Trusted Divorce Representation

Divorcing spouses usually have one key issue that is most important to them. That issue could be child custody, parenting time (also known as visitation), child support, spousal support (also known as alimony), or division of property.

Collectively, our attorneys have been practicing divorce law in Watertown for more than 35 years. As your lawyers, we will explain the law, help you determine your needs and your goals, and strategize with you to achieve your goals.

In Massachusetts, divorce can be based on fault grounds such as cruel and abusive treatment or desertion. Most often however, people choose no-fault divorce. A no-fault divorce is based solely on the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.

The court must grant the final divorce. In Massachusetts, however, you can address the division of property, custody of your children, and financial support in one of four ways. A lawyer can:

• Go to court immediately to file a complaint for divorce:
  Filing a complaint begins the contested divorce process. It is necessary if financial and/or child custody issues need to be addressed immediately. It may also be necessary to obtain protection from abuse and/or to force a spouse out of the home.
• Represent you in negotiations with your spouse:
  This is an uncontested litigation model. In this approach, you and your spouse negotiate issues with lawyers outside of court and then present an agreed-upon settlement to the court. The uncontested model may use mediation to resolve any sticking points.
• Advise you through the mediation process:
  In a mediated divorce, you and your spouse use a neutral person to resolve your disputed issues. You may each have your own attorney assisting you outside of the mediation sessions.
• Represent you in the collaborative law process:
  Using the collaborative law approach, you, your spouse, a neutral coach and your respective lawyers resolve to settle the disputed issues together.

In a divorce, the issues to be determined by the court include child custody, visitation and parenting plans, child support, spousal support, division of property, payment of taxes and assignment of tax benefits, conveyance of real estate, division of retirement and pension plans, and medical insurance coverage.

With more than 35 years of experience, we will serve as your advocates and advisors. For assertive representation, reach out to the Watertown divorce lawyers of Linda Sternberg, Esquire.