Divorce is never easy, but it doesn’t have to be a drawn-out, stressful experience. Working with an experienced Leicester divorce lawyer can make the process less daunting and give you time to focus on the future ahead.
A lawyer will handle the divorce proceedings and help ensure that you get your fair share in the divorce.
Preparing for Divorce
No one goes into a marriage planning to get divorced, but unfortunately, 50% of marriages do end this way. If you and your spouse have made the decision to divorce or are facing divorce proceedings, here’s how you can prepare for the road ahead:
- First, do your research to understand how the divorce process works.
- Second, gather and organize your financial documents.
- Don’t panic and reach out to friends and family for support.
- Find an experienced lawyer.
Do I Need a Divorce Lawyer?
While you are not required to have a divorce lawyer, it is in your best interest to hire one. Divorces are complex and emotional. If you and your spouse can’t agree on most issues, the process will be even more stressful and emotional.
A divorce attorney can help fan the flames. When both parties have their own legal representation, emotions can be checked at the door (to some extent), and both parties can work to come to an agreement that everyone feels is fair.
In an uncontested divorce, an attorney specializing in divorce mediation can help you and your spouse reach an agreement and end your marriage in an amicable way.
If you and your spouse can’t come to an agreement on anything, the court may have to make decisions about dividing your assets and child custody arrangements for you. If your divorce goes to trial, you want an experienced lawyer on your side.
The Divorce Requirements in Massachusetts
Massachusetts allows for both fault divorces and no-fault divorces. In a fault divorce, the spouse asking for divorce will need to establish the grounds for the divorce. There are several possible options, but the most common include adultery, desertion, and cruel or abusive treatment.
No-fault divorces however are a lot more common. In this case, a spouse simply needs to state that the marriage is irretrievably broken. This can result in either a contested or uncontested divorce depending on the other spouse’s beliefs.
Massachusetts does not have a separation requirement prior to divorce, but they do have a residency requirement, meaning that you must have lived in MA for one year in order to file for divorce.
Once you have determined the type of divorce you will be pursuing, your lawyer will walk you through each step of the divorce so that you know what to expect and information you need to prepare.
What Are the Benefits of Mediation with a Leicester Divorce Lawyer?
Mediation can help make divorce proceedings go smoothly and faster. A few of the key benefits our clients find in mediation services are:
- You can avoid going to court
- The process of mediation is often cheaper
- Both parties have a third party to help mediate key issues
- Divorce moves along much faster with mediation
If both spouses can agree to the terms of the divorce with or without the help of a mediator, it’s better for everyone involved.
Finding the Best Leicester Divorce Lawyer for You
Divorce is a trying time in anyone’s life. Working with a divorce attorney requires you to divulge a lot of information about your life, marriage, relationship, assets, and debts. You need to find a lawyer that’s best suited for you.
A few ways to find the best lawyer in Leicester are:
- Read through online reviews
- Ask for referrals from clients
- Sit down with multiple lawyers to find the right one
- Determine whether the lawyer offers mediation if that’s an option
If you walk into a lawyer’s office and you don’t feel comfortable with the lawyer, don’t retain their services. You should be confident in your lawyer’s ability to handle your divorce and feel comfortable working with them.
Contact us for more information on how we can help with your Leicester divorce.
