For divorces, they can either be contested or uncontested for any given case. When a divorce is considered to be uncontested, spouses can go through a simpler process to decide on issues before an official divorce is made. This process can include divorce mediation to resolve issues by deciding on outcomes together. With this process, it can avoid the need to enter litigation to have decisions made for spouses. If this process of mediation is not working for the couple due to the lack of cooperation or inability to work together, they may decide to contest their divorce. For the mediation process to work, it is important for both spouses to cooperate in order to come to conclusions. If this happens, then the divorce can become contested. This can lead couples to enter into litigation with a judge.
Why do contested divorces often need litigation?
With an uncontested divorce, spouses solve issues themselves. However, contested divorces cannot be made in the same way when spouses are unable to work with one another to make decisions. A contested divorce can cause the divorce to enter into litigation because spouses will need to have decisions made for them by a judge. Since they are not able to decide on marital issues for themselves, a judge will have to do so in court. These marital issues can include child custody, alimony, child support, the division of assets and more. When presenting these issues in litigation, there are many aspects that a judge must consider. The judge will consider both sides of the case. This can include all aspects relating to each spouse. When it comes to cases involving children, the judge will always put the best interests of the child first. This is to ensure their well-being is being taken care of.
What are Massachusetts’ laws regarding child support?
Massachusetts laws about child support includes mitigating the economic impact of the child, promoting joint parental obligations according to income, meeting the child’s needs and standard of living, meeting the financial needs of parents who are on the lower income range, recognizing that having separate households shouldn’t impact the child’s quality of life, recognizing financial and nonfinancial contributions, maintaining consistency in the determination of child support across income levels, recognizing the importance of and cost of health insurance, allowing adjustments and minimizing problems of proof and streamline the court process. Child support can be provided to keep the lives of the children up to a certain standard of living that they were used to.
If you require compassionate and knowledgeable legal guidance for a matter of divorce, family or estate law, please contact the experienced attorneys at the Law Offices of Cynthia L. Hanley today. Our firm proudly serves clients in Mansfield, Massachusetts and throughout Bristol County.
