Bridgewater Divorce Lawyer

Getting divorced can be the most stressful and difficult time in a person's life. Often times, highly sensitive issues can cause fights and miscommunication. This is why it is important to retain trustworthy legal counsel. 

You will need a divorce attorney with experience and a respected track record of successful cases. The divorce lawyer at Andrew H.P. Norton A Professional Advocate has the experience and dedication necessary for such a time.

You don't have to go through your divorce alone. Please, contact the experienced divorce attorney at Andrew H.P. Norton A Professional Advocate in Plymouth County, MA today

Types of Divorce in Massachusetts

There are two types of divorce in Massachusetts: Contested and Uncontested. The type you file in your divorce will depend on whether you and your spouse can come to an agreement regarding the major issues in your divorce. 

Under Massachusetts law, specifically M.G.L. 208, Section 1A and 1B, parties may obtain a divorce through the filing of either an Uncontested, Joint Petition (1A Petition) or Contested (1B Petition). In order to proceed under a Joint Petition or Uncontested 1A Petition, the parties must essentially be in complete agreement as to the resolution of all issues attendant to their specific divorce.

What is Involved in a Divorce?

Issues in divorce actions typically involve: 

• Child custody 
• Child support 
• Visitation 
• Alimony 
• Division of debt 
• Division of both real and personal property 
• Who will carry the health insurance and payment of uninsured medicals 
• Who can claim the children or children for tax deduction purposes

If the parties are unable to resolve these issues and require the court’s assistance then the parties will normally proceed under a 1BContested Petition. As you might expect uncontested divorces tend to be much less expensive and time-consuming than contested actions.

How to File for Divorce in MA

Firstly, you must meet the residency requirements for divorce in Massachusetts. In order to file for divorce in Massachusetts, one of the parties must have been a resident of the state for at least one year before filing the Complaint for Divorce. This means that one of the spouses must have resided in Massachusetts continuously and uninterruptedly for 12 months prior to filing.

The divorce process in Massachusetts follows these steps:

1. Determine residency requirements and eligibility to file for divorce;
2. File a Complaint for Divorce with the court;
3. Have summons served to your spouse so they can respond to the complaint;
4. Engage in mediation or settlement negotiations between parties outside of court;
5. If necessary, go before a judge in family court and present evidence during a trial; and
6. Receive judgment from the judge which will determine division of assets and child custody arrangements (if applicable).

When going through this process, it's important to have an experienced Bridgewater divorce lawyer on your side. 

Call Plymouth County Divorce Attorney Andrew H. P. Norton Today

Attorney Andrew H. P. Norton has the skill and the experience needed to handle both types of divorce proceedings. Attorney Norton will advise you of your available options and the best course of action with which to proceed.

Filing for divorce in Bridgewater, MA? Contact Andrew H.P. Norton A Professional Advocate for trustworthy legal representation today.