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 Irwin M. Pollack 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 Dedham 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 Dedham and Andover, and we’re also across the Commonwealth – in Worcester, Springfield, Plymouth and on Cape Cod.
Back to Top
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 (Dedham and Andover), Worcester, Springfield, Plymouth or on Cape Cod.
Back to Top
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 (Dedham and Andover), Worcester, Springfield, Plymouth or on Cape Cod.
Back to Top
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 Dedham
and Andover, and we’re also across the Commonwealth – in
Worcester, Springfield, Plymouth and on Cape Cod.
Back to Top
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 Dedham or Andover offices, or call (800) 910-DIVORCE for a
meeting in Worcester, Springfield, Plymouth or on Cape Cod.
Back to Top
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
(Dedham and Andover), Worcester, Springfield, Plymouth or on Cape
Cod.
Back to Top
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 Irwin M. Pollack 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 (Dedham and Andover), Worcester, Springfield, Plymouth or on Cape Cod.
Back to Top
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 Irwin M. Pollack puts the needs of
the children first, and he focuses on negotiating win-win settlement agreements. As an
example, Attorney Pollack (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 Dedham or Andover offices of The Massachusetts Family
Law Group today or call (781) 461-9800. For questions or conferences
in our Worcester, Springfield, Plymouth or Cape Cod offices,
contact us.
Back to Top
Alimony & Spousal Support:
At The Law Offices of Irwin M. Pollack 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
(Dedham and Andover), Worcester, Springfield, Plymouth or on Cape Cod.
Back to Top
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 (Dedham and Andover), Worcester, Springfield, Plymouth or on Cape Cod.
Back to Top
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 Irwin M. Pollack’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 Pollack 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 Dedham or Andover offices. Outside of the Boston
area, call (800) 910-DIVORCE or contact us for a no-obligation consultation
in our Worcester, Springfield, Plymouth or Cape Cod offices.
Back to Top
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 Irwin M. Pollack 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
(Dedham and Andover), Worcester, Springfield, Plymouth or on
Cape Cod.
Back to Top
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 Irwin M. Pollack 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 Dedham 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 Worcester, Springfield, Plymouth or on
Cape Cod.
Back to Top
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 Dedham
and Andover, and we’re also across the Commonwealth – in Worcester, Springfield, Plymouth or on Cape Cod.
Back to Top
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 (Dedham and Andover),
Worcester, Springfield, Plymouth or on Cape Cod.
Back to Top
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 Dedham or Andover, or contact us for a no-obligation consultation in Worcester, Springfield, Plymouth or on Cape Cod.
Back to Top
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 Dedham and Andover, and we’re also across the
Commonwealth – in Worcester, Springfield, Plymouth or on Cape Cod.
Back to Top
Father’s Rights:
At both our Dedham and Andover offices of The Massachusetts Family Law Group, Attorney Irwin M. Pollack 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
(Dedham and Andover), Worcester, Springfield, Plymouth or on Cape Cod.
Back to Top
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 Worcester, Springfield, Plymouth or on Cape Cod. Contact Us
Back to Top
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 Dedham 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 Worcester, Springfield, Plymouth or on Cape Cod.
Back to Top
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 (Dedham and Andover), or contact us for an
appointment in Worcester, Springfield, Plymouth or on Cape Cod.
Back to Top
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
(Dedham and Andover), Worcester, Springfield, Plymouth or on Cape Cod.
Back to Top
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 Dedham and Andover, and we’re
also across the Commonwealth – in Worcester, Springfield, Plymouth or on Cape Cod.
Back to Top
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.
Back to Top
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
Dedham or Andover. Even outside the Boston area, we offer convenient
locations to serve you in Worcester, Springfield, Plymouth or on Cape Cod.
For a no-obligation consultation, call (800) 910-DIVORCE or contact
us.
Back to Top
Post-Divorce Collection:
Our founder, Attorney Irwin M. Pollack 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 Pollack 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 Irwin M. Pollack 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 Dedham, Andover, Worcester, Springfield, Plymouth or on Cape Cod offices, please contact us.
Back to Top
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
(Dedham and Andover), Worcester, Springfield, Plymouth or on Cape Cod.
Back to Top
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 Dedham
or Andover offices. Outside of the Boston area, we also offer 5 a.m.
and weekend appointments in our Worcester, Springfield, Plymouth or on Cape Cod offices. Contact Us.
Back to Top
|
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.