Worcester Divorce Lawyers | Worcester Family Law Attorneys | Worcester Child Custody & Child Support Lawyers

PRACTICE AREAS

WORCESTER PRACTICE AREAS

Lawyers, much like physicians and other professionals, are targeted in those areas which they practice. In Worcester, Attorney Irwin M. Pollack and the family law attorneys from The Massachusetts Family Law Group focus on competent and zealous representation in very targeted and concentrated areas such as:

Just as you would not seek the advice of a dentist for a fractured leg or foot, you should not seek a general practice lawyer to deal with a highly-contested divorce matter. Although many attorneys try to be “jacks of all trades,” the simple truth is that the legal profession is highly specialized in today’s world and requires an attorney who focuses in specific areas. For more information, call (800) 910-DIVORCE or contact us.

Contested Divorce

You probably remember the day you got married. At the time, it was one of the happiest days in your life, and you probably thought it would last forever. After all, no one gets married thinking that someday they will be divorced. Attorney Irwin M. Pollack and the Worcester divorce lawyers have been where you are! People and time have a way of changing, though, and sometimes what once was great is no longer. This is not an easy decision to make, especially when you have children. What are you going to do? How are you going to do it? Let us help answer those questions for you and get you to the next stage of your life.

To learn more, call (800) 910-DIVORCE or contact us for a no-obligation consultation in our Worcester offices. Schedule a no-obligation consultation here.

Uncontested Divorce

Uncontested divorce tends to be the quickest, least expensive and least complicated way to divorce in the Worcester Probate and Family Court. To qualify, both spouses must agree to be divorced, reach an agreement on all issues and voluntarily sign all papers.

When you’re working with Attorney Irwin M. Pollack and the staff attorneys at The Massachusetts Family Law Group (MFLG), we encourage you to ask for what is reasonable and fair given the circumstances, and advise you as to when to stop fighting and let go. Call (800) 910-DIVORCE or contact us for a no-obligation consultation.

For a no-obligation consultation regarding your uncontested divorce, call (781) 461-9800 or contact us for conferences in the Boston area (Norwood and Woburn), Worcester, Springfield, or Plymouth.

Our sister-firm, Massachusetts Flat-Fee Divorce Attorneys provides a wide range of services relating to uncontested divorce – for a guaranteed price. If you’d like to reduce costs, reduce your stress, reduce time and save your kids, call (800) 910-DIVORCE. Go here to learn more about our firm.

Gay & Lesbian Divorce

Just as same-sex marriages became a reality, same-sex divorce is also now becoming a reality. Though divorce based on one parent’s orientation with a same-sex partner has become less of a “closet” issue, it still adds additional complications and considerations to an already difficult change. Same-sex couples wishing to dissolve their marriage would be prudent to discuss their options with our Central Massachusetts divorce attorneys.

Attorney Irwin M. Pollack and the divorce and family law attorneys of The Massachusetts Family Law Group pride themselves on aggressive advocacy for clients and their corresponding track record of success.

For information on your same-sex divorce matter, call (800) 910-DIVORCE or to schedule a no-obligation consultation in Worcester or at any of our other offices in Springfield, Woburn, Norwood or Plymouth, contact us.

Paternity

A paternity action is brought up when the parents of a child are not married in order to establish a parenting plan and support obligation. Paternity actions can involve an agreement between the parties as to who is the child’s biological father, or they can involve blood testing. Sometimes a birth certificate can be amended to name a father once that has been established. At the end of a paternity action, a declaration of parentage will be entered by the court once all the facts have been established. A custody and parenting plan that is fair and in the child’s best interests will be entered by the court.

For information on your paternity matter, call (800) 910-DIVORCE or to schedule a no-obligation consultation in our Worcester office, go here. Our other offices are in Springfield, Woburn, Norwood, and Plymouth. Contact Us.

Abuse Prevention

If you need protection from an abusive spouse, our Worcester family lawyers can help. We find quick and immediate resolutions to serious cases, particularly those involving domestic violence.

For information on your restraining order or abuse prevention matter, call (800) 910-DIVORCE or to schedule a no-obligation consultation in Worcester or at any of our other offices in Springfield, Woburn, Norwood, or Plymouth, contact us.

DCFS Defense

Our Worcester attorneys focus on defending our clients against allegations stemming from a Department of Children and Family Services complaint. No matter where in Worcester County the child about whom you are concerned is located, you may rest assured our firm possesses the knowledge and resources to provide you with the best representation and seek justice for that child. We will work with you to defend the Commonwealth’s children against the horrors of abuse and neglect.

For information on your DCFS matter, call (800) 910-DIVORCE or to schedule a no-obligation consultation in our Worcester office, go here. Our other offices are in Springfield, Woburn, Norwood, and Plymouth. Contact Us

Custody & Parenting Plans

Child custody and “parenting plans” in Massachusetts are not a “one size fits all” matter at The Massachusetts Family Law Group. Our attorneys believe in creating a unique plan specifically tailored for each family’s needs.

While empathetic with our clients, our divorce lawyers and family law attorneys are feisty litigators. While stressful at times, we have no choice. Think about it: child custody disputes arise when parents cannot agree on with whom the child is to live. When the parents cannot decide, litigation and contentiousness are at the forefront of the case and the court ultimately decides for them, basing its decision on what is in the best interest and welfare of the child.

In determining how parental responsibilities are to be shared following a divorce, a couple must determine physical custody (where the child lives), legal custody (who makes the important decisions for the children) and what the parenting time and vacation schedule will be.

As fighters for the family, the attorneys at the MFLG regularly reject cases they consider outlandish, such as that of a mother who traveled 160 nights a year and insisted on filing for sole custody. See our blog at TheBestInterestOfTheChild.com.

To learn more, call (800) 910-DIVORCE or contact us for a no-obligation consultation in our Worcester offices. Schedule a no-obligation consultation here.

Child Support Issues

When parents divorce, both remain financially responsible for any children of the marriage. Based upon Massachusetts’ child support guidelines, one parent is obligated to send weekly or monthly payments to contribute to the cost of raising the children.

Our lawyers advocate on behalf of both custodial and non-custodial parents to ensure that the appropriate amount of support is determined. Furthermore, we actively pursue modifications – either upwards or downwards – when there has been a material change in circumstances.

For information on your child support matter, call (800) 910-DIVORCE or to schedule a no-obligation consultation in our Worcester office, go here. Our other offices are in Springfield, Woburn, Norwood, and Plymouth. Contact Us

Alimony

After the breakup of a marriage, one spouse may be incapable of financial self-support because of a physical or mental disability or because he or she lacks adequate education, training, or work experience. In some divorces, one spouse may have a much higher earning capacity than the other spouse who stayed home to care for minor children or run the couple’s household. Massachusetts divorce law allows a court to award spousal support (also known as alimony) to a spouse after considering all pertinent factors. Spousal support is generally more likely to be awarded in long-term marriages than in short-term marriages and can be temporary or permanent.

For information on your alimony and other divorce-related issues, call (800) 910-DIVORCE or to schedule a no-obligation consultation in Worcester or at any of our other offices in Springfield, Woburn, Norwood, or Plymouth, contact us.

Income Attribution

Quite often in divorce cases, a spouse’s earnings don’t reflect their true earning potential. For example, say a parent is trained as a doctor but works as a clerk at the nearby sporting goods store. In that case, a court might calculate support based on what the parent could be earning – that’s called imputing income.

For information on your income attribution issue, call (800) 910-DIVORCE or to schedule a no-obligation consultation in our Worcester office, go here. Our other offices are in Springfield, Woburn, Norwood, and Plymouth. Contact Us

Separation Agreements

Once both parties to a contested or uncontested divorce come to terms on the emotional issues and, ultimately, come to terms on the need to split up, they can do so with a separation agreement. Separation agreements cover child custody, support, property distribution, and all other issues incident to a divorce.

To discuss the drafting of your separation agreement, or to discuss other issues presented to you in divorce, call the Worcester office of The Massachusetts Family Law Group at (800) 910-DIVORCE or contact us for a no-obligation consultation.

Property Distribution

If you’ve been married for some time and have an idea as to your net worth, Attorney Irwin M. Pollack and the staff attorneys can answer your questions about Massachusetts law and guidelines that judges typically follow, and answer your questions as to how best to dissolve your partnership. During the discovery process, we also assist clients in business valuations, family owned business issues, stock options, hidden assets and tax issues.

For information on your property and asset distribution matter, call (800) 910-DIVORCE or to schedule a no-obligation consultation in our Worcester office, go here. Our other offices are in Springfield, Woburn, Norwood, and Plymouth. Contact Us

Tax Issues

In divorce, a number of tax issues arise which need to be addressed throughout the divorce process to insure that the parties will receive what they bargained for after taking into account federal and state taxes. The primary tax issues arising from a divorce are the deductibility or capitalization of attorneys’ fees, tax consequences from the division of property, tax issues relating to alimony and child support, The IRS’ Innocent Spouse Rule and others.

To learn more about tax issues related to divorce, call (800) 910-DIVORCE or contact us for a no-obligation consultation in our Worcester offices. Schedule a no-obligation consultation here.

Divorce Estate Planning

The Worcester office of The Massachusetts Family Law Group offers estate planning services for divorce and family law clients who have assets they want to protect. We work with clients with assets that range from moderate to significant. We understand that everyone’s assets are important, and our lawyers will work closely with your financial advisors, accountants, and insurance representatives to create an all-encompassing plan for your assets and property.

Every family is unique. For example, some families have children from prior marriages whose interests need to be protected, or family businesses they wish to pass on to children. When advising you, we will carefully consider the effect that estate planning decisions would have on separate and marital property.

To discuss the designing of your estate plan, or to discuss other issues presented to you in divorce, call the Worcester office of The Massachusetts Family Law Group at (800) 910-DIVORCE or contact us for a no-obligation consultation.

QDRO’s

A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) allows a person to receive a portion of their spouse’s pension plan or retirement plan without incurring additional tax penalties because of the transfer. As such, a QDRO can be useful device for protecting your spouse’s financial security if something happens to you.

A QDRO can be issued through voluntary choice or as the result of a divorce or marital dissolution. A QDRO can be used on nearly any type of retirement plan.

If you have already been divorced, or you are facing the possibility of divorce, it is important to have an attorney address your QDRO issues soon as possible in order to prevent complex issues of arrearages from arising in the future.

To learn more, call (800) 910-DIVORCE or contact us for a no-obligation consultation in our Worcester offices. Schedule a no-obligation consultation here.

Prenuptial Agreements

Prenuptial agreements serve a vital role in protecting your assets. In preparing for a worst-case scenario, you need the type of representation that our lawyers provide at the Worcester offices of The Massachusetts Family Law Group.

To discuss the drafting of your prenuptial agreement, or to discuss the enforceability of an existing one, call the Worcester office of The Massachusetts Family Law Group at (800) 910-DIVORCE or contact us for a no-obligation consultation.

Father’s Rights

Though trends are changing to give fathers equal responsibilities and rights during a divorce, it remains important for fathers to have an aggressive attorney to protect their legal interests and custody rights. If you are seeking custody of your children, you need a Worcester attorney who will remain aggressive in defense of your father’s rights in the Worcester Probate and Family Court.

For information on fatherhood rights, call (800) 910-DIVORCE or to schedule a no-obligation consultation in Worcester or at any of our other offices in Springfield, Woburn, Norwood, and Plymouth, contact us.

Guardianship

If you are unable to care for loved ones, appoint a fiduciary to make decisions for them. By appointing a person with authority over a family member’s finances and healthcare decisions, you protect a person’s welfare and autonomy. Legal guardians and conservators take on significant responsibilities in these situations. Select someone whom you know and trust. At MFLG, our attorneys will guide you through the process.

For information on your guardianship matter, call (800) 910-DIVORCE or to schedule a no-obligation consultation in our Worcester office, go here. Our other offices are in Springfield, Woburn, Norwood, Plymouth. Contact Us.

Parental Relocation

One parent can petition to relocate out of state with the children. The burden is on the parent left behind to prove why such a move would be detrimental to the child. Attorney Irwin M. Pollack and the staff attorneys negotiate the terms of a relocation, such as the parenting plan and who bears the cost of travel. We also handle interstate custody cases; the home state where a custody agreement was forged has jurisdiction, preventing one parent from “shopping” for a favorable judge in another state.

To learn more, call (800) 910-DIVORCE or contact us for a no-obligation consultation in our Worcester offices. Schedule a no-obligation consultation here.

Interstate & International Custody

If you are the custodial parent of a child, you expect you’re your ex-spouse will return the child after a visit. Non-custodial parents often feel they have a right to the child because of a bad order from the judge. Don’t take the law into your own hands! If you violate a court-ordered custody arrangement, the court is not going to be lenient. Don’t make the mistake of taking your child without first going through the court system.

For information on your custody concerns, call (800) 910-DIVORCE or to schedule a no-obligation consultation in our Worcester office, go here. Our other offices are in Springfield, Woburn, Norwood, and Plymouth. Contact Us.

Complaint for Modification

When the terms of your divorce are unjust, or circumstances have changed, you can petition to modify your divorce decree. For example, child support or alimony can be adjusted…or the parenting plan can be changed when it is no longer working in the best interest of the minor children. You will need to show a material change in circumstances, and when you contact us we will show you what your options are. Learn more about a Complaint for Modification here.

For information on your Complaint for Modification matter, call (800) 910-DIVORCE or to schedule a no-obligation consultation in Worcester or at any of our other offices in Springfield, Woburn, Norwood, or Plymouth, contact us.

Contempt Matters

Contempt of court refers not only to the open display of disrespect or disruptive behavior in court, it also refers to the penalty for a party's willful and continuing failure to obey a valid order of the court.

The penalties for a contempt finding can be very severe. If you believe that the other party in your divorce case is guilty of contempt, or if you're facing contempt proceedings yourself, contact us.

For information on your contempt matter, call (800) 910-DIVORCE or to schedule a no-obligation consultation in our Worcester office, go here. Our other offices are in Springfield, Woburn, Norwood, and Plymouth. Contact Us

Support Collection

Any order issued by the court is effective until modified by the court. Parents do not have the right to modify any order themselves. If unanticipated changes of circumstances have occurred so that the amount of support should be changed, a Complaint for Modification should be filed with the court. Taking the law into your own hands and making unilateral changes is not appropriate.

Failure to follow a court order is a serious matter. For example, if one parent stops making child support payments ordered by the court, or begins paying less than what the court ordered, there are several options in Massachusetts for enforcement. A “wage assignment” is a special procedure that allows the court to order an employer to make direct payments to the custodial parent from the wages of the supporting parent. If the nonpaying parent holds a steady job, this is a very valuable tool.

As another example, persons with outstanding child support obligations in Massachusetts may be subject to suspension of a professional and/or driver’s license. The license is not renewable until the Department of Revenue declares the account current. The names of these individuals may also be released to the public through the media or other means.

For information on your support collection issues, call (800) 910-DIVORCE or to schedule a no-obligation consultation in Worcester or at any of our other offices in Springfield, Woburn, Norwood, or Plymouth, contact us.

DOR Representation

The Department of Revenue is a powerful governmental agency that uses the resources of local and out-of-state governments to establish court orders for child support, collect court-ordered support and locate absent parents.

If you’re involved in a DOR case without a competent and aggressive attorney, it can be disastrous. The case worker assigned to your case will attempt to enforce child support payments against a parent – even if that parent lives outside the Worcester area or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

If you live in another state, we can appear on your behalf before the Worcester Probate & Family Court without you having to travel to Central Massachusetts. Our firm has helped many clients in this position throughout the United States. Call or contact us today. We can help.

To learn more, call (800) 910-DIVORCE or contact us for a no-obligation consultation in our Worcester offices. Schedule a no-obligation consultation here.

Mediation

If you and your spouse can’t agree how to settle your case, there are other options than having a Judge make all the final decisions. One option is to participate in mediation, where a trained, neutral party attempts to reach a settlement between the parties. Mediation takes place outside of the courtroom, and is a considerably less formal process than litigation, as well as less expensive. A good mediator will tell you where your position stands in relation to the law and what a judge might order, thus helping facilitate the settlement process.

For information on mediation, call (800) 910-DIVORCE or to schedule a no-obligation consultation in our Worcester office, go here. Our other offices are in Springfield, Woburn, Norwood, and Plymouth. Contact Us.