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Divorce in Massachusetts – FAQs

Written by Joseph E. Cordell on .

Massachusetts divorce attorneys provide answers to frequently asked questions with regards to divorce laws and the divorce process in Massachusetts.

What are the grounds for divorce in Massachusetts?

The most common basis for a divorce is the marriage is irretrievably broken. Other grounds for divorce include adultery and habitual intoxication.

What is a divorce going to cost me in Massachusetts?

There is no way to predict the total cost of a divorce. The best way to control fees is to ensure you have a solid litigation plan. A solid plan is one based on clear communication between a client and their attorney.

Do I really need to hire a Massachusetts divorce attorney?

Yes. Domestic law is complex.

Never try to represent yourself. You will agree to things you might not otherwise have to agree to.

If you go to court unrepresented, you are charged with knowing all of the rules of civil procedure and acting in the same manner as an attorney would act in court.

Does Massachusetts grant divorces based on marital fault?

Yes. Fault-based divorces, however, are more complex and rarely lead to an outcome largely different than the outcome of a divorce filed on the basis of the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.

Can I get alimony or will I have to provide alimony to my spouse?

Alimony is determined on a case-by-case basis.

Typical factors in determining if and how much alimony will be paid include a substantial income disparity between the parties and whether one of the parties has been out of the work force for an extended period of time.

Can I change my name at the time of divorce?

The wife may have her maiden name restored when the divorce judgment is entered.

Can I get an annulment?

Annulments are rarely used. Generally, the most common basis for an annulment is fraud.

When can I file for divorce?

As long as the basis for the dissolution of your marriage occurred while you were living in Massachusetts, there is no time limit on how long you must live in Massachusetts prior to filing the divorce.

If the cause of the dissolution of the marriage occurred outside Massachusetts, there is a one-year residency requirement prior to filing a divorce action.

When is my case going to be over?

The length of time a case takes to reach conclusion is entirely dependent on the facts and circumstances in that case.

Uncontested cases (cases in which there are absolutely no disagreements as to any issues in the divorce) can be resolved quickly. Contested cases (such as those containing issues related to the division of assets or custody) can take much longer to resolve.

Additionally, each party’s respective approach toward litigation (cooperative, difficult, just out to make the other party mad, etc.) always influences the time a case takes to reach a final resolution.

Do I have to go to court?

You will likely have to make at least one appearance in court even if your case is uncontested so as to allow the court to approve the Separation Agreement. If the case is contested, yes, you will have to go to court.

Just because you have to go to the courthouse does not mean, however, that you have to engage in a contested hearing. Many cases are resolved between parties and then presented to the court as a Stipulation.

If attempts to serve my spouse do not work, what is my next step?

In order for a case to proceed, you must achieve service.  If the sheriff cannot serve your spouse, it is not uncommon for a private investigator to be hired to serve the spouse.

At what point during the process can a spouse remarry or start dating?

A person cannot remarry until after they are divorced. Do not start dating anyone until after the divorce is finalized.

What if my spouse does not want the divorce?

It does not matter. If one party wants to be divorced, the court will grant that party a divorce.

Do the other issues – support, custody, alimony, and property – have to be decided before the divorce is final?

Yes, all of these issues will be decided via either agreement between the parties or by the court at trial.

How long do I have to live in Massachusetts to obtain a divorce?

As long as the basis for the dissolution of your marriage occurred while you were living in Massachusetts, there is no time limit on how long you must live in Massachusetts prior to filing the divorce.

If the cause of the dissolution of the marriage occurred outside Massachusetts, there is a one-year residency requirement prior to filing a divorce action.

After I file for divorce, do I have to continue to live in Massachusetts?

No. By filing an action for divorce in Massachusetts, you are submitting yourself to the court’s jurisdiction. If is often difficult, however, to litigate a divorce from another state.

What if I am in the military and out of state?

There are federal laws that protect members of the military on active duty. It is best to consult an attorney to see which of those laws could be applicable in your case.

If you live outside the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and are served with a Complaint for Divorce, you need to hire an attorney.  He or she will need to verify whether the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court has jurisdiction to enter an order under which you would be legally bound.

What forms do I need to file a divorce?

You need to file a Complaint for Divorce. You need to provide the court a certified copy of your marriage certificate.

You will also need to file an Affidavit Disclosing Care and Custody if you have children.

How and where is a divorce complaint filed?

The complaint for divorce is filed with the Register of the Court.

How do I serve the divorce complaint on my spouse?

Your spouse may sign the Summons and “accept service” which prevents your spouse from being formally served.

Alternatively, your spouse may be served by a sheriff or a private investigator authorized by the court to serve a party.

How is a divorce granted?

If the case remains contested, the court will enter a judgment nisi, which will become a divorce absolute 90 days after the court enters the nisi. The parties remain married during the “nisi period.”

The parties are divorced when the divorce absolute is entered at the conclusion of the 90-day period.

What typically happens if I go to court to obtain my divorce myself?

You will be expected to be able to comply with all procedures outlined in the Massachusetts Rules of Civil Procedure and applicable Probate and Family Court Rules.

In short, do not go to court by yourself. Hire a Massachusetts divorce attorney.

How do I prove fault for divorce?

There is no need to demonstrate “fault” if you are proceeding on the basis that the marriage is irretrievably broken. You must simply affirm for the court that your marriage is irretrievably broken.

Proving other reasons for a divorce, such as adultery, involves a more complex and expensive divorce action.

At any time can a parent change a minor child’s last name without the other parent’s permission?

The court will use the “best interests of the child” standard in determining whether a name change should be allowed if requested by one parent and opposed by the parent.

Can a couple become legally married by living together as man and wife under the state’s laws (common law marriage)?

No. Massachusetts does not recognize common law marriages.

If a common law marital relationship was created in another state that recognizes common law marriages, Massachusetts will accord recognition to that marriage should the parties to the common law marriage seek a divorce in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines

Written by Joseph E. Cordell on .

In this article, a Massachusetts child support attorney explains the Massachusetts child support guidelines. If you are paying child support in Massachusetts, it is a good idea to get in touch with a Massachusetts child support lawyer to ensure that you understand what is expected of you and so that you do not get stuck paying more than you can afford. If you want to learn more about divorce issues in Massachusetts, check out our Massachusetts Resources Page.

What Is Child Support in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts child support is money that one parent pays to the other parent. It is meant to be used for basic needs such as shelter, food, clothing, and insured health expenses.

Massachusetts child support laws state that both parents have a financial duty to support their child. The person who the child primarily resides with and who takes primary care of the child is known as the custodial parent. The parent who lives outside the child’s primary home is known as the noncustodial parent.

In most cases, it is the noncustodial parent who must make child support payments in Massachusetts. Although both parents have a duty to support the child, it is implied that the person with whom the child mainly resides spends their portion of the support directly on the child as they provide the living expenses for the child.

The amount of child support a parent will have to pay in Massachusetts is based on a number of factors that make up the child support guidelines. Parents can always agree to pay more than the amount set out by the guidelines, but very rarely will they be able to pay less.

The judge may also make a ruling on the proper amount of child support if they feel like the number produced by the guideline is not in the best interests of the child or children.

Massachusetts Child Support Calculator

Every four years, the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court issues a new set of child support guidelines. These guidelines are used to calculate what a noncustodial parent should be paying in support. The changes to the guidelines are meant to reflect the changing economic climate, changes to the law and are meant to help clarify Massachusetts child support calculation.

When calculating support, the court will look at the gross income of the parties, the lifestyle the child is accustomed to, health insurance costs, and parties’ ability to pay.

The Massachusetts courts have implemented a formula that is used to determine the amount of support to be paid. Listed below are the major factors used by the Massachusetts child support calculator to determine a support amount:

  • Gross income of the parents;
  • Amount, if any, of support paid for a child from a previous relationship;
  • Child care costs;
  • Health insurance costs;
  • Age of the child or children;
  • Any other support obligations.

While the formula creates a guideline amount, it is within the judge’s discretion to change that amount if they feel it is in the best interests of the child.

Calculating Income for Child Support in Massachusetts

When calculating income of the parties, the court always uses the gross income of both parties. To calculate the accurate amount of support, the court will look at the weekly gross income of the parties.

In the case of parents who are self-employed, the court may impute more income than what they originally claim. The court will look at things such as under the table income, expense reimbursements, benefits received, and personal use of business property when determining the amount of income attributable to that parent.

The court may also attribute income to a parent if they find that the parent is either unemployed or underemployed and that they are not making all reasonable efforts to earn more than what they are reporting at that time. If the noncustodial parent is unemployed or does not make enough money to pay a child support order they are still under an obligation to pay. The noncustodial parent will still be ordered to pay the minimum support order which as of 2017 is $25 per week.

It is up to the court’s discretion whether it will include income received from a second job and overtime when an initial child support order is issued. The court will look at some of the following factors when determining if it is appropriate to include:

  • The history of the income;
  • Whether the income will be consistent and available in the future;
  • The economic needs of the parties and children;
  • Whether overtime is required by the job.

When calculating the correct support any child care expense paid or medical insurance costs that are paid, are given a dollar-for-dollar deduction off the parties’ respective gross incomes. As of 2017, the combined adjustment for child care and health care costs is to be capped at 15% of the child support order.

Whether the noncustodial parent is under a previous child support order for a different child will also be taken into consideration as long as that order is actually being paid. The amount that is being paid for the prior order will be deducted from the party’s total gross income. Any payments being made for past due amounts on a prior order will not be taken off the party’s gross income. Payments that are being made for a different child which are not court ordered but are voluntary may be considered but it will be up to the court to determine whether these payments are reasonable.

If a parent is living with another biological or adopted child, then an amount of support may be deducted from their gross income. While this amount is somewhat hypothetical, the parent paying has the burden to prove that they have a legal obligation to provide support and it is likely that the other parent’s income will be taken into effect. Obligations to support a subsequent child may be used as a defense to a request for an increase in support but will not be a valid reason to request a decrease in a support order.

Massachusetts Child Support Duration

In Massachusetts, a child turning 18 does not automatically terminate a support order. Massachusetts law allows payments for support, maintenance and education for a child over the age of 18 for a variety of reasons.

One reason that a child support obligation may continue past the age of 18 is if the child is still in high school. Massachusetts law treats a child who has turned 18 but is still enrolled in high school as a minor for child support purposes.

Child support may also continue past when the child graduates from high school if the child is still “principally dependent” on one parent. Principally dependent has been determined to mean that the child continues to live with one parent. A child is still determined to be “principally dependent” even if they go away to college, if they return to a parent’s home during school breaks. The “principally dependent” factor is typically applied to children age 18-20.

There is also the possibility that a judge may order child support for a child between the ages of 21-23. Child support obligations for this age range depend on the following factors as stated in the law, “if such child is domiciled in the home of a parent, and is principally dependent upon said parent for maintenance due to the enrollment of such child in an educational program, excluding educational costs beyond an undergraduate degree.”

This essentially means that if a child is enrolled in an undergraduate program full-time then support may continue beyond the age of 20.

If a parent wishes to file a Complaint for Modification seeking to terminate support because a child has reached the age of 18 or older, the court will look at a variety of factors. The main factor that the judge will look at is whether the child is “principally dependent” on a parent. The Child Support Guidelines lay out a number of other factors that the Judge may consider when determining whether support should be terminated:

  • The child’s living situation;
  • The cost of the child’s education and each parent’s contribution;
  • The availability of financial aid for the student;
  • The child’s academic status;
  • The reasons why the child is still principally dependent;
  • The custodial parent’s finances.

If a child support order is entered and it is determined that the child is still principally dependent the order cannot extend past a child’s 23rd birthday.

Massachusetts Child Support Deviation

Parties can deviate from the guideline order amount by paying more if they agree in writing. Very rarely will a court allow the parties to agree to a lesser amount than the guideline. For the court to allow a deviation from the guidelines it must enter specific written findings that provide the following:

  • The presumptive amount that is pursuant to the guidelines;
  • A finding that the guideline amount would be unjust or inappropriate under the circumstances;
  • Specific facts that justify the deviation;
  • Show that the deviation is in the child’s best interest.

There are also certain factors that the court will look to when deciding whether a deviation is appropriate. Below is a list of some of those factors:

  • Parties agree to the deviation and the court believes it to be fair and reasonable and in the best interests of the child;
  • A party or the child have extraordinary mental, physical or developmental needs;
  • A parent is providing substantially less than 1/3 of the parenting time;
  • A payor is incarcerated and doesn’t have the resources to pay;
  • If the guideline order creates a situation where one party is not able to properly support themselves;
  • A parent has extraordinary travel expenses related to parenting.

Child Support Modification in Massachusetts

To change a child support order in Massachusetts a party would need to bring before the court a Complaint for Modification. Some factors that will be considered when deciding whether it is appropriate to modify an existing support order are as follows:

  • There is an inconsistency between what is the guideline order and the amount being paid;
  • Access to health coverage has become unavailable to a parent;
  • Previously ordered health coverage is no longer available or is available at a cost that would cause undue hardship;
  • Any other material and substantial change in circumstance.

The term material and substantial change in circumstance is somewhat broad so it is very important to consult an attorney if you think that your child support obligation should be modified.

Child Support Termination in Massachusetts

Although your child may have reached one of the milestones that allows for a termination of your support order you cannot automatically stop paying. Unless the child has reached the age of 23, the parent paying child support needs an order from the court prior to terminating payments.

Unless your specific court order states that child support automatically terminates upon the child’s 18th birthday or upon graduation from high school, then it is imperative that you get a court order prior to terminating your payments. A parent who unilaterally terminates support upon the child reaching the age of 18 may end up owing money so it is important to talk to an attorney if you think that you qualify for a termination.

The law regarding domestic relations and child support in Massachusetts is often a difficult and confusing concept and the court systems are often difficult to maneuver. This article is only a brief overview of child support laws in Massachusetts and is not meant to take the place of the recommendations of an attorney. It is very important to consult a Massachusetts divorce attorney as each case is different.

Massachusetts Child Custody Laws

Written by Joseph E. Cordell on .

Massachusetts family law attorneys provide answers to frequently asked questions with regards to Massachusetts child custody and Massachusetts custody laws.

Who will get custody of our child(ren)?

The courts determine physical custody based on several factors, including, most importantly, who has been the child(ren)’s primary caregiver during the course of the marriage.

What is joint custody? What is sole custody?

Joint temporary legal custody is the norm in Massachusetts. This is when the parents share decision-making authority regarding the minor child.

Should a party seek joint legal custody on a final basis that party must prove to the court joint legal custody is in the child’s best interest.

Typically, there are four main considerations with regard to legal custody: religious upbringing of the child(ren); medical care of the child(ren); extracurricular activities; and education.

Joint physical custody is not the norm in Massachusetts. Joint physical custody is typically an arrangement where the parents share equal or nearly equal parenting time.

Joint physical is a parenting arrangement that is typically only accomplished by agreement and by demonstrating to the court that joint physical custody is in the child’s best interest. Judges will assign one parent as the primary custodial parent and the other as secondary.

Sole custody is very unusual and it means (whether in terms of legal or physical custody) that all of the custodial rights are assigned to one parent. Generally, a party can prove to the court that final joint legal custody is in the child’s best interest.

If both parents share custody does anyone pay child support?

In many cases when the parties are able to agree on equal parenting time, one parent will still continue to pay support. Because child support is calculated based on income, the parent with the higher income will still likely pay some support.

The only time when there may be no support paid is in circumstances when the parties share equal parenting time and have nearly equal incomes.

Can a parent refuse to allow visitation if child support is not paid?

No. Child support and visitation are two separate rights/obligations that are not connected to one another.

When can my child decide which parent to live with?

In Massachusetts, the expression of a preference by a child in a custody dispute is treated with caution. The older the child, the greater the weight accorded to the child’s expression of preference.

In the conflict between parents, a child’s statement of preference is often unreliable and may be the product of undue influence of one parent or immature values on the part of the child.

Do grandparents have custody and visitation rights?

Massachusetts law permits a grandparent to seek visitation with a child under certain circumstances. The grandparents will have to prove that failure to allow visitation would cause the child significant harm.

What is a parenting plan, and do I need one?

A parenting plan outlines the “rules” between the parties regarding custody. You will need to work out a parenting plan or schedule as part of resolving a divorce case.  Otherwise, the court will enter an order including these “rules.”

What can I expect from temporary orders?

The court will enter an order regarding how payment of marital bills will be handled on a temporary basis, temporary child support and alimony (if necessary), and provide a temporary custodial plan between the parties.

When will child custody be decided?

Custody can be agreed upon by the parties and, if approved by the court, made a part of the divorce judgment. If the parties cannot agree, the court will resolve the issue at the final hearing.

When can I modify custody?

You must demonstrate a material and substantial change in circumstances concerning the children in order to modify custody.

What is an ex parte order?

An “ex parte” order is an order entered by a court after receiving evidence from only one party.

How is custody decided?

The court will consider the evidence presented by the parties and make a decision based on what the court feels is in the child’s best interest.

How can I increase my chances at getting a larger custody agreement?

Do not move from the marital residence (or the home where the child is living) until there is an agreement. Many decide that it is better for the child to be in an environment where the parties are separated than to live in a contentious environment with both parents.

Though this is noble in concept, if you move out before a custody order is in place, your rights to see your child are virtually at your wife’s discretion. Do not allow her to have that power over your relationship with the children.

From a really basic perspective, the way to increase your chances of having more custodial time is to be more involved with your child. Be there for extracurricular activities, participate in bedtime and bath time, take the children to school, etc. Show the court that the needs of the child dictate your available presence.

What is visitation?

Visitation is the common term used for the non-custodial parent’s parenting time. Visitation may also be known as secondary physical custody.

Can a judge order supervised visitation or no visitation?

Yes, a judge has discretion to order supervised visitation.

It is not very common, but in cases where it is shown that it is likely that one parent is a risk for harm to the minor child, a judge can order supervised visitation. This may mean supervision by a family member, a supervision agency, or law enforcement.

As to no visitation, it is highly unlikely that a judge would order no visitation unless parental rights have been terminated.

What should I know before a custody trial?

Before a trial of any type, you should know that the most important thing is preparedness. Be able to answer every allegation that may be made.

Be able to show that you have been an active, involved parent. Be able to show any downsides that may exist for the other side.

Be prepared to stand up and say to the judge, “I can and will take care of my child and custody of this child should be granted to me because that is what is in my child’s best interests.”

Be able to support anything you say.

Can I collect my own evidence to use if my custody case goes to court?

Yes, but your Massachusetts family law attorney will be able to provide you guidance regarding what “evidence” is actually admissible in court.

Do I need to use a Guardian ad Litem/Custody Evaluator?

This decision is made on a case-by-case basis based on the issues in the case.

Will my child need to appear in court?

It is rare for a child to have to appear in court. Judges do not like having children brought into the courtroom.

What is the Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act?

This act applies in all interstate custody actions, even when kidnapping has not been asserted. A great deal of this particular act addresses jurisdiction issues for cases when the parents have filed custody actions in two separate states. It violates federal law for two states to concurrently assume jurisdiction over the same custody matter.

According to the act, the state that will have jurisdiction is the one that has subject matter jurisdiction over the matter under state law and is the resident state of the child or either parent.

What if my wife tries to move the kids out state?

A child of divorced parents who is a native of Massachusetts or has resided in Massachusetts for five years shall not, if of a suitable age to signify his or her consent, be removed from Massachusetts.

Both parents must consent to an out-of-state move or receive the approval of the court as part of a modification action.

Can a parent change the child’s last name without the other parent’s permission?

The court will use the “best interests of the child” standard in determining whether a name change should be allowed if requested by one parent and opposed by the parent.

If I have custody, will I receive child support?

Generally, all primary physical custodians will receive support in some form under the divorce judgment.

A man and a young boy are smiling and touching foreheads affectionately in a bright, open field. They appear joyful and are embracing closely.

Massachusetts Resources

Written by Joseph E. Cordell on .

The divorce process in Massachusetts can be intimidating and stressful, but arming yourself with knowledge is among the best defenses for the road ahead. At Cordell & Cordell, our comprehensive family law services in Massachusetts advocate for clients facing the complex world of family law. Take a look at our convenient resources to get a better understanding of Massachusetts family law.

Massachusetts Divorce Process

The divorce process in Massachusetts begins with a petition for divorce. A fault-based divorce typically has this petition submitted by one spouse, while an uncontested divorce is typically initiated through a joint petition. In an uncontested divorce that already involves an agreement on how assets, child custody, and other family law matters are settled, it’s simply a matter of waiting for court approval. Contested divorces are a bit more complicated and typically follow these steps:

  1. Filing a complaint
  2. Answers to the complaint, motions, and appearances
  3. Discovery
  4. Pretrial conference
  5. Trial

Massachusetts Residency Requirements

You may file for a divorce in Massachusetts if you have lived in the state for one year at the time of filing. This requirement can be waived if you are living in Massachusetts during the time of filing, and a fault-based divorce involves the fault taking place in Massachusetts. The exception does not apply if you moved to the state solely to obtain a divorce.

Related Article: What is the Residency Requirement For Filing For Divorce?

Grounds for Divorce in Massachusetts

Grounds for divorce in Massachusetts include:

  • Adultery
  • Impotency
  • Utter desertion for one year prior to the filing of the complaint
  • Gross and confirmed habits of intoxication caused by voluntary and excessive use of intoxicating liquor, opium, or other drugs
  • Cruel and abusive treatment
  • An irretrievable breakdown of the marriage

Related Article: The No-Fault/Fault-Based Divorce Debate

Massachusetts Property Division Process

Massachusetts takes an equitable approach to marital property division. This means that property will be distributed based on overall need and fairness, which does not necessarily mean a 50/50 split. If you would rather not leave it up to the court, you and your spouse can come to a distribution agreement yourselves, but it is still subject to court approval.

When dividing property, the court considers:

  • The length of the marriage
  • The conduct of the parties during the marriage
  • Age
  • Health
  • Station in life
  • Occupation
  • Amount and sources of income
  • Vocational skills
  • Employability
  • Estate
  • Liabilities
  • The needs of each of the parties and the opportunity of each for future acquisition of capital assets and income

In dividing the property, the court shall also consider the present and future needs of the married couple’s dependent children. The court may also consider each party’s contribution to the acquisition, preservation, or appreciation of the value of their respective estates and the contribution of each party as a homemaker to the family unit.

Related Article: 10 Quick Property Division Tips

Massachusetts Child Custody Laws

In making an order of child custody, the rights of the parents shall be held to be equal, and the happiness and welfare of the children shall determine their custody.

All decisions surrounding child custody are ultimately based on the best interests of the child. The court will consider several factors to determine exactly what that is.

  • Where the child will live
  • The willingness of each parent to be a parent
  • How much emotional support the child will receive from each parent
  • Which parent has been acting as the child’s primary caretaker
  • Any history of abuse or domestic violence

When considering the happiness and welfare of the child, the court shall consider whether the child’s present or past living conditions adversely affect his physical, mental, moral, or emotional health.

A man and a young boy are smiling and touching foreheads affectionately in a bright, open field. They appear joyful and are embracing closely.

Massachusetts Child Support

The court applies the state child support guidelines in determining the amount of appropriate child support, which is based on the child’s best interests, each parents’ income, living arrangements, and more relevant factors. To get a better idea of how much child support you might be paying or receiving, use the Massachusetts Child Support Calculator. Of course, consulting a lawyer is also important to help determine your child support potential.

Massachusetts Spousal Support (Alimony)

Massachusetts courts may make a judgment for either of the parties to pay spousal support to the other. In addition to or in lieu of a judgment to pay alimony, the court may assign to either husband or wife all or any part of the estate of the other, including, but not limited to, all vested and nonvested benefits, rights, and funds accrued during the marriage, including retirement benefits, pension, profit-sharing, annuity, deferred compensation, and insurance.

In determining the amount of alimony, if any, to be paid, the court shall consider:

  • The length of the marriage
  • The age of the parties
  • The parties’ health
  • Both parties’ income, employment, and employability, including whether they could be employable with reasonable effort and more training, if necessary
  • Both parties’ economic and non-economic contribution to the marriage
  • The parties’ way of life during the marriage
  • Each person’s ability to continue the way of life they had during the marriage
  • Lost economic opportunity because of the marriage
  • Other factors the court thinks are relevant

The amount of alimony that must be paid will not exceed the recipient’s need or a 30% to 35% difference between the recipient’s and payer’s income at the time of the alimony order. The Massachusetts alimony statute does not yet correspond with revised federal tax laws regarding the deductibility of alimony. As a result of the federal 2012 tax reform laws which removed the deductibility of alimony for the payor and the taxable nature of alimony for the recipient, it is common for this percentage to be between 21% and 28% of the difference between the recipient’s and payor’s income.

Related Article: Will I Have To Pay Alimony?

Why Work With Cordell & Cordell

Cordell & Cordell offers extensive experience in family law operating within Massachusetts that can be put to work for your case. Our professionals primarily represent men to give them a fair chance in a court system that may be biased against them. Take a look at what some of our previous clients had to say about our services.

Client Experience

“[My attorney] was extremely professional. He knew what he was doing and did the best he could with what he was working with.” — Benjamin H.

“I felt like [my attorney] was always vested in me and my situation with my daughter. I really appreciate that.” — Robert T.

Fighting For Your Fair Treatment in Family Court

Cordell & Cordell is a law firm with lawyers across many states dedicated to helping clients with a wide range of family law issues. Our experienced attorneys in Massachusetts know the state’s laws and will work to protect you and your family. Get in touch with our team today at 866-323-7529 or by filling out our online contact form to schedule an initial consultation.

Jacqueline Swift

Jacqueline L. Swift

Written by Abby Johns on .

Boston divorce attorney Jacqueline L. Swift decided to practice family law because she liked the idea of being able to help others through a difficult time in their lives. Because of her firsthand experience with divorce, she is able to empathize with what her clients are going through.

“I am a child of divorce, and I personally understand what it can be like for a family to have to go through that hard process,” Ms. Swift said.

Ms. Swift has the ability to remain calm during stressful situations. That is critical in the practice of family law as divorce tends to be very stressful. She also understands the importance of remaining professional when dealing with clients and opposing counsel.

Ms. Swift always strives to keep her client informed during the court process and is quick to keep them up to date on the status of their case.

“I will do my best to advise the client of all their options and assist them to reach a resolution most favorable to them,” she said.

Rando Dena

Dena R. Rando

Written by Abby Johns on .

Boston divorce attorney Dena R. Rando enjoys that every family law case is unique and presents its own challenges. While other areas of law can be very transactional, family law touches the most intimate and important aspects of people’s lives – and the details matter.

“Where particular facts and circumstances vary in every given case, the opportunities to make creative and compelling arguments are ample,” Ms. Rando said. “At the end of the day, we are seeking fair results that our clients can feel good about.”

Ms. Rando is a people person and helping people comes naturally to her. She believes it is so important to truly get to know clients and to earn their trust and confidence.

“I try to make myself as available as possible to my clients,” she said. “I am also extremely detail-oriented, thorough, and attentive – traits that are especially useful when it comes to ensuring fairness in negotiations.”

For many people facing divorce or family-law-related issues, it is one of the most difficult times in their lives. You can rest assured that you have a passionate advocate working tirelessly on your behalf in Ms. Rando.

“You can count on me to always listen carefully and provide thoughtful honest advice,” she said.