Did you know filing first for divorce can bring you many advantages over your about-to-be-ex in the case? Although filing first does not gain you specific legal advantages, yet, there are intangible benefits that can make the different in the lawsuit.
Force a Response
One of the many advantages of filing first is when you can force the other person to respond to a divorce when you expect them to not participate in the divorce. Your other half might still believe they can save the relationship if they don’t don’t show up and that’s not true. By filing for divorce first, the other party must respond within 30 days and if they don’t respond, the person who filed will proceed by default and be able to receive what they requested in the divorce petition.
Find an Attorney
Filing after your spouse can place you at a disadvantage in finding an attorney because if your spouse has filed first and has made contact or inquire about legal advice from many local divorce attorneys, your choices are limited. It is because once an attorney-client relationship has been established, the attorney would not be able to help you due to a conflict of interest. The relationship is established if the lawyer and client are met in person or had a conversation via a phone call.
Location
If you and your loved one has already separated and are living in different states, filing first allows you to pick the venue. This could be very common in New England as you could be living in Massachusetts but your spouse has moved to New Hampshire or Rhode Island. The venue is difficult to change unless there is a strong reason why it needs to be changed. As a result, filing first can save you a lot of time if you can choose the location for your divorce proceedings.
Contact An Experienced & Trustworthy Divorce Attorney in the South Shore Today!
If you need an experienced and trustworthy divorce attorney today in South Shore, contact Attorney Andrew H.P. Norton immediately. Attorney Norton has over 27 years of experience helping families through a divorce in Bridgewater, Brockton, Plymouth, Taunton, and other areas in the South Shore. Call us today for a FREE consultation and let us help you begin your new life.