Posted by Michael Franklin
Deciding to end a marriage is a difficult and stressful decision. But, the decision is only the first step in ending a marriage. Once you have decided that divorce is best for you and your spouse, the next step is finding an attorney. A law firm well-versed in Massachusetts law pertaining to divorce can help make the dissolution of your marriage as painless and smooth as possible.
When you begin looking for representation, it is important that you understand exactly what your needs are to choose an attorney best-suited for your situation. Below are a few basic things you should look for in a divorce attorney.
- Licensed and experienced in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
- Client reviews verifying a positive track record and good outcomes
- Good standing with the Board of Bar Overseers
- Someone you’re comfortable with, listens and communicates well with you
In your selection process, there are a few additional things you should consider. In Massachusetts, divorces can be either ‘fault’ or ‘no-fault.’ Within each category, a divorce can either be contested or uncontested. The majority of divorces in Massachusetts are no-fault divorces. This means that both you and your spouse are in agreement that the marriage is broken and cannot be repaired. If both parties have worked out a variety of sub-issues such as custody, spousal support and division of property amicably, the divorce is also uncontested. This state of agreement typically still requires legal representation, but no formal court proceedings.
Regardless of which type of divorce you are seeking, the right legal representation is critical to ensuring that your rights are protected and your interests properly protected.
If you are considering divorce, contact our office to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you.