Choose the Type of Divorce That Works for You
There are two ways to get a divorce in Massachusetts. You can contest the divorce, which means that you do not agree with your spouse on one or more of the terms that must be resolved when a marriage breaks up. The other way is to get an uncontested divorce, which means that you go to court with all the issues already settled. Uncontested divorces are usually faster and less expensive, although this is not always the case.
Massachusetts Divorce Law Is Applied Locally, on a County-by-County Basis
At The Massachusetts Family Law Group, our attorneys handle both types of divorces. Our Springfield lawyers appear in the probate and family courts in Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties almost every day on behalf of divorcing clients. We assign our attorneys to specific courthouses so that they are familiar faces to the family services officers, the judicial case workers and the judges. We know the differences in the ways that judges apply the law in each county, and we tailor our cases accordingly.
Greenfield, Lee, North Adams and Westfield Divorce Mediation
Contested Divorce Does Not Always Equal Trial
Just because a divorce starts off as contested does not mean that there will be a trial. In a majority of cases, contested divorces are settled before trial, and the complaint for divorce is amended to a joint petition for divorce.
Our lawyers believe that they should work hard to negotiate with the other side. If the parties can resolve disputed issues through divorce mediation or negotiation, they can avoid the financial and emotional costs of a trial in divorce court. In short, the contested divorce often turns into the uncontested, negotiated divorce.
Beware Uncontested Divorce Traps
We Worry About the Law so You Don't Have To
Going online to get some forms and doing your divorce yourself may seem like a great alternative to hiring an attorney, right?
Wrong.
At The Massachusetts Family Law Group, our Hampden County, Berkshire County, Hampshire County and Franklin County divorce attorneys have seen the dangers of do-it-yourself divorce firsthand. Time and time again, we have had to come in and fix the mistakes that were made by men and women trying to save money and get through their divorces quicker.
You Will Be Held to the Same Standard as Attorneys
The Springfield, Pittsfield, Northampton, and Greenfield probate and family courts are mandated to hold self-represented litigants to the same standards as attorneys. You are required to know the law, whether or not you really do.
There Is No Substitute for Experienced Representation
Contact our attorneys for a free, no-obligation consultation. You may be surprised at how economical it is to work with our firm. When we meet, we'll discuss your case and explain the areas where we can help you. In some cases, our work can be done for a flat fee. Call (800) 941-DIVORCE or contact us online.
