Thank you, XXXXX XXXXX sure.

There is no statute in Massachusetts that specifically states who is to pay for the child in such a situation. Technically speaking, the father does not have to pay any more than the child support. So if you requested the attorney, you'd have to pay for one. However, it is the father requesting counsel, so can he make you pay 50%?

The statute is mute, and there is no case law on point.

You may file a Motion for Clarification with the Court. Remember that the family court is a court of equity, meaning fairness. The Court will apportion the legal debt between the two of you as it sees fit. And the Judge may decide to make him pay for the majority of it because it his idea.

However, without an order from the Court, he cannot make you pay for it, so unless either of you files the motion and gets an answer, he has to pay for it if you refuse.

I hope this finds you well. Please click Reply to Expert to keep talking, or rate my answer when we are finished. Kindly rate my answer as one of the top three faces because this is how I get credit for my time with you. Otherwise, reply to chat more until we are finished and you are ready to rate. I work very hard to formulate an informative answer for you; please reciprocate my good faith. (You may always ask follow ups free after rating.)