Boston Divorce Lawyer

We have provided answers to frequently asked questions for the benefit of visitors to our website. Please note that the use of the Internet or any communication you may have with our firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. You should contact us if you wish to speak with a lawyer and start the process of establishing an attorney-client relationship.

Massachusetts family law is a complex and ever-evolving area of the law. The courts and the legislature make frequent changes to both the law and the procedures in response to changing customs and advances in technology. Therefore, we strongly urge you to consult an attorney with your specific questions.

How much will my divorce cost?

  • It depends on the number of unresolved issues between the parties. If you do not have minor children and there is no significant marital property to distribute, for example, filing for divorce may be relatively inexpensive. If, however, you and your spouse have not worked out all of your differences (e.g., child custody, child support, child visitation rights, alimony and division of assets), then your divorce will cost more since an attorney will have to spend more time working on the case. The majority of divorce cases in Massachusetts settle before a trial.

How do i start a divorce in Massachusetts?

  • A divorce is started in court by the filing of a “Joint Petition for Divorce” or a “Complaint for Divorce”. The Joint Petition for a Divorce is filed by both parties and is used when the parties have reached an agreement on all issues. The Complaint for Divorce lists grounds for divorce and is filed by only one party. It may be used if you are unable to reach an agreement as to all issues.

Which court do I have to go to to file for A Massachusetts divorce?

  • Actions for divorce are filed in the division of the Probate and Family Court located in the county in which either party lives, except that the action must be filed in the county where the parties last lived together if one of the parties still resides in that county.

Can your firm represent both parties in a divorce?

  • No. Because there is a conflict of interest between both parties.

How long does it take to obtain a divorce in Massachusetts?

  • Generally, as long as it takes for both parties to sign a separation agreement, plus four to eight weeks to schedule a court date. The divorce will become final either three or four months after the court date. If a case goes all the way to trial, a divorce can take as long as two years or more.

Should I take any preliminary steps in preparation for my divorce?

  • There are a few steps you may wish to take to make the process go a little bit smoother:
  • First, it may be a good idea to keep a personal journal. Your lawyer will ask you for information about your marriage and the situation leading up to the divorce decision. Start writing it out now. This will help you sort through the facts and explain them more clearly.
  • Collect all financial, legal and other records and change your passwords to all your online accounts. Be advised that your spouse may not want you to have these documents, so consider collecting them in a safe place outside the home - maybe your workplace, the home of a trusted relative or friend, or a safety deposit box. The documents you should collect include bank statements, tax returns, salaries, and debts including credit card statements, mortgages and auto payments. Include also legal documents, such as marriage certificate, immigration records, passports and children's birth certificates. Pay close attention to the activity in any joint accounts, including credit lines and credit cards. Open separate accounts to take care of your present and future expenses.
  • Don't sign any papers without consulting a Massachusetts divorce lawyer. Build a strong support system of friends, family or others you can talk to and who can provide encouragement.

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