Family Law Overview

Massachusetts Family Law Attorney and Divorce Lawyer

At the law office of Diane W. Spears in Boston, Massachusetts, I represent my clients on various family law matters, including:

Divorce

A couple facing divorce is first and foremost concerned about their children, as well as how a divorce will affect their lifestyle and finances. As your divorce lawyer, my job will be to push for a cooperative way to resolve issues and protect the children from arguments and hostility.

Alimony

At the law office of Diane W. Spears, I help my clients determine how much alimony, if any, they are entitled to or obligated to pay. There are no set formulas to determine spousal support, but I will work to ensure that you are paying or receiving a fair amount of spousal support under the law.

Division of Marital Assets - Pension, Retirement Assets, 401Ks, and Other Property

Massachusetts is an equitable division state. Martial assets are broadly defined and include anything and everything from pensions to household goods. I will work hard to help you identify any hidden assets and ensure an equitable distribution of marital assets between you and your spouse.

Child Custody & Parental Access

Joint parenting is challenging following a divorce. Parenting education courses are mandated by the state to finalize a divorce. As your attorney, I will help you to work out custody and parental access arrangements that are in the best interests of your children.

Child Support

Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines govern the amount of child support payable in a given situation, and uses such factors as income, number of children, and medical insurance costs. I will help you understand the law regarding child support and calculate a fair amount of support for your children.

Prenuptial Agreements

Prenuptial agreements are not a harbinger of things to come, but you must be realistic and protect yourself if you have significant assets.

Mediation

Mediation is a widely used process in which parties to a dispute work together with an unbiased third party – a professional mediator - to resolve their conflict outside the court system. A confidential process, mediation takes place in a private setting, at times that are convenient to you.

Post-Divorce Issues

Following the finalization of a divorce, circumstances may change, necessitating the need to modify custody, alimony, or child support arrangements. Also, when a spouse is not paying their mandated amount of support and or fails to comply with a court order, action may be necessary to hold the spouse accountable.

Relocations

The desire of the custodial parent to move out of state with the children presents the most heart-wrenching custody determination of all. I am experienced in this area and can advise you of your rights should you desire to relocate.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with an experienced divorce lawyer, please contact me.