{"id":3547,"date":"2024-02-06T11:52:01","date_gmt":"2024-02-06T11:52:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/?p=3547"},"modified":"2024-04-30T22:21:03","modified_gmt":"2024-04-30T22:21:03","slug":"what-happens-after-divorce-papers-served-massachusetts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/what-happens-after-divorce-papers-served-massachusetts\/","title":{"rendered":"What Happens After Divorce Papers Are Served in Massachusetts?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"3547\" class=\"elementor elementor-3547\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-16d75e3 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"16d75e3\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-76aa524 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"76aa524\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>After divorce papers are served in Massachusetts, you must respond with an Answer within 20 days. If you don\u2019t the court could enter a default judgment against you. If that happens, you\u2019ll lose your case before it\u2019s even started. An automatic restraining order goes into place preventing either party from taking assets or incurring more debt. The court may issue temporary orders establishing such things as child custody and spousal support while the divorce is in progress.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-99f0f91 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"99f0f91\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/6QUXykVko9E?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0ed7c0e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"0ed7c0e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='serving-divorce-papers'  id=\"boomdevs_1\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Serving Divorce Papers <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-71b37c6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"71b37c6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>In a contested divorce, the process in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/how-long-do-you-have-respond-divorce-papers-massachusetts\/\">Massachusetts begins with one spouse filing a divorce<\/a> complaint with the Probate and Family court. This document is then served to the other spouse, typically by a sheriff or constable. You will want to ensure that your spouse receives a copy of the complaint. This is a crucial step because it triggers the legal process.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4dcd778 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4dcd778\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='the-importance-of-financial-disclosures'  id=\"boomdevs_2\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Importance of Financial Disclosures<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d929ab3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d929ab3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>One critical aspect of divorce proceedings in Massachusetts is the requirement for both parties to provide <a href=\"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/how-financially-damaging-is-divorce-massachusetts\/\">full financial disclosures<\/a>. This means disclosing all:<\/p><ul><li>income,<\/li><li>assets,<\/li><li>debts, and<\/li><li>expenses.<\/li><\/ul><p>These disclosures are crucial in determining issues like:<\/p><ul><li>alimony,<\/li><li>child support, and<\/li><li>property division.<\/li><\/ul><p>Failure to provide accurate financial information can lead to penalties, so it&#8217;s vital to be thorough and honest in this regard.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f4da682 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"f4da682\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='affordable-legal-help-for-your-massachusetts-divorce'  id=\"boomdevs_3\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Affordable Legal Help for Your <br>Massachusetts Divorce<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-707ace7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"707ace7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/_XXDtuUCOQs?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-256bb22 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"256bb22\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>An <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/affordable-divorce-lawyer-massachusetts\/\"   title=\"affordable divorce\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">affordable divorce<\/a> is possible. At Afford Law, our fees are based on your income, so the less you earn, the less you pay. Our mission is to provide experienced legal help you can afford.<\/p><p>If you can&#8217;t afford our lower rates for a traditional attorney-client relationship, you have another option. Our legal coaching service can save you money and still give you access to a skilled attorney. In this arrangement, you represent yourself in court while we work with you behind the scenes to prepare you every step of the way. This service is available to you for one low monthly fee.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1a0dc31 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1a0dc31\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='negotiating-and-settling-your-divorce'  id=\"boomdevs_4\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Negotiating and Settling Your Divorce<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c0d01c1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c0d01c1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Divorce cases can take different paths in Massachusetts. If you and your spouse can reach an agreement on issues like:<\/p><ul><li>child custody,<\/li><li>property division, and<\/li><li>spousal support,<\/li><\/ul><p>you may pursue an uncontested divorce. This approach can be quicker and less expensive than going to court. We\u2019ll help you draft a written separation agreement, which outlines the terms of your divorce and represents your mutual decisions.<\/p><p>In cases where negotiation fails, or if there are outstanding issues that cannot be resolved amicably, your divorce may proceed to trial. In that case, we\u2019ll represent you in court, presenting evidence, witnesses, and arguments to the judge.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7b54321 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7b54321\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='child-custody-and-support'  id=\"boomdevs_5\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Child Custody and Support<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f0cbda1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f0cbda1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If you and your spouse have minor children, child custody and support will be significant aspects of your divorce case. The Massachusetts family court always considers the best interests of your child when making custody decisions.<\/p><p>Child support is another crucial issue that will be addressed. The court will use established guidelines to determine the appropriate amount of child support, taking into account both parents&#8217; incomes and your child&#8217;s needs.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2b5f0d7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2b5f0d7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='property-division-and-spousal-support'  id=\"boomdevs_6\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Property Division and <br>Spousal Support<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dfe0a8a elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"dfe0a8a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/r4xJH-NSRj8&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6e82d41 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6e82d41\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Dividing marital property can be a complex process. Massachusetts is an equitable distribution state, meaning that property will be divided fairly but not necessarily equally. We\u2019ll need to identify marital assets, such as:<\/p><ul><li>real estate,<\/li><li>bank accounts,<\/li><li>credit cards, and<\/li><li>any other joint assets,<\/li><\/ul><p>and work towards a proposed settlement that considers both parties&#8217; particular needs.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4add4e9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"4add4e9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/FgfS48Q05lM&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8f40142 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8f40142\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Spousal support, also known as alimony, may be a factor in your divorce case. The court will evaluate various factors, such as:<\/p><ul><li>the length of the marriage,<\/li><li>the financial contributions of each spouse, and<\/li><li>their ability to support themselves.<\/li><\/ul><p>We want to protect your rights and financial security, whether you are seeking spousal support or contesting it.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c3b3fd8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c3b3fd8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='court-proceedings-and-final-judgment'  id=\"boomdevs_7\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Court Proceedings and <br>Final Judgment<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2292e89 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2292e89\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Throughout the divorce process, there will be various court proceedings, including hearings and conferences. We\u2019ll prepare for these events, ensuring that you are well-prepared and understand what to expect. The court will issue temporary orders to address immediate issues such as:<\/p><ul><li>child custody,<\/li><li>spousal support, and<\/li><li>use of the family home<\/li><\/ul><p>while the divorce is pending.<\/p><p>Once all issues are resolved, either through negotiation, mediation, or trial, the court will issue a judgment of divorce nisi. This judgment signifies that the divorce is granted but not yet final. After a waiting period, typically 90 days, the judgment of divorce nisi becomes absolute, and you will receive a judgment of divorce absolute, officially ending your marriage.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2440fc4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2440fc4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='post-divorce-matters-and-legal-rights'  id=\"boomdevs_8\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Post-Divorce Matters and<br> Legal Rights<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1962cac elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1962cac\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>After the divorce is finalized, it&#8217;s essential to be aware of post-divorce matters that may arise. These can include:<\/p><ul><li>modifications to child custody or support orders,<\/li><li>enforcement of court orders, and<\/li><li>addressing any outstanding issues from the divorce.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7bfd471 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7bfd471\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='conclusion'  id=\"boomdevs_9\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Conclusion<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e4927d2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e4927d2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Navigating the divorce process in Massachusetts can be challenging, but with the right legal advice and support, you can make informed decisions and achieve the best possible outcome for your situation. Remember that affordable legal help is available, and seeking the assistance of a knowledgeable family law attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0402214 elementor-align-center elementor-hidden-mobile elementor-tablet-align-center elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"0402214\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-xl\" href=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Call Today For Your<br> Free Case Evaluation<br>508-453-1250<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-74919a7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"74919a7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='legal-disclaiamer'  id=\"boomdevs_10\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Legal Disclaiamer<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7fae8c5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7fae8c5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with an attorney to discuss your specific circumstances and receive tailored guidance.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>After divorce papers are served in Massachusetts, you must respond with an Answer within 20 days. If you don\u2019t the court could enter a default judgment against you. If that happens, you\u2019ll lose your case before it\u2019s even started. An automatic restraining order goes into place preventing either party from taking assets or incurring more [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3779,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3547","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-divorce"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What Happens After Divorce Papers Are Served in Massachusetts? - Afford Law<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover what happens after serving divorce papers in Massachusetts. Learn about child custody, property division, financial disclosures, and more in this comprehensive guide. 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