Best Divorce Lawyers in Lawrence

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Lawrence, Massachusetts?

  For non-urgent calls, the local police station in Lawrence can be reached through its non-emergency contact number at (978) 794-5900.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Lawrence, Massachusetts?

  You can request a copy of a police report in the Records Division of the local police department. The office requires a request form and incident reports have a $1 charge per page.

• What are the grounds for divorce in Lawrence, Massachusetts?

  Under Massachusetts law, the dissolution of marriage in Lawrence can be valid through no-fault or fault-based grounds. There are two kinds of irretrievable breakdowns, the uncontested and contested approach. Fault-based requires the establishment of evidence for the reason for divorce. Among the accepted reasons are adultery, impotence, utter desertion, cruel and abusive treatment, gross and confirmed habits of intoxication, non-support, and a prison sentence of five years or more.

• Does Lawrence recognize the equitable distribution of marital assets?

  In a divorce proceeding, Lawrence, Massachusetts, follows equitable distribution rules. A judge fairly distributes marital property, which includes any income, investment accounts, property, and assets obtained by either party throughout the union. Some factors considered in the distribution are the length of the marriage, each spouse's contribution and earning capacity, the nature of property, and each party's liabilities and assets.

• How would child custody work after a divorce in Lawrence, Massachusetts?

  Following the separation of spouses, Lawrence follows Massachusetts child custody law. There are two classifications of custody: Legal custody involves the parents having the authority to participate in major decisions concerning the child, while physical custody refers to the rights of a parent to have the child reside under his care. In determining the custody and parenting time order, the court considers necessary factors and the child's best interests.

• Will a marital home be a divided in divorce in Lawrence?

  No. In a divorce, a house or any property purchased during the marriage is divided equitably by the court unless the couple settles an agreement on who can claim ownership of the estate. If the parties cannot agree, negotiations with the lawyers help settle the issue, along with the deliberation of factors before deciding on homeownership. If a spouse wants to gain ownership of the marital home, they can find a way to trade possessions of equal value.

• Who keeps the pets in a divorce in Lawrence?

  The Massachusetts probate and family court considers pets acquired during the marriage as property. In a divorce proceeding, the marital assets and property are divided based on the equitable distribution system. A party may prepare a legal request for full ownership of a specific property and family pets in advance. The couple may also establish an agreement on the parenting plan or custody of the pet and submit the written draft as part of the divorce.