Massachusetts Divorce Strategies and Tactics
The Massachusetts probate and family courts operate in ways that can be strange, confusing and frightening to newcomers. To make matters even worse, the Western Massachusetts courts in Hampden, Hampshire, Berkshire and Franklin counties each work a little differently.
To help you understand how the system works, it is best compared to the game of baseball. The major league, minor leagues and little leagues may each have different rules and customs, but each can be broken down into simple elements.
In baseball, a player knows there are normally nine innings to a game, the batter must get a hit to get on base, three strikes to an out, and so forth. This analogy applies also to family law, where you can effectively compete after informing yourself of things within the court system.
All games win with one team being favored over the other. In divorce and custody battles, you're best advised to assume the opposing party is heavily favored. To win, you must go into court with (1) a sound knowledge of your spouse's weaknesses, (2) a better game plan, and (3) superior execution of that plan.
Practice, Drill, Rehearse
The basic strategies and tactics below have been developed from the 30-plus years of courtroom experience that the lawyers from The Massachusetts Family Law Group bring to Western Massachusetts.
To set in motion the strategies that have worked for other men and women, you must practice, drill and rehearse in order to overcome potential obstacles that will come up during your court battle. Being prepared will also help you maintain your composure and gain self-confidence.
Strategies for Winning Custody
Get away from the custodial labels and focus on the needs of your children. Think less about who wins or loses the children, and put your attention toward showing the judge how you present the better case for day-to-day parenting. Children are not objects and don't deserve to be bargaining tools.
Strategy for Staying Focused
Several emotional factors will throw your thinking off and upset you; however it is essential to project a positive attitude. Whining and complaining make you appear unstable and not mature enough to raise your children.
Strong parents don't waste their time complaining about the inequalities of the probate and family court. Judges hear parents complain daily about unreported income, favoring mothers, treating fathers unfairly, ignoring the children's wishes, and overbooked motion sessions. Try not to waste time on arguments that will not help your case. Complaints make you appear ungrounded.
Strategy for When You're Stuck
When things are not going your way, you must turn into a problem solver – and you've got to do it quickly. Commit to a completely new way of thinking, analyzing and reasoning.
Begin changing your habits and routines in the courtroom. Not only will making changes force you to be more mentally alert, but when you consider new ideas and launch a new approach, it shows that you have a newfound level of maturity by seeing that your way may not always be the right way. You also demonstrate how you have the ability to adapt your behavior.
Not Getting Results From Your Current Attorney?
If your case is not going the way that you want, consider hiring The Massachusetts Family Law Group. We help our clients develop a winning game plan and properly execute that plan in order to win.
For a free, no-obligation consultation, call (800) 941-DIVORCE or contact us online.
To learn more, read our articles or review our FAQ section.
