Contested Vs. Uncontested Divorces In Massachusetts
If you and your spouse are pursuing a divorce together, hopefully, you will be able to come to an amicable agreement. If one of you has served the other one divorce papers, things can be a bit more emotional, especially if the person served didn’t see it coming.
It is important to try to remain calm and rational right now and to consult with an attorney to make sure your rights are protected.
I am attorney Claudette-Jean Girard, and I guide people through both uncontested and contested divorces in Springfield, Massachusetts. I know what you are experiencing because I have personally been there. Contact me for a free 30-minute consultation.
Springfield Uncontested Divorce Lawyer (Joint Petition)
When a client retains me for a divorce and wants to attempt a joint petition, I start by reaching out to the other spouse to request a meeting, encourage open communication and begin exchanging financial information and other important facts. I then draft all necessary documents and review all potential items that may be included in the divorce settlement, such as custody of your children, child support and division of your assets, properties, pensions and more.
If the two spouses can agree on all matters, the divorce is considered uncontested and we file a joint petition. While I cannot represent both parties, often I am the only attorney involved when both parties are seeking an efficient divorce.
It is important to know that once the financial discovery, settlement negotiations and property division is complete and becomes a judgment, it cannot be revisited. However, if a material and substantial change in circumstances call for a change to custody, child support and other child-related matters, one may pursue a modification of those aspects of the divorce agreement.
Contested Divorce
If you and your spouse cannot agree on the terms of your divorce, it is considered a contested divorce. Whether you have been separated for a long time or one spouse has pursued a relationship outside of the marriage, when emotions run high, my goal is to pursue a low-conflict resolution. It is important to hire an attorney to protect your rights from the very beginning, if, your divorce is contested. With significant experience in high-conflict custody cases and other contested divorces, I will be your advocate and ally as I fight for your best interests.
Put The Past Behind You
With help from a knowledgeable and compassionate attorney, you can make it through this difficult time and eventually put the past behind you. For a free 30-minute consultation with a lawyer who has personally been in your shoes, call 877-622-6089 or contact me online.