Rockland Divorce Lawyer
A divorce can be a very emotionally—and potentially financially—draining time. That is why working with a compassionate and skilled divorce attorney in Rockland, MA, is important. The Gilbert Law Offices, P.C. team is ready to be your trusted advocate as you face one of the most stressful experiences of a person’s life. Contact our divorce lawyer today to ensure your voice is heard and your rights are respected as you go through the legal process.
The decisions you make throughout the divorce process, including child custody, property division, and financial support, will affect you for the rest of your life. That is why it is vital to work with a divorce attorney who can properly guide you through your choices and fight hard on your behalf if things don’t seem to be fair.
Frequently Asked Questions
In Massachusetts, there are three different types of divorces you can file for; they include a no-fault “1A divorce” or a joint petition, a no-fault “1B divorce” or an individual complaint, or an individual complaint which states that one of the spouses caused the divorce.
No matter what the situation, you or your spouse must be a state resident. If the grounds for divorce occurred outside of the state, you or your spouse must have been a Massachusetts resident for at least one year.
The spouse filing for divorce must file all paperwork in the probate and family court of the county where either spouse lives.
While a legal separation and a divorce are both formal ways to end a marriage, they have different legal statuses and practical implications. In the case of a legal separation, the court allows the couples to live apart but remain legally married throughout the time. This allows the spouses to negotiate terms of child custody, spousal support, and property division before heading to court.
On the other hand, a divorce dissolves the marriage entirely, thus legally ending the marital relationship. Divorce includes dividing assets and debts, deciding on alimony, and determining custody and visitation rights.
Finally, the last significant difference between the two is that a legal separation can be a temporary or permanent arrangement, while a divorce is only permanent.