Uncontested Divorce Lawyers in Quincy, MA
Representation Throughout the Greater Boston Metro Area
Uncontested divorce, often referred to as "1A" divorce, is a type of Massachusetts divorce where both parties agree on all aspects of the divorce, including property division, child custody, and child and spousal support.
One significant advantage of an uncontested divorce is that it is usually quicker, less expensive, and less stressful than a contested divorce, which may require litigation.
A contested divorce, or "1B" divorce, is where the parties cannot agree on one or more aspects of the divorce. This disagreement triggers a series of legal proceedings, including discovery, pre-trial motions, settlement discussions, and potentially a trial, leading to a more prolonged and often more expensive process.
Despite the relative simplicity of an uncontested divorce, having an attorney is still highly beneficial. At Davis Law Group, we can ensure that the agreements made in your divorce are fair and legally sound, protecting your rights and interests.
Our divorce attorneys can simplify the legal jargon, guide you through the procedure, and ensure all documentation is correctly completed and filed. Errors or omissions in the paperwork can lead to delays, additional costs, or legal complications down the line – all of which we can help you avoid.
Reserve your consultation with a Quincy uncontested divorce attorney by getting in touch with us on our contact form or at (617) 752-6216.
How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take
The timeline for an uncontested divorce varies based on several factors, but it is generally faster than a contested divorce. In Massachusetts, an uncontested divorce typically takes around three to six months from start to finish, depending on the specific circumstances and the court’s availability. After filing the initial paperwork, Massachusetts law enforces a mandatory waiting period of at least 30 days following the hearing for a "no-fault" divorce. This allows the court time to ensure that both parties agree to the terms and have had an opportunity to consider the divorce carefully.
Once the petition is filed and all necessary documentation is submitted, both spouses will need to attend a hearing. At this hearing, the judge will review the agreement and ensure it is fair and compliant with Massachusetts divorce laws. If the agreement is approved, the divorce will enter the final phase. In some cases, delays may occur due to incomplete paperwork, disagreements that arise unexpectedly, or scheduling issues at the court.
Although uncontested divorces are generally simpler, working with a Quincy uncontested divorce attorney can help streamline the process. A lawyer can ensure that the documents are complete and correct, reducing the risk of delays. Additionally, legal guidance helps ensure that the terms of the divorce are fair and enforceable, making the finalization process smoother and faster for both parties.
Requirements for an Uncontested 1A Divorce in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, a 1A uncontested divorce has specific requirements that couples must meet to proceed. First, both parties must agree that the marriage has irretrievably broken down, and the chance of reconciliation is non-existent. This mutual agreement, called the no-fault option, is the cornerstone of an uncontested divorce.
Second, the couple must reach a consensus on all aspects of the divorce. This includes the division of marital property, child custody, child support, and alimony. In most cases, the couple will document these agreements in a written Separation Agreement, which is then presented to the court.
If you and your spouse disagree about any issues, you can choose divorce mediation to help you come to reasonable terms. The agreements can then be written up for approval by the court.
Third, either spouse must have lived in the state for at least one year before filing for divorce if the cause for the divorce occurred in another state. Alternatively, if the grounds for divorce occurred in Massachusetts, one spouse must be a resident of the state to file.
Last, the couple must jointly file an Affidavit of Irretrievable Breakdown of the Marriage with the court. This document verifies that the marriage is irreparably broken, and the couple is seeking an uncontested divorce. Various other forms must be completed and included in your divorce paperwork. These include the Joint Petition for Divorce, financial statements, and forms regarding child custody and child support.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
At Davis Law Group, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
-
"If you're unsure who to use, you found them."Excellent client support. Very helpful, generous, and knowledgeable. He took the time to listen to my concerns and offer his expert advice. If you're unsure who to use, you found them.- Deb
-
"They will do everything within their power to get you the results you deserve."Highly recommend to anyone in need of legal help. Jay, Annie and the team are super friendly and helpful. I can personally guarantee, from experience, they will bend over backwards and do everything within their power to get you the results you deserve.- Jamie
-
"Jay and his coworkers were extremely helpful and fought for us."Jay and his coworkers were extremely helpful and fought for us as clients. We are so happy with his practice and will most definitely be calling him again if need be!- Paige
-
"I would hands down recommend contacting him."Jay was outstanding in his service and professionalism. He is a saint in my book.
He worked with me after hours and had no hesitation to put in the extra effort to review my documentation and my case in detail without charge. I would hands down recommend contacting him for legal matters.- Kelly -
"Jay and the firm have cared about my specific needs as a client."I have used the services of Davis Law Group a number of times during the past 20 years and found them to be an extremely professional and caring law firm. Specifically I have used them for real estate transactions and for estate planning, wills, and healthcare proxies, with Jay Davis and Maryanne McGonagle as my primary attorneys. Whereas some law firms use boiler plates and treat clients as transactions, Jay and the firm have cared about my specific needs as a client and customized to those needs. I highly recommend this firm.- Rob
-
"I will definitely be using them again!"I had an all around great experience working with Ryan Medeiros and Davis Law Group. Highly recommend! Ryan was knowledgeable and accessible, and knew what it would take to get the job done. I will definitely be using them again!- Mark
-
"They have always done right by us."Three generations of my family have trusted Davis Law Group with our legal needs and they have always done right by us. Since April I have been working non-stop with Mary Anne McGonagle and Jay Davis to navigate and probate an excruciatingly-complicated estate. Both Mary Anne and Jay have gone out of their way numerous times on my behalf and have vigorously protected my interests in the face of some fairly significant headwinds. I could not be more thankful for, and appreciative of, their attention and the care they have demonstrated for my family.- Bryan
-
"What she did was truly above and beyond my expectation."I benefited a lot from a recent consultation with Mary Anne. She is very knowledgeable in the area of landlord-tenant law, but what expressed me the most is her ethics. Although it was a free consultation, she still took it very seriously and spent the time to read my files prior to the call. During the session, she made complex legal issues easy to understand, analyzed my case and offer very good advice. She also worked very hard and communicated with me even after her normal work hours. What she did was truly above and beyond my expectation.- Anonymous
Why Choose Davis Law Group?
-
Dedicated & Compassionate Legal HelpWith our firm, you get quality legal assistance on every step of your case.
-
We Fight For Our ClientsAt Davis Law Group, you can expect your legal team to have your back at every step of the way.
-
Decades of ExperienceOur law firm has been assisting clients in Massachusetts since 1994.
-
Offering Virtual ConsultationsWith virtual consultations, it's easier than ever to get started.