criminal defense attorneys of SRIS, P.C. have an office located in the City of Boston, Massachusetts . If you wish to consult a SRIS, P.C. Massachusetts sex crimes attorney who defends clients charged with rape in Massachusetts or child molestation in Massachusetts, please simply contact us via e-mail, phone, or by filling out our on-line form. A Massachusetts sex offense lawyer of SRIS, P.C. will consult with you regarding your matter and advise you as to how we can best help you.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS OFFICE:
101 Federal Street, Suite 1900
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
Phone: 888-437-7747
To obtain a general overview of rape & child molestation defense, please click here.
To learn more about the laws pertaining to rape & child molestation defense in Virginia or Maryland, please click on the state.
Click on the type of charge you wish to learn more about:
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RAPE
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CHILD MOLESTATION
The following are some of the Rape Laws in the State of Massachusetts. Click on the Law that you would like to learn more about. (top)
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Rape, generally; weapons; punishment; eligibility for furlough, education, training or employment programs
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Rape of child; use of force; weapons; punishment
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Rape and abuse of child
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Assault with intent to commit rape; weapons; punishment; eligibility for furloughs, education, training or employment programs
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Venue
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Assault of child; intent to commit rape; weapons; punishment
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Victim’s name; confidentiality
- Construction of words used in indictment
MA Code Section 22. Rape, generally; weapons; punishment; eligibility for furlough, education, training or employment programs (top)
Section 22. (a) Whoever has sexual intercourse or unnatural sexual intercourse with a person, and compels such person to submit by force and against his will, or compels such person to submit by threat of bodily injury and if either such sexual intercourse or unnatural sexual intercourse results in or is committed with acts resulting in serious bodily injury, or is committed by a joint enterprise, or is committed during the commission or attempted commission of an offense defined in section fifteen A, fifteen B, seventeen, nineteen or twenty-six of this chapter, section fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen or eighteen of chapter two hundred and sixty-six or section ten of chapter two hundred and sixty-nine shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for life or for any term of years.
No person serving a sentence for a second or subsequent such offense shall be eligible for furlough, temporary release, or education, training or employment programs established outside a correctional facility until such person shall have served two-thirds of such minimum sentence or if such person has two or more sentences to be served otherwise than concurrently, two-thirds of the aggregate of the minimum terms of such several sentences.
(b) Whoever has sexual intercourse or unnatural sexual intercourse with a person and compels such person to submit by force and against his will, or compels such person to submit by threat of bodily injury, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than twenty years; and whoever commits a second or subsequent such offense shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for life or for any term or years.
Whoever commits any offense described in this section while being armed with a firearm, rifle, shotgun, machine-gun or assault weapon, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not less than ten years. Whoever commits a second or subsequent such offense shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for life or for any term of years, but not less than 15 years.
No person serving a sentence for a second or subsequent such offense shall be eligible for furlough, temporary release, or education, training or employment programs established outside a correctional facility until such person shall have served two-thirds of such minimum sentence or if such person has two or more sentences to be served otherwise than concurrently, two-thirds of the aggregate of the minimum terms of such several sentences.
For the purposes of prosecution, the offense described in subsection (b) shall be a lesser included offense to that described in subsection (a).
MA Code Section 22A. Rape of child; use of force; weapons; punishment (top)
Section 22A. Whoever has sexual intercourse or unnatural sexual intercourse with a child under sixteen, and compels said child to submit by force and against his will or compels said child to submit by threat of bodily injury, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for life or for any term of years; and whoever over the age of eighteen commits a second or subsequent such offense shall be sentenced to the state prison for life or for any term of years, but not less than five years; provided, however, that a prosecution commenced under the provisions of this section shall not be placed on file or continued without a finding.
Whoever commits any offense described in this section while armed with a firearm, rifle, shotgun, machine gun or assault weapon shall be sentenced to the state prison for life or for any term of years, but not less than ten years. Whoever over the age of 18 commits a second or subsequent such offense shall be sentenced to the state prison for life or for any term of years, but not less than 20 years.
MA Code Section 23. Rape and abuse of child (top)
Section 23. Whoever unlawfully has sexual intercourse or unnatural sexual intercourse, and abuses a child under sixteen years of age shall, for the first offense, be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for life or for any term of years, or, except as otherwise provided, for any term in a jail or house of correction, and for the second or subsequent offense by imprisonment in the state prison for life or for any term of years, but not less than five years; provided, however, that a prosecution commenced under the provisions of this section shall not be placed on file or continued without a finding.
MA Code Section 24. Assault with intent to commit rape; weapons; punishment; eligibility for furloughs, education, training or employment programs (top)
Section 24. Whoever assaults a person with intent to commit a rape shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than twenty years or by imprisonment in a jail or house of correction for not more than two and one-half years; and whoever commits a second or subsequent such offense shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for life or for any term of years. Whoever commits any offense described in this section while armed with a firearm, rifle, shotgun, machine gun or assault weapon shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not less than five years. Whoever commits a second or subsequent such offense shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for life or for any term of years, but not less than 20 years.
No person serving a sentence for a second or subsequent such offense shall be eligible for furlough, temporary release, or education, training or employment programs established outside a correctional facility until such person shall have served two-thirds of such minimum sentence or if such person has two or more sentences to be served otherwise than concurrently, two-thirds of the aggregate of the minimum terms of such several sentences.
MA Code Section 24A. Venue (top)
Section 24A. If, in connection with the alleged commission of a crime described in section thirteen B, thirteen F, thirteen H, twenty-two, twenty-two A, twenty-three, twenty-four or twenty-four B of this chapter or in section five of chapter two hundred and seventy-two, the person against whom said crime is alleged to have been committed has been conveyed from one county or judicial district into another, said crime may be alleged to have been committed, and may be prosecuted and punished, in the county or judicial district where committed or from which such person was so conveyed.
MA Code Section 24B. Assault of child; intent to commit rape; weapons; punishment (top)
Section 24B. Whoever assaults a child under sixteen with intent to commit a rape, as defined in section thirty-nine of chapter two hundred and seventy-seven, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for life or for any term of years; and whoever over the age of eighteen commits a subsequent such offense shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for life or for any term of years but not less than five years.
Whoever commits any offense described in this section while being armed with a firearm, rifle, shotgun, machine gun or assault weapon shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for life or for any term of years, but not less than ten years. Whoever over the age of 18 commits a second or subsequent such offense shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for life or for any term of years, but not less than 15 years.
MA Code Section 24C. Victim’s name; confidentiality (top)
Section 24C. That portion of the records of a court or any police department of the commonwealth or any of its political subdivisions, which contains the name of the victim in an arrest, investigation or complaint for rape or assault with intent to rape under section thirteen B, twenty-two, twenty-two A, twenty-three, twenty-four or twenty-four B, inclusive, of chapter two hundred and sixty-five, shall be withheld from public inspection, except with the consent of a justice of such court where the complaint or indictment is or would be prosecuted.
Said portion of such court record or police record shall not be deemed to be a public record under the provisions of section seven of chapter four.
Except as otherwise provided in this section, it shall be unlawful to publish, disseminate or otherwise disclose the name of any individual identified as an alleged victim of any of the offenses described in the first paragraph. A violation of this section shall be punishable by a fine of not less than two thousand five hundred dollars nor more than ten thousand dollars.
M.G.L.A. 277 § 39- Construction of words used in indictment (top)
Aggravated Rape.–Sexual intercourse or unnatural sexual intercourse by a person with another person who is compelled to submit by force and against his will or by threat of bodily injury; and either such sexual intercourse or unnatural sexual intercourse results in or is committed with acts resulting in serious bodily injury, or is committed by a joint enterprise, or is committed during the commission or attempted commission of an offense defined in section fifteen A, fifteen B, seventeen, nineteen or twenty-six of chapter two hundred and sixty-five, section fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen or eighteen of chapter two hundred and sixty-six, or section ten of chapter two hundred and sixty-nine.
CHILD MOLESTATION (top)
The following are some of the Child Molestation Laws in the State of Massachusetts.
- Indecent assault and battery on child under fourteen; penalties; subsequent offenses; eligibility for parole, etc.
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Rape of child; use of force; weapons; punishment
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Rape and abuse of child
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Assault of child; intent to commit rape; weapons; punishment
- Kidnapping; weapons; child under age 16; punishment
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Definition of “entice”; enticement of child under age 16; punishment
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Unnatural and lascivious acts with child under 16
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Posing or exhibiting child in state of nudity or sexual conduct; punishment
- Dissemination of visual material of child in state of nudity or sexual conduct; punishment
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Knowing purchase or possession of visual material of child depicted in sexual conduct; punishment
CHILD MOLESTATION
M.G.L.A. 265 § 13B- Indecent assault and battery on child under fourteen; penalties; subsequent offenses; eligibility for parole, etc. (top)
Whoever commits an indecent assault and battery on a child under the age of fourteen shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than ten years, or by imprisonment in a jail or house of correction for not more than two and one-half years; and whoever commits a second or subsequent such offense shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for life or any term of years; provided, however, that a prosecution commenced under the provisions of this section shall not be placed on file or continued without a finding.
No person serving a sentence for a second or subsequent such offense shall be eligible for furlough, temporary release, or education, training or employment programs established outside a correctional facility until such person shall have served two-thirds of such minimum sentence or if such person has two or more sentences to be served otherwise than concurrently, two-thirds of the aggregate of the minimum terms of such several sentences.
In a prosecution under this section, a child under the age of fourteen years shall be deemed incapable of consenting to any conduct of the defendant for which said defendant is being prosecuted.
M.G.L.A. 265§ 22A- Rape of child; use of force; weapons; punishment (top)
Whoever has sexual intercourse or unnatural sexual intercourse with a child under sixteen, and compels said child to submit by force and against his will or compels said child to submit by threat of bodily injury, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for life or for any term of years; and whoever over the age of eighteen commits a second or subsequent such offense shall be sentenced to the state prison for life or for any term of years, but not less than five years; provided, however, that a prosecution commenced under the provisions of this section shall not be placed on file or continued without a finding.
Whoever commits any offense described in this section while armed with a firearm, rifle, shotgun, machine gun or assault weapon shall be sentenced to the state prison for life or for any term of years, but not less than ten years. Whoever over the age of 18 commits a second or subsequent such offense shall be sentenced to the state prison for life or for any term of years, but not less than 20 years.
M.G.L.A. 265§ 23- Rape and abuse of child (top)
Whoever unlawfully has sexual intercourse or unnatural sexual intercourse, and abuses a child under sixteen years of age shall, for the first offense, be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for life or for any term of years, or, except as otherwise provided, for any term in a jail or house of correction, and for the second or subsequent offense by imprisonment in the state prison for life or for any term of years, but not less than five years; provided, however, that a prosecution commenced under the provisions of this section shall not be placed on file or continued without a finding.
M.G.L.A. 265§ 24B- Assault of child; intent to commit rape; weapons; punishment (top)
Whoever assaults a child under sixteen with intent to commit a rape, as defined in section thirty-nine of chapter two hundred and seventy-seven, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for life or for any term of years; and whoever over the age of eighteen commits a subsequent such offense shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for life or for any term of years but not less than five years.
Whoever commits any offense described in this section while being armed with a firearm, rifle, shotgun, machine gun or assault weapon shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for life or for any term of years, but not less than ten years. Whoever over the age of 18 commits a second or subsequent such offense shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for life or for any term of years, but not less than 15 years.
M.G.L.A. 265§ 26- Kidnapping; weapons; child under age 16; punishment (top)
Whoever, without lawful authority, forcibly or secretly confines or imprisons another person within this commonwealth against his will, or forcibly carries or sends such person out of this commonwealth, or forcibly seizes and confines or inveigles or kidnaps another person, with intent either to cause him to be secretly confined or imprisoned in this commonwealth against his will, or to cause him to be sent out of this commonwealth against his will or in any way held to service against his will, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than ten years or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars and imprisonment in jail for not more than two years. Whoever commits any offence described in this section with the intent to extort money or other valuable thing thereby shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for life or for any term of years.
Whoever commits any offense described in this section while armed with a firearm, rifle, shotgun, machine gun or assault weapon shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not less than ten years or in the house of correction for not more than two and one-half years. The provisions of the preceding sentence shall not apply to the parent of a child under 18 years of age who takes custody of such child. Whoever commits such offense described in this section while being armed with a firearm, rifle, shotgun, machine gun or assault weapon with the intent to extort money or other valuable thing thereby shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for life or for any term of years but not less than 20 years.
Whoever commits any offense described in this section while armed with a dangerous weapon and inflicts serious bodily injury thereby upon another person or who sexually assaults such person shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not less than 25 years. For purposes of this paragraph the term “serious bodily injury” shall mean bodily injury which results in a permanent disfigurement, protracted loss or impairment of a bodily function, limb or organ or substantial risk of death. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “sexual assault” shall mean the commission of any act set forth in sections 13B, 13F, 13H, 22, 22A, 23, 24 or 24B.
Whoever, without lawful authority, forcibly or secretly confines or imprisons a child under the age of 16 within the commonwealth against his will or forcibly carries or sends such person out of the commonwealth or forcibly seizes and confines or inveigles or kidnaps a child under the age of 16 with the intent either to cause him to be secretly confined or imprisoned in the commonwealth against his will or to cause him to be sent out of the commonwealth against his will or in any way held to service against his will, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than 15 years. The provisions of the preceding sentence shall not apply to the parent of a child under 16 years of age who takes custody of such child.
M.G.L.A. 265§ 26C- Definition of “entice”; enticement of child under age 16; punishment (top)
(a) As used in this section, the term “entice” shall mean to lure, induce, persuade, tempt, incite, solicit, coax or invite.
(b) Any one who entices a child under the age of 16, or someone he believes to be a child under the age of 16, to enter, exit or remain within any vehicle, dwelling, building, or other outdoor space with the intent that he or another person will violate section 13B, 13F, 13H, 22, 22A, 23, 24 or 24B of chapter 265, section 4A, 16, 28, 29, 29A, 29B, 29C, 35A, 53 or 53A of chapter 272, or any offense that has as an element the use or attempted use of force, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than 5 years, or in the house of correction for not more than 2 1/2 years, or by both imprisonment and a fine of not more than $5,000.
M.G.L.A. 272§ 35A- Unnatural and lascivious acts with child under 16 (top)
Whoever commits any unnatural and lascivious act with a child under the age of sixteen shall be punished by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than five years or in jail or the house of correction for not more than two and one half years, and whoever over the age of eighteen commits a second or subsequent such offence shall be sentenced to imprisonment in the state prison for a term of not less than five years.
M.G.L.A. 272 § 29A- Posing or exhibiting child in state of nudity or sexual conduct; punishment (top)
(a) Whoever, either with knowledge that a person is a child under eighteen years of age or while in possession of such facts that he should have reason to know that such person is a child under eighteen years of age, and with lascivious intent, hires, coerces, solicits or entices, employs, procures, uses, causes, encourages, or knowingly permits such child to pose or be exhibited in a state of nudity, for the purpose of representation or reproduction in any visual material, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for a term of not less than ten nor more than twenty years, or by a fine of not less than ten thousand nor more than fifty thousand dollars, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
(b) Whoever, either with knowledge that a person is a child under eighteen years of age or while in possession of such facts that he should have reason to know that such person is a child under eighteen years of age, hires, coerces, solicits or entices, employs, procures, uses, causes, encourages, or knowingly permits such child to participate or engage in any act that depicts, describes, or represents sexual conduct for the purpose of representation or reproduction in any visual material, or to engage in any live performance involving sexual conduct, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for a term of not less than ten nor more than twenty years, or by a fine of not less than ten thousand nor more than fifty thousand dollars, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
(c) In a prosecution under this section, a minor shall be deemed incapable of consenting to any conduct of the defendant for which said defendant is being prosecuted.
(d) For the purposes of this section, the determination whether the person in any visual material prohibited hereunder is under eighteen years of age may be made by the personal testimony of such person, by the testimony of a person who produced, processed, published, printed or manufactured such visual material that the child therein was known to him to be under eighteen years of age, or by expert medical testimony as to the age of the person based upon the person’s physical appearance, by inspection of the visual material, or by any other method authorized by any general or special law or by any applicable rule of evidence.
M.G.L.A. 272§ 29B- Dissemination of visual material of child in state of nudity or sexual conduct; punishment (top)
(a) Whoever, with lascivious intent, disseminates any visual material that contains a representation or reproduction of any posture or exhibition in a state of nudity involving the use of a child who is under eighteen years of age, knowing the contents of such visual material or having sufficient facts in his possession to have knowledge of the contents thereof, or has in his possession any such visual material knowing the contents or having sufficient facts in his possession to have knowledge of the contents thereof, with the intent to disseminate the same, shall be punished in the state prison for a term of not less than ten nor more than twenty years or by a fine of not less than ten thousand nor more than fifty thousand dollars or three times the monetary value of any economic gain derived from said dissemination, whichever is greater, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
(b) Whoever with lascivious intent disseminates any visual material that contains a representation or reproduction of any act that depicts, describes, or represents sexual conduct participated or engaged in by a child who is under eighteen years of age, knowing the contents of such visual material or having sufficient facts in his possession to have knowledge of the contents thereof, or whoever has in his possession any such visual material knowing the contents or having sufficient facts in his possession to have knowledge of the contents thereof, with the intent to disseminate the same, shall be punished in the state prison for a term of not less than ten nor more than twenty years or by a fine of not less than ten thousand nor more than fifty thousand dollars or three times the monetary value of any economic gain derived from said dissemination, whichever is greater, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
(c) For the purposes of this section, the determination whether the child in any visual material prohibited hereunder is under eighteen years of age may be made by the personal testimony of such child, by the testimony of a person who produced, processed, published, printed or manufactured such visual material that the child therein was known to him to be under eighteen years of age, by testimony of a person who observed the visual material, or by expert medical testimony as to the age of the child based upon the child’s physical appearance, by inspection of the visual material, or by any other method authorized by any general or special law or by any applicable rule of evidence.
(d) In a prosecution under this section, a minor shall be deemed incapable of consenting to any conduct of the defendant for which said defendant is being prosecuted.
(e) Pursuant to this section, proof that dissemination of any visual material that contains a representation or reproduction of sexual conduct or of any posture or exhibition in a state of nudity involving the use of a child who is under eighteen years of age was for a bona fide scientific, medical, or educational purpose for a bona fide school, museum, or library may be considered as evidence of a lack of lascivious intent.
M.G.L.A. 272§ 29C- Knowing purchase or possession of visual material of child depicted in sexual conduct; punishment (top)
Whoever knowingly purchases or possesses a negative, slide, book, magazine, film, videotape, photograph or other similar visual reproduction, or depiction by computer, of any child whom the person knows or reasonably should know to be under the age of 18 years of age and such child is:
(i) actually or by simulation engaged in any act of sexual intercourse with any person or animal;
(ii) actually or by simulation engaged in any act of sexual contact involving the sex organs of the child and the mouth, anus or sex organs of the child and the sex organs of another person or animal;
(iii) actually or by simulation engaged in any act of masturbation;
(iv) actually or by simulation portrayed as being the object of, or otherwise engaged in, any act of lewd fondling, touching, or caressing involving another person or animal;
(v) actually or by simulation engaged in any act of excretion or urination within a sexual context;
(vi) actually or by simulation portrayed or depicted as bound, fettered, or subject to adistic, masochistic, or sadomasochistic abuse in any sexual context; or
(vii) depicted or portrayed in any pose, posture or setting involving a lewd exhibition of the unclothed genitals, pubic area, buttocks or, if such person is female, a fully or partially developed breast of the child; with knowledge of the nature or content thereof shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than five years or in a jail or house of correction for not more than two and one-half years or by a fine of not less than $1,000 nor more than $10,000, or by both such fine and imprisonment for the first offense, not less than five years in a state prison or by a fine of not less than $5,000 nor more than $20,000, or by both such fine and imprisonment for the second offense, not less than 10 years in a state prison or by a fine of not less than $10,000 nor more than $30,000, or by both such fine and imprisonment for the third and subsequent offenses.
A prosecution commenced under this section shall not be continued without a finding nor placed on file.
The provisions of this section shall not apply to a law enforcement officer, licensed physician, licensed psychologist, attorney or officer of the court who is in possession of such materials in the lawful performance of his official duty. Nor shall the provisions of this section apply to an employee of a bona fide enterprise, the purpose of which enterprise is to filter or otherwise restrict access to such materials, who possesses examples of computer depictions of such material for the purposes of furthering the legitimate goals of such enterprise.
Our attorneys who defend rape in Massachusetts and child molestation/abuse in Massachusetts charges and staff in Boston, Massachusetts speak the following languages in addition to English: Spanish, French, Arabic, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Cantonese, Mandarin & Malaysian.
Attorneys Licensed to Practice in Virginia, Maryland, D.C. & Massachusetts
Representing Clients in State and Federal Courts
Stop Worrying… and Let the Lawyers of SRIS, P.C., Start Taking Care of You!
The law firm of SRIS, P.C. is a one-of-a-kind legal entity in legal business and customer service – bringing specialized attorneys in Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts together with the clients who need their services. Our attorneys are devoted to the highest standards of legal skill and client service, selected with high standards in mind. Contact SRIS, P.C. today for quality, skilled legal help in any of our broad range of practice areas in Virginia, Maryland or Massachusetts.
The Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. primarily handle cases in Criminal Law, Family & Divorce Law & Child Custody, Traffic Law such as Reckless Driving, Driving on Suspended, Speeding Ticket & DUI/DWI/OUI, Immigration, & Bankruptcy.
We also represent clients who have criminal & traffic matters before the Federal Courts of Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts.
Since our founding in 1997, SRIS, P.C., has grown to include six offices in seven cities spanning three states, with licenses to practice in four states as well as the District of Columbia. Click on the office you are trying to locate and view the directions to that office.
- Fairfax, Virginia
- Fredericksburg, Virginia
- Lynchburg, Virginia
- Manassas, Virginia
- Richmond, Virginia
- Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Annapolis, Maryland
- Rockville, Maryland
- Boston, Massachusetts
What is SRIS, P.C.?
SRIS, P.C., in a manner of speaking, is like a wheel with many spokes. We are a growing law practice serving clients currently with legal matters in three states. Each of our attorneys focuses specifically in one area of law, which ensures that our clients are provided with top notch, in-depth knowledge and experience dealing with whatever legal problems they may have.
In addition, our lawyers are able to practice law without having to worry about bringing in clients – they focus strictly on doing the best they can in every case. Our unique structure also allows us to regulate how many cases each attorney takes on at a time, so our lawyers never have so much work that they can’t provide excellent service to every client, every time.
Expect a High Standard of Legal Service from Our Skilled Attorneys
At SRIS, P.C., our attorneys are chosen carefully, with the client’s best interest in mind. We devote ourselves to a high level of client service, and all of your important legal matters will be handled by your attorney every time - never handed off to an assistant or paralegal. As a rule, we make a sincere effort to respond to all phone calls within 8 hours, maximum. To set up an initial consultation with one of our attorneys for skilled legal help in any of our practice areas, contact SRIS, P.C. by e-mail or by phone.
Our attorneys and staff in Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts, speak the following languages in addition to English: Spanish, French, Arabic, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Cantonese, Mandarin & Malaysian.
Our attorneys are licensed to handle cases in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania & Massachusetts, however we handle legal matters only in Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, Virginia 22032
Phone: 703-278-0405
Directions to the Fairfax Office:
From Route 66
Take the Route 50 exit toward Fairfax
Stay in your right lane on Route 50
Route 50 turns into 236 Main Street
From Main street, look for Williamsburg Court on your right.
From the Capitol Beltway, 495:
Take the 236 Exit toward Fairfax
236 is Little River Turnpike
Little River Turnpike turns into Main Street
Continue on Main until you see Williamsburg Court on your left
Office in Fredericksburg, Virginia:
150 Riverside Parkway, Suite 300
Fredericksburg, Virginia 22406
Phone: 703-278-0405
Directions to the Fredericksburg, Virginia Office:
Coming from the North:
From I-95 South
Take exit 133B to merge onto US-17/Warrenton Rd toward Warrenton
Turn left at Sanford Dr/Stanstead Rd
Continue to follow Sanford Dr
Turn left at Riverside Pkwy
Destination will be on your right
Coming from the South:
From I-95 N
Take exit 133 to merge onto US-17/Warrenton Rd toward Warrenton
Turn left at Sanford Dr/Stanstead Rd
Continue to follow Sanford Dr
Turn left at Riverside Pkwy
Destination will be on your right
Coming from the East:
From US-17
Turn right at Sanford Dr
Turn left at Riverside Pkwy
Destination will be on your right
Coming from the West:
From US-17
Turn left at Sanford Dr/Stanstead Rd
Continue to follow Sanford Dr
Turn left at Riverside Pkwy
Destination will be on your right
Office in Virginia Beach, Virginia:
College Park Executive Suites
900 Commonwealth Pl, Suite 200
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23464
Phone: 757-512-5002
Directions to the Virginia Beach Office:
From I-264 W:
Merge onto Hampton Roads Belt/I-64 E via the I-64 E exit to Chesapeake/Suffolk
Merge onto Indian River Rd/VA-407 N via the Indian River Rd W exit 286A
Turn left at Level Green Blvd
Turn left at Commonwealth Pl 16 ft
From the Hampton area:
From Hampton Roads Belt/I-64 E via the I-64 E ramp 1
Merge onto Indian River Rd/VA-407 N via the Indian River Rd W exit 286A
Turn left at Level Green Blvd
Turn left at Commonwealth Pl 16 ft
From the Suffolk area:
Head southeast on VA-337/W Washington St toward N Main St/VA-32 s
Turn right at Portsmouth Blvd
Continue on W Military Hwy/US-13 N/US-460 E/US-58 E
Continue straight onto US-13 N
Merge onto Hampton Roads Belt/I-664 S via the I-264 E/I-64/US-13 N ramp to Portsmouth/Norfolk/VA Beach
Merge onto Hampton Roads Belt/I-64 W via the I-64 exit 15B to Chesapeake/VA Beach
Merge onto Indian River Rd/VA-407 N via the Indian River Rd W exit 286A
Turn left at Level Green Blvd
Turn left at Commonwealth Pl 16 ft
From the Chesapeake area:
Liberty St/VA-246
Continue on Border Rd
Turn left at Wingfield Ave
Turn right at Tatemstown Rd
Turn right at Indian River Rd/VA-407 S
Turn right at Level Green Blvd
Turn left at Commonwealth Pl
7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300
Richmond, Virginia 23225
Phone: 804-201-9009
Directions to the Richmond Office:
From the Chesterfield Area:
Take VA-150 N toward CHIPPENHAM PKWY/POWHITE PKWY
Take the MIDLOTHIAN TNPK/MIDLOTHIAN exit onto MIDLOTHIAN TPKE(US-60 W)
Turn RIGHT on BOULDERS PKY
Turn RIGHT on BEAUFONT SPRINGS DR
Arrive at 7400 BEAUFONT SPRINGS DR, RICHMOND
From the Midlothian Area:
Turn MIDLOTHIAN TPKE(US-60)
Turn LEFT on BOULDERS PKY
Turn RIGHT on BEAUFONT SPRINGS DR
Arrive at 7400 BEAUFONT SPRINGS DR, RICHMOND
From the North:
Take I-95 S toward FREDERICKSBURG
Take exit #79/POWHITE PKWY/CHARLOTTESVILLE onto I-195 S toward 186/POWHITE PKWY (US-60) (Toll applies)
Bear LEFT on VA-76 S (Toll applies)
Take the JAHNKE RD exit onto JAHNKE RD(VA-686 E)
Continue on BOULDERS PKY
Turn LEFT on BEAUFONT SPRINGS DRi
Arrive at 7400 BEAUFONT SPRINGS DR, RICHMOND
From the South:
Take I-95 N
Take exit #67B/CHIPPENHAM PKWY onto VA-150 N
Take the MIDLOTHIAN TNPK/MIDLOTHIAN exit onto MIDLOTHIAN TPKE(US-60 W)
Turn RIGHT on BOULDERS PKY
Turn RIGHT on BEAUFONT SPRINGS DR
Arrive at 7400 BEAUFONT SPRINGS DR, RICHMOND
Office in Manassas, Virginia:
8551 Sudley Road
Manassas, Virginia 20110
Phone: (703) 278-0405
Directions to the Manassas Office:
From the Gainesville area:
Head east on Lee Hwy/US-29 N toward Old Linton Hall Rdn
Take the ramp onto I-66 E toward Washington
Merge onto Sudley Rd/VA-234-BR S via the VA-234-BUS/VA-234 N exit 47 to Manassas
Make a U-turn at Impalla Dr
From the Centreville area:
Head west on Lee Hwy/US-29 S toward Old Centreville Rd
Turn left at Old Centreville Rd
Turn left at Centreville Rd/VA-28 S
Turn right at Sudley Rd
From the Fairfax area:
Head south on Chain Bridge Rd/VA-123 toward Sager Ave
Turn right at Judicial Dr
Turn right to stay on Judicial Dr
Turn left at Main St
Continue on Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy/US-50 W
Take the ramp onto I-66 W toward Front Royal
Merge onto Sudley Rd/VA-234-BR S via the VA-234-BUS exit 47A to Manassas
Make a U-turn at Impalla Dr
Lynchburg, Virginia Office:
102 Oakley Ave.
Lynchburg, Virginia 24501
Phone: 434-509-4004
Directions to the Lynchburg, Virginia Office:
From the South:
Merge onto Danville Expy/US-29 N via the ramp to Lynchburg
Continue to follow US-29 N
Continue on US-29-BR N/Wards Rd
Continue to follow Wards Rd
Slight right at US-460-BR
Slight left at Memorial Ave
Turn left at US-221
From the East:
Take VA-24
Turn right to merge onto Charles T Moses Memorial Hwy W/US-460 W/VA-24 W toward Lynchburg
Continue to follow US-460 W
Take the US-460-BUS W/US-501 S/US-501-BUS N exit toward N 29/S Boston
Keep right at the fork, follow signs for Campbell Ave/US-501-BUS N and merge onto Campbell Ave/US-460-BR W/US-501-BR N
Continue to follow US-460-BR W/US-501-BR N
Turn left at 12th Ave
Continue on US-221/US-460-BR
Turn right at US-221/Wythe Rd
Continue to follow US-221
From the West:
Take US-11-ALT E/US-460 E
Continue to follow US-460 E
Exit onto Blue Ridge Ave/US-221 N/US-460-BR E toward VA-43/Bedford
Continue to follow US-221 N/US-460-BR E
Turn left at US-221
Turn right at Lakeside Dr/US-221
Continue to follow US-221
From the North:
Take VA-56
Turn right at VA-151/VA-56
Continue to follow VA-151
Turn right at US-29 S
Exit onto US-29-BR S toward Madison Heights
Take exit 4 to merge onto Stadium Rd
Turn right at Wythe Rd
Continue on US-221
Office in Rockville, Maryland:
1 Research Court, Suite 450
Rockville, Maryland 20850
Phone: 240-399-0304
Directions to the Rockville Office:
From the South:
Take I-95 N
Continue on I-395 N
Merge onto Capital Beltway via the I-495 N exit 170B to Tysons Corner
Slight left at I-270-SPUR N toward Rockville/Frederick
Merge onto I-270 N
Slight right at I-270 Local N toward Montrose Rd
Merge onto W Montgomery Ave via the W Montgomery Ave/MD-28 W exit 6B to Darnestown Turn right at Research Blvd
Turn right at Research Ct
From the North:
US-40 E via the I-270 S/US-40 E/I-70 exit
Continue on I-270 S
Slight right at I-270 Local S toward Shady Grove Rd/Local Lanes
Take the Shady Grove Rd exit 8, keep following signs
Merge onto Shady Grove Rd
Turn left at Research Blvd
Turn left at Research Ct
From the West:
Head southeast on Fisher Ave toward Westerly Ave
Continue on Whites Ferry Rd
Slight right at Darnestown Rd
Continue on Key W Ave
Turn left at Shady Grove Rd
Turn right at Research Blvd
Turn left at Research Ct
From the East:
Take US-29 S
Merge onto Capital Beltway/I-495 W/I-495 Outerloop via the I-495 W ramp to Bethesda/Northern Virginia
Continue straight onto I-270 N toward Frederick
Slight right at I-270 Local N toward Montrose Rd
Merge onto W Montgomery Ave via the W Montgomery Ave/MD-28 W exit 6B to Darnestown
Turn right at Research Blvd
Turn right at Research Ct
Office in Annapolis, Maryland:
116 Defense Highway, Suite 502
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
Phone: (240) 399-0304
Directions to the Annapolis Office:
From the South:
Take I-95 N
Merge onto Capital Beltway/I-495 E/I-495 Outerloop/I-95 N via the I-95 N/I-495 E exit to Baltimore
Merge onto US-50 E via exit 19A to Annapolis
Take the MD-178/MD-450 exit 23 to Parole
Take the right fork to MD-450 W/Crownsville and merge onto West St
Continue on MD-450
Turn left at Defense Hwy/MD-450
From the North:
Head northwest on Harrell Rd toward Generals Hwy/MD-178
Turn left at Generals Hwy/MD-178
Turn right at Defense Hwy/MD-450
From the East:
Take US-301 S
Take the MD-450 exit 23B to Crownsville
Turn left at MD-450
Turn left at Defense Hwy/MD-450
From the West:
Take the ramp onto US-50 E toward Annapolis
Take the MD-178/MD-450 exit 23 to Parole
Take the right fork to MD-450 W/Crownsville and merge onto West St
Continue on MD-450
Turn left at Defense Hwy/MD-450
Office in Boston, Massachusetts
101 Federal Street, Suite 1900
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
Directions to the Boston Office
From the North:
Merge onto I-93 S toward Boston
Take exit 20B-A toward S Station
Merge onto John F Fitzgerald Surface Rd/Purchase St
Turn right at Summer St
Turn right at High St
Turn left at Federal St
From the South:
Merge onto I-95 N
Take exit 12 to merge onto I-93 N/US-1 N toward Boston
Take exit 20 toward S Station/I-90 W/Worcester
Follow signs for Chinatown/S Station
Turn right at Kneeland St
Kneeland St turns left and becomes Atlantic Ave
Turn left at Summer St
Turn right at High St
Turn left at Federal St
From the West:
Merge onto I-90 E/Massachusetts Turnpike/Mass Pike via the ramp to Boston/Framingham (Partial toll road)
Take exit 24 A-B-C on the left toward I-93 S/Quincy/S Station/Concord NH/I-93 N
Take exit 24A for S Station
Keep left at the fork to continue toward Atlantic Ave and merge onto Atlantic Ave
Turn left at Summer St
Turn right at High St
Turn left at Federal St
From the East:
Merge onto RT-3 N via the ramp to Boston/Points N
Continue on SE Expy/I-93 N/RT-3 N/US-1 N
Take exit 20 toward S Station/I-90 W/Worcester
Follow signs for Chinatown/S Station
Turn right at Kneeland St
Kneeland St turns left and becomes Atlantic Ave
Turn left at Summer St
Turn right at High St
Turn left at Federal St
MASSACHUSETTS DISORDERLY CONDUCT, MARYLAND BREACH OF PEACE & VIRGINIA DISORDERLY CONDUCT DEFENSE ATTORNEYS
in Virginia, Maryland, D.C. & Massachusetts
There is virtually no state in the United States that does not have some form of law regarding disorderly conduct. This law is commonly described as a catch-all law. The disorderly conduct law in Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts prohibits people from being drunk in public, disturbing the peace, etc. The law is designed to try and prevent people from making a nuisance of themselves in public. When a person is doing something that the police consider a nuisance in Virginia, Maryland or Massachusetts, they usually charge the person with disorderly conduct. What many people do not realize is that simply being a nuisance does violate the law of disorderly conduct as written in most states. Therefore, people who are charged with disorderly conduct plead guilty without getting the assistance of an criminal defense attorney. Unfortunately, this results in the person being convicted of a crime that carries the possibility of jail time and a fine. Even if the person convicted of disorderly conduct does not receive jail, they will certainly receive a permanent mark on their criminal record. Do not let this happen to you.
Please contact a Maryland, Massachusetts or Virginia criminal defense attorney of SRIS, P.C. today, if you have been charged with disorderly conduct in Virginia, Maryland or Massachusetts. You can call us 888-437-7747, email, or our fast on line form. A Virginia criminal defense lawyer, Maryland criminal defense lawyer or Massachusetts criminal defense lawyer from our firm will consult with you as to your options and possible defenses.
We have offices in Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts.
- Our offices in Virginia are in Fairfax, Fredericksburg, Lynchburg, Manassas, Richmond & Virginia Beach.
- Our offices in Maryland are in Baltimore & Rockville.
- Our office in Massachusetts is in Boston.
Please click on the state, if you wish to read some of the laws regarding disorderly conduct in:
- Virginia Disorderly Conduct Laws
- Maryland Breach of Peace Laws
- Massachusetts Disorderly Conduct Laws
Our criminal defense attorneys and staff in Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts speak the following languages in addition to English: Spanish, French, Tamil, Arabic, Hindi, Telugu, Cantonese, Mandarin & Malaysian.
Our criminal defense lawyers are licensed to handle disorderly cases in Virginia, Maryland, D.C. & Massachusetts, however we handle disorderly conduct cases only in Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts.
Please click on attorneys to learn more about the criminal defense lawyers who assist clients with disorderly conduct charges in Virginia, Maryland or Massachusetts.
Call us today!
MASSACHUSETTS, MARYLAND & VIRGINIA CHILD CUSTODY LAWYERS
ASSISTING PARENTS & GRANDPARENTS WITH CUSTODY, VISITATION & RELOCATION
The Massachusetts, Maryland & Virginia child custody and divorce lawyers of SRIS, P.C., have represented many clients with child custody cases, relocation and visitation cases. Our family law attorneys have been helping parents and grandparents in Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts with child custody matters for over 20 years.
Our divorce lawyers who assist clients (parents & grandparents) with child custody & visitation cases have offices in the following states. If you want to see the exact location of each office, please click on the different locations:
- In Virginia, our offices in Northern Virginia are in Fairfax & Manassas; in Central Virginia, our office is in Fredericksburg & Richmond; in the Hampton Roads/Tidewater Area, our office is in Virginia Beach; in the western part of Virginia, our office is located in Lynchburg.
- In Maryland, our offices are in Rockville & Baltimore.
- In Massachusetts, our office is in Boston.
Please click on the state, if you wish to read some of the laws regarding child custody & visitation in:
- Virginia child custody & visitation laws
- Maryland child custody & visitation laws
- Massachusetts child custody & visitation laws
Our Virginia divorce & child custody lawyers, Maryland divorce & child custody lawyers, and Massachusetts divorce & child custody attorneys have an extensive amount of experience with representing clients who are seeking to exercise their rights as parents & grandparents in Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts. Our Massachusetts, Maryland & Virginia divorce & child custody attorneys who represent clients with child custody & visitation issues are careful to consider all of your family law concerns and provide thoughtful, prudent guidance through all of your family law & divorce law issues. If you wish to consult a SRIS, P.C. child custody & visitation lawyer in Virginia, child custody & visitation lawyer in Maryland or child custody & visitation lawyer in Massachusetts, send us an e-mail, call our office, or contact us on line.
Custody and visitation:
The two words in domestic relations and family law cases that cause parties to go into battle mode are custody and visitation. The fear of loosing custody is incredibly devastating to most parents. Even if one parent is willing to give up primary physical custody of the child, rarely is any parent willing to minimize their ability to visit with their child. Likewise, rarely does a grandparent want to contemplate not seeing their grandchild (children) on a regular basis. Most grandparents will do everything in their power to facilitate visitation with their grandchild.
Parents & grandparents engaging the services of a Virginia child custody lawyer, Maryland child custody lawyer or Massachusetts child custody lawyer are no different.
The best child custody attorneys are experienced at specifically handling child custody & visitation cases for parents and grandparents. These child custody attorneys constantly remind their clients that the needs and interests of the child are the paramount consideration, not the rights of the parents or grandparents. That means, children can and should spend as much time as possible with both the mother and father and preferably both the maternal and paternal grandparents, during and after the divorce.
The Massachusetts child custody attorneys, Maryland child custody attorneys & Virginia child custody attorneys at SRIS, P.C. have represented many clients in connection with custody determinations, modifications and enforcement of visitation orders. We also handle interstate and international custody issues involving the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) and the Hague Convention.
Grandparent and third-party custody and visitation
The SRIS, P.C. Massachusetts custody lawyers, Maryland custody lawyers & Virginia custody lawyers frequently represent grandparents and third parties in child custody & visitation cases. Our child custody attorneys in Virginia, child custody attorneys in Maryland & child custody attorneys in Massachusetts assists parents as well, where a grandparent or third-party seeks to exercise such rights. The custody and visitation laws in Virginia, custody and visitation laws in Maryland & custody and visitation laws in Massachusetts recognize, that the more family members that a child can be exposed to during and after a divorce, the better. To that end, the courts encourage grandparents to become more involved with their grandchild or grandchildren. If you are a grandparent who needs assistance with grandparent visitation, grandparent custody or wish to know about grandparents rights in Virginia, Maryland or Massachusetts, contact the child custody attorneys of SRIS, P.C. We assist grandparents with all aspects of grandparents rights to visitation & custody.
Custodial parent relocation
The Massachusetts relocation law attorneys, Maryland relocation law attorneys & Virginia relocation law attorneys at SRIS, P.C., have experience with requesting relocation from the home state of the child(ren). Our relocation law attorneys in Virginia, relocation law attorneys in Maryland & relocation law attorneys in Massachusetts also assist the parent objecting to the relocation of the child(ren) by the other parent. Parents who request the court for permission to move with the child to another state can face significant resistance from the Massachusetts, Maryland & Virginia Courts. Obtaining permission to move the child or children to another state can be achieved if the right set of facts are presented to the court. The laws pertaining to relocation are complex and cases regarding relocation should only be handled by a child custody & visitation attorney who is experienced at both assisting and preventing parents from moving with a child to a new state. We are very familiar with the Massachusetts laws, Maryland laws & Virginia laws regarding relocation. We urge you to discuss this family law matter with us before you agree or disagree to a relocation.
Feel free to consult with us regarding any type of child custody or visitation issue including grandparent & relocation cases.
MASSACHUSETTS, MARYLAND & VIRGINIA CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT ATTORNEYS
Our Massachusetts, Maryland & Virginia family law & divorce lawyers who assist clients and children with neglect & child abuse cases have offices in Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts. If you want to see the exact location of each office, please click on the different locations:
- In Virginia, our offices in Northern Virginia are in Fairfax & Manassas; in the Richmond Metro area, our office is in Fredericksburg & Richmond; in the Hampton Roads/Tidewater Area, our office is in Virginia Beach; in the western part of Virginia, our office is located in Lynchburg.
- In Maryland, our offices are in Rockville & Baltimore.
- In Massachusetts, our office is in Boston.
Our Massachusetts, Maryland & Virginia family law and divorce lawyers have an extensive amount of experience with representing clients who are seeking assistance regarding their child being abused or defending an allegation of child abuse in Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts. Our divorce attorneys who represent clients and children with child abuse & neglect cases are careful to consider all of your family law concerns and provide thoughtful, prudent guidance through all of your family law & divorce law issues. If you wish to consult a SRIS, P.C. Massachusetts, Maryland or Virginia child abuse & neglect attorney or family law lawyer to either assist regarding a possible child abuse case or defend against an allegation of child abuse, please send us an e-mail, call our office, or contact us on line.
The Massachusetts, Maryland & Virginia child abuse and neglect law attorneys of SRIS, P.C., provide assistance to abused and neglected children in need of legal protection and to parents who have been accused of child abuse or neglect. An allegation of child abuse or neglect of a child in Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts may include one or more of the following behaviors by a parent or other person responsible for the care of the child:
- Infliction of mental or physical injury on a child or threatening to do so;
- Putting a child at risk of death or harm;
- Neglecting a child’s health or not providing the care necessary for a child’s health;
- Abandoning a child;
- Sexually exploiting a child or permitting that to happen; or
- The unreasonable absence or the mental or physical incapacity of the child’s parent, guardian, legal custodian or other person standing in place of the parent, causing the child to be without parental care or guardianship.
We also assist parents accused of neglect & child abuse in Virginia, Maryland or Massachusetts, with cases where the state has alleged that they have children in need of services or in need of supervision.
Children In Need Of Services – A child in need of services is a juvenile whose behavior, conduct or condition presents or results in a serious threat to the juvenile’s well-being and safety.
Children In Need Of Supervision – A child in need of supervision is a juvenile who is either (1) habitually, without justification absent from school or (2) runs away from home.
Contact a SRIS, P.C. child abuse & neglect attorney for help in Virginia, Maryland or Massachusetts.
CHILD CUSTODY LAWYERS – VIRGINIA, MARYLAND & MASSACHUSETTS
Get Child Custody Help When It Matters The Most
The Child custody laws in Virginia, child custody laws in Maryland & child custody laws in Massachusetts are complex.
Child custody is a legal term used to qualify the relationship the child or children has between the parents. A determination of child custody in Virginia, child custody in Maryland & child custody in Massachusetts will resolve issues such as which parent will the child or children spend the majority of time with or will the parents equally share their time with the child or children. Who ultimately has physical custody of your child in Virginia, Maryland or Massachusetts may have an impact on child support payments.
If you need a Virginia child custody lawyer, Maryland child custody lawyer or Massachusetts child custody lawyer, then turn to the custody attorneys of SRIS, P.C. for help. We have offices in Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts to better serve you.
Contact us today to speak with one of our child custody attorneys in Virginia, child custody lawyers in Maryland or child custody lawyers in Massachusetts. You can call us or contact us via our on line form.
The child custody courts in Virginia, child custody courts in Maryland child custody courts in Massachusetts frequently use the term “best interests of the child” when deciding which parent will get primary physical custody of the child. There are a variety of factors the child custody courts in Virginia, child custody courts in Maryland or child custody courts in Massachusetts use when they decide a child custody case. It is essential that your Virginia child custody lawyer, Maryland child custody lawyer or Massachusetts child custody lawyer know which factors are relevant to you case.
Our child custody attorneys in Virginia, child custody attorneys in Maryland & child custody attorneys in Massachusetts have found that most parents are able to decide by themselves what the child custody and visitation arrangements are going to be for the child or children without a judge deciding the issue of child custody. However, some parents are not reasonable and unable to cooperate and come to an agreement as to the custody of the child or children. When parents engage in child custody litigation, the relationship between the parents can become very hostile. The mentality some parents take is that of a win at all costs. Some of the allegations that are made in court filings are that of sexual, physical, emotional abuse, alienation of affection by the other parent, etc. The SRIS, P.C. child custody attorneys in Virginia, child custody attorneys in Maryland & child custody attorneys in Massachusetts will always counsel their clients to take the “high road” in a custody battle. The reason we counsel our clients to take the high road approach in a child custody battle is for two reasons: 1) the truth ultimately comes out and judges who have been hearing child custody cases in Virginia, child custody cases in Maryland & child custody cases in Massachusetts are not pleased when parents make false allegations; 2) although it is very important that you do not allow false allegations to go unchallenged, child custody battles can be very expensive. If both parties engage in making speculative allegations in a child custody case, this will only drive up the cost of litigation.
The Massachusetts child custody attorneys, Maryland child custody lawyers & Virginia child custody attorneys of SRIS, P.C. do truly care about you and your children and we look forward to helping you.
Please feel free to call us at 888-437-7747 contact us via our on line form.
Our Massachusetts, Maryland & Virginia child custody attorneys and staff speak the following languages in addition to English: Tamil, Arabic, Hindi, Telugu, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Malaysian & French.
Our child custody attorneys are licensed to handle child custody cases in Virginia, Maryland, DC & Massachusetts; however our child custody lawyers only handle child custody matters in Virginia, child custody matters in Maryland & child custody matters in Massachusetts.
CHILD CUSTODY LAWYERS – VIRGINIA, MARYLAND & MASSACHUSETTS
Get Child Custody Help When It Matters The Most
One of the first questions in a divorce in Virginia, divorce in Maryland or divorce in Massachusetts is who will get custody of the child or children?
Child custody in Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts is a legal term used to qualify the relationship the child or children has between the parents. A determination of child custody in Virginia, child custody in Maryland & child custody in Massachusetts will resolve issues such as which parent will the child or children spend the majority of time with or will the parents equally share their time with the child or children. Also, a determination of child custody n Virginia, child custody in Maryland or child custody in Massachusetts may have an impact on child support payments and a determination of who are the payer and the payee.
If you are in need of a Virginia child custody lawyer, Maryland child custody lawyer or Massachusetts child custody lawyer, then turn to the custody attorneys of SRIS, P.C. for help. We have offices in Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts to better serve you.
- Our offices in Virginia are in Fairfax, Fredericksburg, Lynchburg, Manassas, Richmond & Virginia Beach.
- Our offices in Maryland are in Rockville & Baltimore.
- Our office in Massachusetts is in Boston.
If you wish to speak with one of our child custody attorneys in Virginia, child custody attorneys in Maryland or child custody lawyers in Massachusetts, please feel free to call us, email us or contact us via our on line form.
Please click on the state, if you wish to see some of the child custody laws that are specific to:
The following is a general overview of some of the issues that a parent may face in regards to child custody in Virginia, child custody in Maryland & child custody in Massachusetts..
The child custody courts in Virginia, child custody courts in Maryland & child custody courts in Massachusetts will frequently use the term “best interests of the child” in making a determination as to child custody in Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts. Although the courts in Virginia, Maryland or Massachusetts will generally consider all the factors in a child custody determination, some factors will be given more weight than others.
Our child custody attorneys in Virginia, child custody lawyers in Maryland & child custody lawyers in Massachusetts have found that most parents are able to decide by themselves what the child custody and visitation arrangements are going to be for the child or children without a judge deciding the issue of child custody. However, some parents are not reasonable and unable to cooperate and come to an agreement as to the custody of the child or children. When parents engage in child custody litigation, the relationship between the parents can become very hostile. The mentality some parents take is that of a win at all costs. Some of the allegations that are made in court filings are that of sexual, physical, emotional abuse, alienation of affection by the other parent, etc. The Virginia child custody attorneys, Maryland child custody attorneys & Massachusetts child custody attorneys of SRIS, P.C. will always counsel their clients to take the “high road” in a custody battle. The reason we counsel our clients to take the high road approach in a child custody battle is for two reasons: 1) the truth ultimately comes out and judges who have been hearing child custody cases in Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts are not pleased when parents make false allegations; 2) although it is very important that you do not allow false allegations to go unchallenged, child custody battles can be very expensive. If both parties engage in making speculative allegations in a child custody case, this will only drive up the cost of litigation.
When child custody disputes arise, it is not uncommon for one of the parents to attempt to engage in forum shopping in an endeavor to gain an unfair edge against the other party. Forum shopping is basically looking for a state or country that may have more favorable laws towards one of the parents in regards to child custody. Many countries have become a part of the Hague Convention to prevent forum shopping between countries. Additionally, in the United States, an act called the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) was enacted and adopted by every state to prevent forum shopping in child custody cases. The essence of this act is to require all the states to defer to the jurisdiction of the home state of the child or children. The Massachusetts, Maryland & Virginia child custody attorneys of SRIS, P.C. have successfully represented many clients who have to deal with the other parent attempting to engage in forum shopping. It is very important to hire the services of an excellent custody lawyer when faced with an issue of forum shopping. The statutory designation of “home state” lasts only for a certain period of time.
The Massachusetts child custody attorneys, Maryland child custody attorneys & Virginia child custody attorneys of SRIS, P.C. do truly care about you and your children and we look forward to helping you.
Please feel free to call us at 888-437-7747, email us or contact us via our on line form.
Our Massachusetts, Maryland & Virginia child custody attorneys and staff speak the following languages in addition to English: Tamil, Arabic, Hindi, Telugu, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Malaysian & French.
Our child custody attorneys are licensed to handle child custody cases in Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts; however our child custody lawyers handle child custody matters only in Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts.
Please click on attorneys to learn more about the child custody lawyers who handle child custody cases in Virginia, Maryland or Massachusetts.
Frequently, the clients we represent in Virginia, Maryland and Massachusetts are inundated with variety of different terms regarding child custody and support. In an endeavor to better assist them understand the different terms used, the following are some of the the official definitions from the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act and the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act.
FAQ’s for Child Custody Law Issues:
- But what exactly determines this “best interests of the child” criteria?
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Do Mother’s Have More “Clout” When It Comes To Retaining Child Custody?
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What is Joint Custody?
- Who Determines What’s Reasonable and Fair in Child Custody Law Cases?
- What about Child Custody Law and Visitation rights for Gay and Lesbian Parents?
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What are Parenting Agreements?
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What is a Parenting Plan?
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How do you keep the children safe when there is a physically abusive spouse?
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What are the grandparents’ rights?
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What is Limiting Visitation?
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What is Enforcing Visitation?
When Parents Divorce: Child Custody Law and Visitation Rights
It’s one of the sadder parts of any divorce – determining child custody and visitation. In deciding which parent (or both) gets custody, the court takes into account a multitude of factors.
In almost all courts in every state, the standard is: “The child’s best interests.” In deciding child custody issues – this one aspect is given the highest priority.
But what exactly determines this “best interests of the child” criteria? (top)
Here’s a checklist of the most commonly used factors:
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The child’s age, sex, and mental and physical health
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The parent’s mental and physical health
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The parent’s lifestyle and other social factors, including whether the child is exposed to second-hand smoke and whether there is any history of child abuse
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The emotional bond between parent and child, as well as the parent’s ability to give the child guidance
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The parent’s ability to provide the child with food, shelter, clothing, and medical care
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The child’s established living pattern (school, home, community, religious institution)
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The quality of the child’s education
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The impact of changing the status quo in the child’s daily routine, and
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The child’s preference, if the child is above a certain age (usually about 12).
In many cases, there are no clear cut answers in determining which parent clearly “outranks” another in fulfilling these custodial factors. Each may be equally (or nearly) qualified in providing for the child’s welfare and well being.
In divorce and child custody law cases like these, the courts focus on which parent will provide the child with the more stable environment, including maintaining a healthy relationship with the other parent. When a child is young, special attention is given to the parent who has been the child’s primary caregiver. However, with older children, the parent who is best able to provide continuity in education, neighborhood life, religious institutions, and peer relationships may be awarded primary custody.
Also, the judge in child custody cases will place great weight upon the fact if the children will be remaining in the home where they were raised and lived as a family, if they will be continuing in the same school, participate in their usual activities and generally enjoy their regular routines. A judge will be adverse to changing these normal physical locations, conditions and schedules.
Another factor that comes into play with child custody cases is when one parent moves out of the house, leaving the child or children with the remaining spouse. This can adversely affect the chances of the distant parent gaining custody – even if they left in order to avoid highly unpleasant or even dangerous situations.
If the situation is so volatile, then seriously consider taking the children with you. If you don’t, the court may properly assume you considered the options and believed the remaining spouse was a competent caregiver – regardless of the situation between the two parents. If you do leave with the children, file as quickly as possible in family court for temporary child custody and child support. Speed is of the essence, because if you don’t act first, the other spouse may go to court first and allege that the kids were taken without that spouses knowledge.
Family law judges don’t look very highly on a parent who removes the children from the home without seeking legal recognition. A judge may order the children be returned to the family home, pending future proceedings to determine physical custody.
Do Mother’s Have More “Clout” When It Comes To Retaining Custody? (top)
In the past, it was customary for the courts to award custody of young children (about 5 years old or younger) to the mother when couples divorced. This “tender years” doctrine has been almost entirely replaced – either rejected outright or relegated to the role of tie-breaker if two otherwise fit parents request custody of their pre-school children
Every state now takes into consideration the fitness of both parents – the mother no longer automatically enjoys a de-facto privilege when custody is being determined. Most states require their courts determine custody on the basis of what’s in the children’s best interests, without regard to the parent’s gender.
Many divorcing parents do agree the mother will have custody after a separation or divorce, with the father exercising reasonable visitation rights. If this happens because both parents agree the mother has more time, a greater inclination in parenting, or a better understanding of the children’s daily needs – then all is well and good. But many times the father presumes the mother will automatically be awarded custody and never pursues the matter – or because the mother is more tenacious in seeking custody.
As a father, if you want to ask the court for physical custody, don’t let gender stereotypes stop you. If both you and the mother work full-time, and the kids have after-school care, you may both be on equal footing. In fact, if you have more flexible hours than the mother, you could be at an advantage. In any event, the judge will look at what’s best for the children in custody cases.
So if you as father think you are the better caregiver and should have primary custody – it’s up to you to convince the judge that it’s in the kids’ best interests to stay with you. If you present yourself as a willing and able parent, it will go a long way towards challenging any lingering prejudice against you as a father.
Joint Custody (top)
“Joint custody” pursuant to child custody law is when the court awards partial custody to both parents. Child custody law recognizes one of three forms when addressing joint custody:
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joint physical custody (children spend a substantial amount of time with each parent)
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joint legal custody (parents share decision-making on medical, educational, and religious questions involving the children), or
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both joint legal and joint physical custody.
Child Custody Laws and Visitation rights for Gay and Lesbian Parents (top)
Society is changing. Just a short time ago, it would have been inconceivable for an openly gay or lesbian parent to be awarded custody – or even substantial visitation rights. That’s drastically changing.
In several states, including Massachusetts, Maryland & Virginia, the child custody law states a parent’s sexual orientation cannot in and of itself prevent that parent from being given custody of or visitation with his or her child.
But what the child custody law states and what happens are sometimes two different things. Lesbian and homosexual male parents may be denied custody or visitation – even if the child custody law expressly forbids any such discrimination.
Judges are human beings, and when considering the best interests of the child, they may be motivated by their own personal outlook or community prejudices. While they may not openly say they are denying custody or visitation because of the parents sexual preferences, they find other reasons to deny them custody or appropriate visitation.
If you are involved in a child custody case and are concerned about any possible bias against you because you are gay or lesbian, make sure you consult a child custody lawyer about protecting your rights.
Visitation: Who Determines What’s Reasonable and Fair in Child Custody Law Cases? (top)
When one parent is awarded physical custody, and the other is granted “visitation at reasonable times and places,” the parent with physical custody is generally in the driver’s seat regarding what is “reasonable and fair” visitation.
When a court determines the visitation rights of a non-custodial parent, it usually leaves it to the parents to work out a precise schedule of time and place. This allows the divorcing couple to exercise flexibility by taking into consideration both the parents’ and the children’s schedules
If both parents cooperate and make sure the children spend a significant amount of time with each parent, this needn’t cause undo problems or hardships.
But… many times this isn’t the case. Due to animosity, hurt feelings, the wish to “get back” at the spouse, or just plain mean spirited revenge – all too often “visitation at reasonable times and places” translates into far too little time for the non-custodial parent. Bitter disputes then occur, only increasing the animosity between the divorced or divorcing couple.
The parent with the actual physical custody has more control over the dates, times, and duration of visits. He or she isn’t legally obligated to agree to any particular schedule, but judges do take note of who is being reasonable – and who is merely being vindictive. If you are uncooperative merely to “vex your ex,” it can well backfire when you need to ask the court for something concerning your divorce, support or custody issues at a future date.
Parenting Agreements (top)
To avoid such problems, many courts now prefer the parties work out a fairly detailed parenting plan known as a “parenting agreement,” setting down the visitation schedule in writing, as well as outlining who has primary responsibility for decisions affecting the children.
If you suspect right off the bat that “reasonable visitation” just isn’t going to work with your spouse, insist on a fixed schedule beforehand. This will save you time, aggravation, and possibly money.
If after a period of time your pre-determined “reasonable visitation” just isn’t working out — one parent is consistently late, skips scheduled visits, or doesn’t inform the other parent where he or she is planning on taking the children — you can go back to court and petition the judge to change the arrangement to something more equitable
Physically Abusive Spouses – Keeping the Children Safe (top)
When a non-custodial parent has a history of violent or destructive behavior, especially toward the child or children, the court often requires visitations between the abusive parent and the children be supervised. An adult other than the than the custodial parent must be present at all times during the visit. The adult may be known or unknown to the child, and may be someone agreed on by the parents. But no matter how the adult is chosen, he or she must be approved by the court that ordered the supervised visitation.
Grandparents Rights (top)
Parents aren’t the only people whose rights must be considered when it comes to custody and visitation. Grandparents’ rights often play a significant role in the child’s history – and severing all ties with the grandparents is usually not in anyone’s best interests.
The courts have recognized this, and now all 50 states currently have some type of “grandparent rights” statute pertaining to child custody & visitation. Grandparents and sometimes others (foster parents and stepparents, for example) can ask a court to grant them the legal right to maintain their relationships with their grandchildren or former charges.
Child custody laws vary greatly from state to state, when it comes to the crucial details, such as who can visit and under what circumstances.
Approximately twenty states have “restrictive” visitation statutes, extending the visitation rights to just the grandparents and not any other extended family members — and only if the child’s parents are divorcing or if one or both parents have died.
States with more permissive visitation laws allow courts to consider a visitation request even without the death of a parent or the dissolution of the family, so long as visitation would serve the best interests of the child.
But please be aware, the courts do give great deference to a parent’s decision to limit a grandparent’s rights in terms of custody & visitation. It’s best to be fair. After all, it usually wasn’t the grandparent’s fault you and your spouse couldn’t make the marriage work. Your children shouldn’t have to be burdened with the loss of their grandparents along with all the other traumas of divorce.
Limiting Visitation (top)
If you do decide to alienate the grandparents from the children, the grandparents may take you to court to try and force visitation. If there’s a reason why your child shouldn’t visit with a grandparent, by all means raise the issue in court. But make sure the reason is one affecting your child’s life and not your own needs, pride, or anger.
If there’s no valid reason why a court would protect the children from the grandparents, (such as previous abuse, history of drug or alcohol problems, or unsavory lifestyles) it’s likely the grandparents will receive some form of visitation. This is especially true if a prior healthy relationship existed between the grandparents and your children. So if you have to appear in court, it’s best to arrive with a proposed visitation schedule in hand. It’s better to have your own wishes enforced than have a judge call the shots and set the schedule.
So what’s reasonable? Offering between one and three afternoons a month, for a few hours at a time is usually sufficient. This could be for lunch and a movie or a play session at the local park. If you and your child don’t know the grandparents very well, you can ask the court to allow visitation to occur in your presence. If the grandparents live in another state, visitation over an entire weekend may be considered. However, if the bond between the children and their grandparents is exceptionally strong and healthy – there is no reason to be stingy regarding extra visitation times or dates.
Enforcing Visitation – Grandparents Have a Tougher Time (top)
If you’re the grandparent, and the custodial parent is balking at allowing you visitations with your grandchildren, you have a tougher road to travel.
You might first want to try a mediation session with the children’s parents before trying to enforce a legal visitation agreement.. In fact, in some states the courts won’t consider your petition for visitation until the parties have attended mediation together. Mediation means that you hire a neutral third party to help all of you create a legally binding agreement that everyone can respect and live with. If mediation doesn’t work and you end up in court petitioning for visitation rights, be prepared to testify under oath about your relationship with your grandchildren, your relationship with the parents, any custody or visitation arrangements you had before the court action, and the last time you saw your grandchildren. Also be prepared to discuss your personal history, including any medical troubles or problems with the law.
Remember – you’re under scrutiny here. The court is deciding whether you should spend time with your grandchild — and the judge won’t hesitate to pry into your personal matters.
If you’re a chain smoker, you may be asked to refrain from smoking in the child’s presence. If you don’t, the parent may ask the court to discontinue your visitation. If you cannot, for health reasons, perform some tasks independently or correctly, your visitation may be supervised.
This doesn’t mean the court is prejudiced against you. You face standards similar to those faced by a non-custodial parent seeking visitation: The children’s welfare is always given the highest priority. But as we said, the courts will give great deference to a parent’s decision to limit visitation.
If reasonable visitation schedules or accommodations just can’t be made – you may well want to consider the help of an experienced attorney.
Family court can be a difficult maze to navigate, and a skilled and knowledgeable lawyer can make sure all your rights are fully and adequately protected.
GRANDPARENTS & CHILD CUSTODY RIGHTS, GRANDPARENTS & VISITATION RIGHTS & GRANDPARENTS RIGHTS
Family Law Attorneys Helping Grandparents Exercise Their Rights
Frequently, the Virginia grandparents rights attorneys, Maryland grandparents rights lawyers & Massachusetts grandparents attorneys of the SRIS Law Group are contacted by grandparents who are either seeking custody of their grandchildren, seeking visitation with their grandchildren or want to know what rights they have as grandparents in regards to their grandchildren in Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts.
The honest answer is that it is a fact specific question in Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts. What we mean by this is that the law does allow for grandparents to obtain custody of their grandchild or grandchildren. The law also allows grandparents to have visitation with their grandchildren. However, the application of these laws varies from state to state. Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts each have different set of laws and the case laws in each state is truly fact specific.
The SRIS Law Group has attorneys that assist grandparents with custody & visitation rights issues in Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts. Grandparents can contact us on line or call us at 888-437-7747
The following are two of the most commonly asked questions by grandparents seeking custody or visitation rights.
Do we as grandparents have visitation rights in Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts?
Yes, more often than not. Grandparents do have visitation rights in most cases. However, that visitation right is limited by the terms and conditions of the court order if the grandparent wants to take the custodial parent(s) to court. The law in Massachusetts, Maryland & Virginia allow grandparents to join a visitation petition filed by the noncustodial parent or even file and independent petition for the purpose of obtaining a court order for visitation with their grandchildren.
The primary hurdle that a grandparent or grandparents will have to clear is proving that harm will occur to the grandchild or grandchildren in the absence of visitation by the grandparents. Maryland, Massachusetts & Virginia all recognize the presumption that parents have a fundamental right as to the care, custody and management of their child.
Only a compelling interest would be sufficient to allow a court to dictate to a parent that the grandparent has to be able to visit with the grandchild. This is not an easy hurdle to clear because the grandparent has to prove that harm will result to the child’s health and welfare should the court not order the parents to allow visitation with the grandparent. The family law attorneys of the SRIS Law Group always caution grandparents that this is not an easy hurdle to clear, even though our family law attorneys have helped numerous grandparents obtain visitation rights to visit with their grandchildren.
The other question that the SRIS Law Group child custody lawyers deal with is can grandparents be awarded custody of their grandchildren in Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts?
The presumption in Maryland, Massachusetts & Virginia is that as long as either parent is alive, the presumption favors the biological parent in terms of custody. In the event, that both parents have passed away, then certainly it is the courts’ preference that the child live with a blood relative. The issue that arises in this situation is who is the best blood relative to take custody of the orphaned children? Courts will consider the age, health, and financial ability of the grandparent(s), if they petition for custody, to support and care for a child
Grandparents should not loose hope when they are contemplating filing for custody of their grandchildren or filing for visitation rights. However, it is critical that grandparents who are seeking to exercise their rights ensure that the family law attorney is familiar with the case laws in Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts, pertaining to custody and visitation rights of grandparents as it pertains to grandchildren.
If you wish talk with a family law attorney from the SRIS Law Group, do not hesitate to contact one of our highly experienced child custody lawyers for help. You can contact us on line or call us at 888-437-7747.


