Divorce

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Divorce is the legal dissolution of marriage, often a challenging, emotionally-charged experience for the divorcing couple, as well as for their children.  The divorce process encompasses a number of issues, including custody and visitation, parenting plans, child support, alimony, division of marital assets including real estate and retirement accounts, and allocation of marital debt.  An experienced divorce attorney can help guide you through the process, advocate your rights, and obtain a favorable resolution.

We’re On Your Side

We have over 20 years of family law experience.  We are dedicated to obtaining optimal results for our clients, in the most cost-effective and least time-consuming manner.  We work together with clients to strategize, negotiate and implement settlements whenever possible.  When settlement is not an option, we zealously represent our clients’ interests in Court.  We educate our clients about the process and how the law will be applied to their own situations,  and work collaboratively with them to set expectations and identify goals that are tailored to each individual client’s needs and desires.  We place a premium on our ability to provide experienced and knowledgeable, yet thoughtful and compassionate, guidance to our clients throughout the entire process. We always keep in mind the best interests of the clients’ children, and strive to help lessen the effects upon them of their parents’ divorce.

Take the First Step Today

Contact us to set up a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.  We have found that many people contemplating divorce feel some degree of relief after learning more about their rights under the laws, what to expect, and how long the divorce process may take.  617/969-0400.

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Focusing on the best interests of the children helps lessen the effects upon them of their parents’ divorce.

General Divorce Information:

The most common type of divorce is a no-fault divorce, in which parties are not required to prove fault or grounds (such as adultery, abuse) beyond a showing that the marriage has irretrievably broken down, and that there is no chance of reconciliation.  In such cases, the reason for the break-up is not an issue, and as long as one party wants to dissolve the marriage, the Court will do so.

Divorce proceedings may be either contested or uncontested. When both spouses are initially able to agree on all issues associated with the end of their marriage, they may file an action jointly (Joint Petition for Divorce), enter into a Separation Agreement which addresses all such issues, and, after a brief court hearing, obtain a Judgment.  This process is especially appropriate in situations involving relatively shorter-term marriages, fewer assets and no children.

When both spouses are not able to agree on all relevant issues, or when one spouse is reluctant to begin the process even when issues are agreed upon, either spouse may file a Complaint for Divorce in order to initiate divorce proceedings.  If both spouses are ultimately able to agree on all relevant  issues — usually after numerous discussions, negotiations and compromises — they will enter into a Separation Agreement, and obtain a Judgment.  The contested divorce case is thus converted into an uncontested one.

When spouses are unable to reach an agreement regarding one or more of the issues involved in their case, the case will proceed to trial.  Along the way, procedural steps will include mutual disclosure of financial information and documentation and Court appearances, and may include motions for temporary orders of custody and support, discovery (where one spouse requests information or documents from the other), and in some cases, Guardian Ad Litem investigations.

We Can Help You Today:

As no two marriages are exactly alike, each divorce is unique, and will proceed in the manner dictated by its own particular set of circumstances.   Let us know about your situation.  We’re here to help you.

Put 20 Years of Family Law Experience to Work for You