Ending a marriage is a difficult and stressful decision. But, the decision is only the first step in ending a marriage. Once you have decided that divorce is best for you and your spouse, the next step is finding an attorney. A law firm well-versed in Massachusetts law pertaining to divorce can help make the dissolution of your marriage as painless and smooth as possible.
When you begin looking for representation, it is important that you understand exactly what your needs are to choose an attorney best-suited for your situation. Below are a few basic things you should look for in a divorce attorney.
- Licensed in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and experienced in the Probate and Family Court in the county in which you reside
- Client reviews or referrals verifying a positive track record and good outcomes
- Good standing with the Board of Bar Overseers
- Someone you’re confident in and comfortable with, who listens and communicates well with you
In your selection process, there are a few additional things you should consider. In Massachusetts, divorces can be either ‘fault’ or ‘no-fault.’ Within each category, a divorce can either be contested or uncontested. The majority of divorces in Massachusetts are no-fault divorces. This means that both you and your spouse are in agreement that the marriage is broken and cannot be repaired. If both parties have worked out a variety of sub-issues such as custody, child support, spousal support and the division of property and other assets amicably, the divorce can be presented to the court in a separation agreement as uncontested. This important document should be drafted by an attorney experienced in preparing separation agreements because the terms become an order of the court that you must abide by or you could be found in contempt of court and sanctioned. If you and your spouse can’t agree on the terms associated with the dissolution of your marriage then the divorce is a contested one that will have to be further negotiated by the parties or decided by a judge after a trial. Regardless of which type of divorce you are seeking, the right legal representation is critical to ensuring that your rights are protected and your interests properly protected.
If you are considering divorce, contact our office to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you.
