Boston Divorce Attorneys
Practice Areas
It has been said that the second most difficult event in a person’s life is the dissolution of a marriage (surpassed only by the death of a child). The end of a marriage sometimes comes as a surprise, sometimes as anticipation for the creation of a new life, but always with concerns, questions and, to a large degree, a fear of the unknown – what may lie ahead in life after divorce.
When you are dealing with mixed emotions, upset kids and an uncooperative spouse, you don’t have time or energy to spend hours searching for the answers to your questions on your own. You can avoid this needless frustration by seeking the competent and zealous legal representation from Attorney Lucas M. and the Boston-area divorce lawyers and family law attorneys from The Massachusetts Family Law Group.
Known as the go-to team for medium-to-high net worth family law matters, the lawyers at MFLG have extensive experience handling a wide spectrum of family law matters including:
Contested Divorce:
Some clients come to us after being served with divorce papers. Others enlist our help when looking to file for divorce. We immediately identify a case strategy relating to the divorce case, which includes how to get started with the divorce, specific steps to take in the case while, at all times, keeping money matters and the best interest of the child as top priorities.
Sometimes the parties to a divorce are in complete agreement as to all the issues relating to the division of their marital estate and the parenting plan. These simple, uncontested divorces often require only one court appearance. In those cases when the parties cannot agree on exactly how to handle the separation issues, courts consider the case “contested.”
In this difficult time, with so many things to consider, it is essential that you choose a Massachusetts divorce attorney who can help you navigate the divorce process successfully.
The divorce lawyers and family law attorneys from the Massachusetts Family Law Group will always manage your divorce like a business. At our Norwood and Andover offices, we’ve represented individuals in the Middlesex (Cambridge), Norfolk (Canton), Suffolk (Boston), and Essex (Salem) Probate and Family Trial Courts.
When you need to discuss your divorce matter, or have other questions pertaining to family law, call (781) 461-9800 or contact us for a no-obligation consultation. Our Boston-area offices are in Norwood and Andover, and we’re also across the Commonwealth – in Plymouth and on Cape Cod.
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Uncontested Divorce:
An uncontested divorce is a divorce in which the parties agree on the major issues and only need help drafting all necessary documents, and an attorney to advise both of you of your rights. Once you both understand the terms of the proposed agreement, the attorney then submits the parties’ agreement to the court for approval.
For a no-obligation consultation regarding your uncontested divorce, call (781) 461-9800 or contact us for conferences in the Boston area (Norwood and Andover), Plymouth or on Cape Cod.
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Same-Sex Divorce:
Just as same-sex marriages became a reality, same-sex divorce is also now becoming a reality. Though divorce based on one parent’s orientation with a same-sex partner has become less of a “closet” issue, it still adds additional complications and considerations to an already difficult change. Same-sex couples wishing to dissolve their marriage would be prudent to discuss their options with our firm. Contact us for legal representation.
For a no-obligation consultation regarding your same-sex divorce matter, call (781) 461-9800 or contact us for conferences in the Boston area (Norwood and Andover), Plymouth or on Cape Cod.
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Paternity:
Whether you are married or unmarried to the mother, you have a right to request a DNA test to determine who the biological father is. You should request this test as soon as possible after a legal proceeding has begun. Moreover, if you are seeking parental rights and parenting time with a child you believe is yours, you can file a motion with the court and similarly request a paternity test and for orders relating to decision-making responsibility. Under Massachusetts laws, the mother is presumed to be the legal custodian until the father asserts his rights.
If you need to discuss your paternity matter, or have other questions pertaining to family law, call (781) 461-9800 or contact us for a no-obligation consultation. Our Boston-area offices are in Norwood and Andover, and we’re also across the Commonwealth – in Plymouth and on Cape Cod.
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Restraining Orders:
If your life has been shaken by domestic violence, it is important that you protect yourself and the ones you love by filing a restraining order against the perpetrator. Our attorneys are available to assist you if you are in fear of imminent danger.
On the other hand, if you have been slapped with a restraining order as part of a divorce proceeding, contact us if you need to restore your rights and reputation. There are several grounds for challenging a restraining order. Quite often, these orders are an overreaction to a domestic argument. The courts realize that spousal abuse, threats and other claims of domestic violence are often associated with the break-up of relationships and that estranged spouses, ex-spouses and feuding parents often file trumped-up restraining orders to gain leverage in custody-related cases.
If you’re involved in a high-conflict divorce which requires consultation relating to restraining orders or other domestic violence issues, contact The Massachusetts Family Law Group for a no-obligation consultation in their Norwood or Andover offices, or call (800) 910-DIVORCE for a meeting in Plymouth or on Cape Cod.
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Dept. of Social Services Defense:
If a report is made to the Department of Social Services (DSS) relating to some degree of Child abuse, a report will be filed under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 119, Section 51(a).
Thereafter, DSS has ten days to complete an investigation and determine whether the allegation is supported. If the case proceeds, DSS may refer the matter to the local district attorney for criminal prosecution, which could occur simultaneously with your divorce or custody action in the Probate and Family Court.
The Probate and Family Court is likely to appoint a guardian ad litem to investigate the allegation of abuse so that the court may make an informed decision when faced with deciding
custody-related issues.
Our Boston attorneys focus on defending our clients against allegations stemming from a Department of Social Services complaint. No matter where you live in the Boston area –
Suffolk or Middlesex counties, Essex or Norfolk, you may rest assured our firm possesses the knowledge and resources to provide you with the best representation as you seek for justice for that child. We will work with you to defend the Commonwealth’s children against the horrors of abuse and neglect.
For a no-obligation consultation regarding your DSS matter, call (781) 461-9800 or contact us for conferences in the Boston area (Norwood and Andover), Plymouth or on Cape Cod.
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Custody & Parenting Plans:
Child custody, visitation and parenting plans in Massachusetts are not a “one size fits all” matter at The Massachusetts Family Law Group. Our attorneys believe in creating a unique plan specifically tailored for each family’s needs. As sensitive listeners, Attorney Lucas M. and his team focus their practices on child-related matters.
While empathetic with their clients, they’re all feisty litigators. Child custody disputes arise when parents cannot agree on with whom the child is to live. When the parents cannot decide, the court will decide for them basing its decision on what is in the best interest and welfare of the child.
In determining how parental responsibilities are to be shared following a divorce, a couple must determine physical custody (where the child lives), legal custody (who makes the important decisions for the children) and what the parenting time and vacation schedule will be.
As fighters for the family, the attorneys at the MFLG regularly reject cases they consider outlandish, such as that of a mother who traveled 160 nights a year and insisted on filing for sole custody. See our blog at BostonChildCustodyAttorney.com.
For a no-obligation consultation regarding custody and parenting issues, call (800) 910-DIVORCE anywhere in Massachusetts, or contact us for conferences in the Boston area (Norwood and Andover), Plymouth or on Cape Cod.
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Child Support Issues:
Our attorneys’ experiences with child support issues relate to divorce cases, modification of previous support orders and collection of past-due support. Our focus ensure that our clients have the best advice available regarding whether support should be paid in child support or alimony, whether support should be changed based on a showing of changed circumstances, and what factors determine whether there is showing of one party’s need or another party’s ability to meet that need. Attorney Lucas M. puts the needs of the children first, and he focuses on negotiating win-win settlement agreements. As an example, Attorney (a divorced parent himself) encourages a 3 to 5 percent increase in support payments each year and suggests that parties in a financial deadlock take the difference and put it in an account for the benefit of the children.
For a no-obligation consultation regarding to child support issues, contact the Norwood or Andover offices of The Massachusetts Family Law Group today or call (781) 461-9800. For questions or conferences in our Plymouth or Cape Cod offices, contact us.
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Alimony & Spousal Support:
At The Law Offices of Lucas M. and The Massachusetts Family Law Group, our attorneys help clients determine how much alimony, if any, they are entitled to or obligated to pay. You can learn more about alimony and spousal support here. While there are no set formulas to determine alimony, we’ve earned the reputation for ensuring that our clients are paying or receiving a fair amount of support under the law.
For a no-obligation consultation regarding alimony, call (781) 461-9800 or contact us for conferences in the Boston area (Norwood and Andover), Plymouth or on Cape Cod.
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Income Attribution:
It is quite common for the income of one parent – particularly the primary wage earner – to plummet when divorce begins. It is also not uncommon for a party to lose a job or stop working the overtime that had been customarily performed. Since support awards are based on the income of both parties, our attorneys frequently motion the court to impute income to those who are not actually earning what they could if a good faith effort was being put forth. If the court finds that either party is, without just cause, voluntarily underemployed or unemployed, then the court will impute income to that person.
For a no-obligation consultation regarding either side of the income attribution argument, call (781) 461-9800 or contact us for conferences in the Boston area (Norwood and Andover), Plymouth or on Cape Cod.
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Separation Agreements:
In divorce actions, the parties’ property, assets and liabilities are divided between them. Applying Massachusetts’ equitable distribution standard, our attorneys are experienced in the complicated property division issues including tracing hidden assets, business valuation, stock options and other issues relating to tax ramifications associated with property division. Attorney Lucas M. ’s earlier career as Fortune 500 business consultant gave him the skills to both negotiate and litigate complex economic matters in equitable distribution and to comprehend and present the 21 statutory-mandated factors relating to M.G.L. Ch. 208, §34 which is what Massachusetts uses in dividing a marital estate. Attorney believes that, in most instances, it is in the economic interest of both parties to reach a pretrial settlement, but he is well prepared to litigate when this is not possible.
To discuss the drafting of your separation agreement, or to discuss the issues presented to you, contact us or call (781) 461-9800 for an appointment in our Norwood or Andover offices. Outside of the Boston area, call (800) 910-DIVORCE or contact us for a no-obligation consultation in our Plymouth or Cape Cod offices.
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Property Distribution:
Do I liquidate assets? Do I sell my home? What do I do with the money? At MFLG (The Massachusetts Family Law Group), Attorney Lucas M. has the answers to your property distribution questions and is sensitive to the fact that this is a fearful, emotionally difficult time for you.
Often times, our clients have little idea what their marriage is worth. They are kept financially in the dark as to the checking account, IRAs, and other financial mediums maintained during the marriage. We will discuss the collection of assets in our no- obligation consultation with you and ensure that you understand the issues and your options.
For a no-obligation consultation regarding property distribution, call (781) 461-9800 or contact us for conferences in the Boston area (Norwood and Andover), Plymouth or on Cape Cod.
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Business Valuation:
When a divorce case involves significant financial assets, such as a family-owned or small business, you need legal representation to help you formulate a comprehensive strategy. Like a jigsaw puzzle with interlocking pieces, our attorneys understand the issues that face the business owner faced with a marital dissolution.
Some of the assets that require valuation in these situations include real property, business appraisals, pension valuation, stock options, professional practices and licenses, and inherited assets.
The discovery tools that we use in family-owned business situations are just the beginning. When it comes time to establish the value of assets involved, you can trust your legal issues to the lawyers at The Law Offices of Lucas M. and The Massachusetts Family Law Group.
The Massachusetts Family Law Group is a statewide network of divorce law offices and family law attorneys dedicated to business issues relating to domestic relations matters.
Along with our offices in Norwood and Andover, each of our offices across Massachusetts offers no-obligation consultations starting at 5am during the week and all weekend long.
Call (800) 910-DIVORCE for an appointment in the Boston area or contact us for an appointment in Plymouth or on Cape Cod.
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Tax Issues:
Countless divorcing couples fail to recognize the tax implications of their divorce. Money and assets received may be subject to tax. Responsibility for a tax burden causes further problems in your divorce. While not tax experts, we partner up with high-level tax professionals who will prepare and advise you for any tax implications you may face.
If you need to discuss your tax-related divorce issue, or have other questions pertaining to family law, call (781) 461-9800 or contact us for a no-obligation consultation. Our Boston-area offices are in Norwood and Andover, and we’re also across the Commonwealth – in Plymouth or on Cape Cod.
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QDROs:
Retirement plans are uniquely drafted by each company. No two QDROs are the same nor are the corporate rules in dividing a QDRO the same from one company to another. In many divorces, the retirement plan will need to be divided or a percentage designated to the other spouse. At The Massachusetts Family Law Group, our lawyers have experience in assisting you in the production of, drafting of, and implementation of, a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) ensuring the proper division of your retirement benefits.
For a no-obligation consultation regarding QDROs, call (781) 461-9800 or contact us for conferences in the Boston area (Norwood and Andover), Plymouth or on Cape Cod.
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Prenuptial Agreements:
A premarital agreement is a written declaration of two people contemplating marriage. In Massachusetts, a prenup is effective upon marriage and provides for, among other things, the rights and responsibilities with respect to support and disposition of property at divorce, separation or death of the parties. Rather than being viewed as a relationship- killer, a prenup can and should work to define the parameters of your economic partnership before your marriage takes place. The same way you would discuss your future goals and dreams with a partner, prenuptial agreements can often represent the best way to ensure the needs of both parties in the event of a divorce.
Once you contact us, we’ll even give you advice on how to best approach the topic with your significant other since it’s wise to discuss this prior to your engagement.
Both parties should have legal counsel for the agreement and there needs to be a full disclosure of all assets by both parties. Subject to fraud or duress involved in its execution, the agreement will ordinarily be enforced. Especially in Massachusetts, it is a good idea to hire an attorney because of the “second look” doctrine which requires the agreement may not be unconscionable either at the time of its execution or at the time it is being sought to be enforced.
In a recent survey of matrimonial lawyers, an overwhelming 80 percent cited a recent increase in prenuptial agreements over the past five years. Most are sought by men and women between 40 and 60 years old.
Beyond the standard financial terms, other provisions relate to a family pet, adultery penalties, terms for frequency of intimacy, limitations on weight gain, and schedules for housekeeping.
The most common reasons that a prenup – or any provision within it – may be held to be invalid are: no written agreement (it must be in writing to be enforceable); one of the parties was pressured to sign the agreement; there were invalid provisions (such as modifying court-ordered child support payments); or incomplete information. You can be assured that our lawyers will draft your prenuptial agreement to protect your division of property and create guidelines for spousal support and other things in the event of divorce.
To discuss the drafting of your prenuptial agreement, call (781) 461-9800 for an appointment in Norwood or Andover, or contact us for a no-obligation consultation in Plymouth or on Cape Cod.
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Forensic Investigations:
Many of MFLG’s divorce or family law cases require technical or specialized knowledge that is often not directly related to the law itself, but nevertheless critical for purposes of advising clients and presenting evidence. Forensic experts, for the purpose of computer and financial investigations is a good example of how we provide modern technology in working on background checks relating to your family court case.
Case in point: forensic accountants are often needed to determine financial issues when a couple divorces. These commonly include:
- Determining income available for alimony and child support
- Computing reasonable needs or living expenses
- Assist in the preparation of the Statement of Net Worth
- Valuation of business interests
- Enhanced earnings capacity calculations of degrees and licenses
If you need to discuss the need for a forensic investigation, or have other questions pertaining to family law, call (781) 461-9800 or contact us for a no-obligation consultation. Our Boston-area offices are in Norwood and Andover, and we’re also across the Commonwealth – in Plymouth or on Cape Cod.
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Father’s Rights:
At both our Norwood and Andover offices of The Massachusetts Family Law Group, Attorney Lucas M. and the staff attorneys provide effective legal counsel for fathers who want to maintain strong relationships with their children after divorce.
In a just-released survey of top matrimonial lawyers, an overwhelming 61 percent report seeing a growing shift towards joint legal custody. As both parents increasingly share day-to-day responsibilities of child rearing, the court is helping to remedy the growing demand and need for both parents to share in this crucial role. Furthermore, the survey also revealed that more fathers are increasingly being granted sole custody of their children over the past five years, while no respondent to the survey reported a noticeable increase for mothers.
One of the most overt forms of discrimination still condoned in America is that of the divorcing father. Restraining orders and Motions to Vacate are issued without testimony…at times, custody is even awarded without testimony, and false child abuse allegations against fathers are rampant.
Whenever possible, we encourage fathers to seek shared custodial arrangements and negotiate a parenting plan with their former spouse which is in the best interest of the minor children. It is widely accepted among family development professionals that shared custody arrangements benefit the children of divorced parents. We refer fathers to informational sources that shed light on their legal rights and the continuing developmental needs of their children.
For a no-obligation consultation regarding father’s rights, call (781) 461-9800 or contact us for conferences in the Boston area (Norwood and Andover), Plymouth or on Cape Cod.
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Grandparent Rights:
As a grandparent, you have a legal right to request custody or visitation with your grandchild, assuming that you meet certain requirements. The area of law surrounding grandparent rights is a gray area at times, and we can assist you in developing your case strategy.
When you need to discuss your rights as a grandparent, or have other questions pertaining to family law, call The Massachusetts Family Law Group in our Boston-area offices at (781) 461-9800 or contact us for a no-obligation consultation.
We’re also available for no-obligation consultations across the Commonwealth – in Plymouth or on Cape Cod. Contact Us
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Guardianship:
A situation may arise where it’s necessary for you to make decisions on behalf of your child or another close family member because they are unable to do so either because of a physical disability or mental disability. When it becomes necessary to go to court to request that the judge appoint you as a guardian, we can help you through this emotional, but necessary process.
The Massachusetts Family Law Group is a statewide network of family law attorneys dedicated to issues revolving around guardianship.
Along with our offices in Norwood and Andover, each of our offices across Massachusetts offers no-obligation consultations starting at 5am during the week and all weekend long.
Call (800) 910-DIVORCE for an appointment in the Boston area or contact us for an appointment in Plymouth or on Cape Cod.
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Parental Relocation:
The desire of parents – both custodial and non-custodial – to move far away with children presents complex issues and, most often, judicial intervention. Our staff attorneys advise parents to put the best interest of their children first, and we’ll normally prepare ourselves for some sort of custodial investigation or guardian ad litem involvement.
For a no-obligation consultation relating to your relocation matter, call (781) 461-9800 for an early morning or weekend appointment in the Boston area (Norwood and Andover), or contact us for an appointment in Plymouth or on Cape Cod.
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Custody Disputes:
Our Boston-area divorce lawyers and family law attorneys assist clients with issues of parental kidnapping, obtaining emergency jurisdiction in Massachusetts when necessary. We litigate issues of jurisdiction in situations where two states may have concurring jurisdiction over a custody proceeding. We guide clients on whether they are able to obtain an initial custody or support order when the parent and child are in another state as well as whether modification of a foreign judgment is possible.
For a no-obligation consultation regarding custody disputes, call (781) 461-9800 or contact us for conferences in the Boston area (Norwood and Andover), Plymouth or on Cape Cod.
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Gay & Lesbian Custody:
Our Boston-based divorce lawyers have both the skill and experience needed to successfully guide gay or lesbian clients through the contentious process of custodial investigations and the guardian ad litem process. Whether it be explaining divorce to children, helping children handle divorce and school or dealing with an angry child, we can help get you through the system.
If you need to discuss gay and lesbian custody issues, call (781) 461-9800 or contact us for a no-obligation consultation. Our Boston-area offices are in Norwood and Andover, and we’re also across the Commonwealth – in Plymouth or on Cape Cod.
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Post-Divorce Modification:
It’s not unusual for ex-spouses to want to change a prior court order or judgment relating to issues of support or custody. A party seeking to modify the order must show a substantial change of circumstances. These circumstances may include dramatic changes in income, relocation to another state, or problems relating to the proper care of the minor children. The attorneys at The Massachusetts Family Law Group will ensure that, to the extent possible, our clients’ goals are achieved in light of the new circumstances, while preserving those rights provided for in prior orders.
When you call us, we will help you analyze the costs and benefits of seeking a modification. Our attorneys appreciate the economic and emotional value of reaching a negotiated settlement when it is appropriate. However, we are prepared to use our trial experience to pursue your case in court when there are not reasonable possibilities of settlement. To learn more about modification actions, go here.
For a consultation regarding the possibility of filing or opposing a Complaint for Modification, contact us or call (781) 461-9800.
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Contempt Matters:
If your former spouse is not doing what the court ordered, you can go back to court to enforce the court order. The most common reasons to go back to court are if a spouse is restricting your visitation or refusing to comply with property orders or loan payments.
If you have a spouse not paying support or failing to comply with other court orders, contact us or call (781) 461-9800 for an appointment in Norwood or Andover. Even outside the Boston area, we offer convenient locations to serve you in Plymouth or on Cape Cod. For a no-obligation consultation, call (800) 910-DIVORCE or contact us.
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Post-Divorce Collection:
Our founder, Attorney Lucas M. knows that many parents do not receive the support ordered by the court at the time of their divorce, paternity, or modification action. The financial ramifications of a divorce – be it raising a child or making ends meet – is an expensive undertaking, and both Attorney and his the attorneys of The Massachusetts Family Law Group believe that you should receive court-ordered support both on time and in court-ordered amounts.
All over Massachusetts, we represent parents who are not being properly paid by filing a Complaint for Contempt in which all past-due support, interest and attorneys’ fees are sought. If you believe that you have not been paid the full amount of support due to you or you believe you are entitled to more support than is currently ordered, contact us for a no-obligation consultation.
Attorney Lucas M. and the divorce and family law attorneys from The Massachusetts Family Law Group pride themselves on their aggressive collection results for clients.
For more information, call (800) 910-DIVORCE or to schedule a no-obligation consultation in Norwood, Andover, Plymouth or on Cape Cod offices, please contact us.
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Department of Revenue Representation:
The Department of Revenue is a powerful governmental agency that uses the resources of local and out-of-state governments to establish court orders for child support, collect court-ordered
support and locate absent parents.
If you’re involved in a DOR case without a competent and aggressive attorney, it can be disastrous. The case worker assigned to your case will attempt to enforce child support payments against a parent – even if that parent lives outside the Commonwealth.
If you live in another state, we can appear on your behalf before the Probate & Family Court without you having to travel to Massachusetts. Our firm has helped many clients in this position throughout the United States. Call or contact us today. We can help.
The lawyers at The Massachusetts Family Law Group have extensive experience in defending parents against the child support enforcement actions instituted by the DOR.
For a no-obligation consultation regarding DOR defense, call
(781) 461-9800 or contact us for conferences in the Boston area (Norwood and Andover), Plymouth or on Cape Cod.
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Mediation:
Our family lawyers believe in offering clients honest and practical advice. Some clients know their marriages are over and want to resolve related issues as peacefully as possible.
In these instances, we will utilize negotiation or mediation resources to meet our clients’ goals.
For a no-obligation consultation to resolve your family law issues in an atmosphere that is cordial and tailored to your needs, call (781) 461-9800 for an appointment to discuss your matter in our Norwood or Andover offices. Outside of the Boston area, we also offer 5 a.m. and weekend appointments in our Plymouth or on Cape Cod offices. Contact Us.
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The information on this Boston Divorce Lawyer / Massachusetts Family Law Firm website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this or associated pages, documents, comments, answers, emails, or other communications should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information on this website is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing of this information does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.