Question

Under the abuse prevention law (MGL 209A) would the following be considered a family or household member:

Mary and Larry have been divorced for 15 years; Frank remarried 3 years ago.

Answer 1

Mary and Larry, although divorced for 15 years, would be considered family members under the Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 209A abuse prevention law, because they were once married to each other.

Step-by-step explanation:

Under the Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 209A, also known as the abuse prevention law, a family or household member includes individuals who:

• Are or were married to each other
• Are or were residing together in the same household
• Are or were related by blood or marriage
• Have a child in common regardless of whether they have ever married or lived together
• Are or have been in a substantive dating or engagement relationship

In the scenario provided, even though Mary and Larry have been divorced for 15 years and Frank remarried 3 years ago, Mary and Larry would still be considered family members under law because they were previously married to each other. This could be applicable in situations involving domestic violence or abuse when seeking protection or legal action.