Massachusetts Divorce Information

Filing for and obtaining a Divorce in Massachusetts is a multi-step process. As a Divorce Lawyer in Massachusetts, it is my job to help you understand, prepare for and undertake each step of that process so that you may act in the best interest of yourself and your family. I can help you through this hard time.

The first step in filing for Divorce is to file a document called a Complaint with the Probate and Family Court. The complaint will list the grounds, or reasons, for the Divorce. Although there are many others depending on the situation, the most common grounds for divorce in Massachusetts are irretrievable breakdown of the marriage in either a contested or uncontested divorce and cruel and abusive treatment. After discussing your particular situation, as your Massachusetts Divorce Lawyer, I will be able to advise you on which grounds to state in the complaint. This is an important step as the grounds that you state may affect the length of time it will take you to obtain a Divorce.

As a Massachusetts Divorce Lawyer, when your spouse files a Complaint first, I will explain to you the language and effect of the complaint and summons that you will have received. I can then work with you to prepare and file an Answer to the complaint and, if you choose, a Counterclaim also asking for Divorce.

As a Massachusetts Divorce Lawyer, I can help to protect your interests while the process of filing and obtaining a Divorce is ongoing. Motions can be filed with the Court to obtain support, custody or even a restraining order until there is a final hearing in the case.

One of the most important and often complicated steps in the Divorce process is completing the financial statement. It is important that this document accurately reflect all of your income, needs, assets and liabilities. As a Massachusetts Divorce Lawyer, I can help you to obtain the necessary information and complete the financial statement so that it is as accurate as possible.

If both parties are able to negotiate and agree to a settlement, the terms will be written in a Separation Agreement and submitted to the Court. As a Massachusetts Divorce Lawyer, I can help you to negotiate for your interests and draft an agreement, if appropriate. After reviewing the financial statements, the Court will decide if the Separation Agreement is fair and reasonable. If so, the Court will incorporate the Separation Agreement into its Judgment of Divorce.

If a settlement cannot be reached, the case will go to trial. After listening to all of the evidence provided by both parties, the Court will make its own judgment concerning child custody, support, visitation, alimony, division of marital assets and any other issues on which the parties cannot reach agreement. Each case is unique and as a Massachusetts Divorce Lawyer I can help you understand and address the strengths and weaknesses of your case. I can help you to decide whether it would be in the best interest of you and your family to settle with your spouse or to take the case to trial.

Every situation needs to be evaluated based on the needs and wishes of the individuals involved. As a Massachusetts Divorce Lawyer, my job is to help you understand and assess your options and to choose the best course of action based on what you want and need.