Infinity Law Group LLC
Dover Divorce Lawyer
When you get married, you generally aren’t thinking that the relationship will end. Unfortunately, even the strongest of relationships can change over time. If you are contemplating a divorce in Dover, Massachusetts, you will need the help of an experienced family law attorney.
In Massachusetts, you can file for an uncontested or contested divorce based on fault or “no fault” grounds. Your Dover divorce lawyer can explain your options and help you decide the best way to proceed. They can also work with you to negotiate a favorable settlement through negotiation, mediation, or take your case to trial to protect your rights.
Infinity Law Group advocates for individuals and families who are dealing with all types of family law issues. Our practice areas include divorce, child custody and support, and alimony. To learn more or to schedule a free phone consultation with a member of our legal team, reach out to us today.
Getting Divorced in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, your divorce can be resolved relatively quickly and inexpensively if you and your soon-to-be-ex agree about the basic issues such as property division, alimony, child custody, and child support. However, the divorce process can also be lengthy and substantially more expensive if you disagree about these issues or if one party is claiming that the other person did something to cause the divorce.
Uncontested divorces are possible when both spouses agree on how their assets and debt will be divided and who will have primary custody of any minor children. While these divorces are often less complicated than a contested divorce, you should still have legal representation to help you. A Dover divorce lawyer can make sure that your interests are protected in any divorce settlement agreement.
By contrast, in a contested divorce, the spouses cannot come to an agreement about the fundamental issues in divorce. For example, if both parties believe that they should be the custodial parent of their minor children, then they probably won’t be able to come to an agreement about their divorce without the help of a court. Contested divorces can often be resolved through a settlement negotiated by a skilled divorce attorney.
To start the divorce process in Dover, one party will file a complaint at the Norfolk Probate and Family Court. This complaint will then be served to the other party. If the parties are seeking an uncontested divorce, then they would file a joint petition instead of a complaint.
In a contested divorce, the party who was served with the complaint will then have an opportunity to file an answer to it. The case will then go into the discovery and pretrial phase. During this time, the parties will exchange information through discovery and file motions to ask the court to enter orders for things like a parenting plan or child support.
Under Massachusetts law, each party must provide the other side with a Financial Statement and supporting documents under Supplemental Rule 410. Beyond this automatic discovery, each party can submit additional discovery requests to the other. This may take the form of depositions,interrogatories (questions), and/or requests for production of documents.
In most contested divorce cases, the parties will try to come to a settlement prior to the pretrial conference. Going to court for a divorce case can be both stressful and expensive, and the outcome is uncertain. For many couples, a divorce settlement is the best way to get a favorable resolution without the time and expense associated with going to trial. However, if you and your ex cannot come to an agreement, then going to trial may be the best option for both parties.
How Infinity Law Group Can Help
It is possible to handle a divorce case without legal counsel. However, it is often a smart idea to work with a Dover divorce attorney so that your interests are protected and you get the best possible outcome.
There are many technical rules associated with filing for divorce, and serious consequences for violating those rules or failing to comply with your obligations under the law. For example, if you omit information on your mandatory Financial Statement, you could face criminal charges. It may also affect the outcome of your case, as judges don’t look favorably at what they may view as a party trying to hide assets.
In addition, there are many consequences of divorce that may not be immediately apparent to a layperson. This is particularly true when it comes to how assets and debts are divided as well as which parent gets to claim any dependent children on their taxes. Working with a Dover divorce lawyer can help to ensure that your interests are protected when it comes to property division, child custody and support, taxes, and more.
In addition, an attorney can help you make more reasoned decisions when you may be struggling with the emotional implications of getting divorced. For example, you may be tempted to just give everything to your soon-to-be ex because you feel bad about how the marriage ended. Your lawyer can counsel you on the ramifications of this type of a decision, and help you come to an agreement that is fair for both parties.
It may be possible to represent yourself adequately if your divorce is uncontested and you don’t have assets to divide or any minor children. However, if your divorce is contested or there are issues related to property division and/or custody, then your best option is to work with a seasoned Dover divorce lawyer
Reach Out Today for a Free Consultation
If you have decided to get divorced – or your spouse has told you that they want a divorce – then you will need some help to understand your legal rights and the best way to proceed. A Dover divorce attorney can advise you of your options and advocate for you throughout the process.
At Infinity Law Group, we work with individuals who are contemplating or are already going through a divorce. We offer free phone consultations for all prospective clients. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, reach out today by calling 617-250-8236 or filling out our online contact form.
We Just Moved to Massachusetts. Can We File for Divorce in Dover?
Even if you were married in another state, you can still file for divorce in Dover, MA if you meet the residency requirements. Generally, the filing party must have lived in Massachusetts for a period of 1 year before filing for divorce. The divorce complaint will be filed in the county where you and your soon-to-be-ex last resided together.
The divorce process can be complex, even if you have few assets and no minor children. At Infinity Law Group, our goal is to make getting divorced as simple and straightforward as possible for our clients. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation.
How Long Will It Take to Get Divorced in Dover, MA?
It depends. For an uncontested divorce – where both parties agree on all aspects of the divorce – you can be divorced within 6 months to nine months of filing a joint petition. If your divorce is contested, however, it could take much longer. This is particularly true if your case goes to trial.
While every case is different, a Dover divorce attorney can help you understand the general timeline and give you an idea of what to expect. Reach out to Infinity Law Group today to schedule a free phone consultation with a member of our legal team.
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