DIVORCE HOMEWORK
To save you time and money, we’ve streamlined the process of your uncontested divorce. In order to help you help us, please follow this procedure:
- Take about 20 minutes to fill-out the relevant portion of our Divorce Questionnaire. Depending on your answers, we may ask for more details. You’ll answer specific questions about yourself, your spouse, your marriage, and possibly even your children or property and debts.
- Review the list of necessary documents and information before your first consultation with either an attorney or one of the paralegals from our offices. Please note, of great importance is the fact that you’ll need a certified copy of your marriage certificate. Copies are not accepted. Church certificates are not accepted. It must be a certified copy of a state-issued marriage certificate.
- Unless otherwise ordered by the court, each party to a divorce action in Massachusetts must file with the court and deliver to the other party a complete and accurate financial statement showing the assets, liabilities and current income and expenses of the parties. Depending upon the annual income of the parties, either the “Short Form” or “Long Form” Financial Statement must be used.
If you earn less than $75,000 per year, you’ll need to file the Short Form. If you earn $75,000 or more per year, you’ll need to file the Long Form.
- If you have children, what are your wishes regarding custody and parenting or child support? How will you a regular parenting schedule, holidays and vacations? Our Parenting Plan Questionnaire outlines several issues to consider.
- If you have children, sign-up for your court-approved parenting class. Attendance at an approved program is mandatory for parties to a divorce action unless waived by the court. Both parties to the complaint must register with an approved provider in order for the court to proceed with the case. Find the list of approved classes here. You will need your original gold certificate as proof of your attendance.
To get started with your uncontested divorce, go here.
No matter where you live in Massachusetts, we have offices to serve you.
Call (800) 910-DIVORCE, or contact us online.