Whether you are the plaintiff or defendant in any matter in the Probate and Family Court is a daunting experience, and often times, difficult to understand and navigate on your own. While a defendant in a criminal case is afforded the right to have an attorney appointed to represent them, the same is not true to a party involved in the Family Law area, with some notable exceptions.
 
Hiring an attorney to represent you in any legal matter can be a lengthy and often times expensive proposition; however, choosing not to hire one to represent you in your particular matter may have more negative long-term repercussions than positive ones, which may ultimately cost you more from an emotional and personal level, to a financial one, as well.

An attorney is a legal, licensed professional who is trained and has relevant professional experience in the area of law which they have been retained. Attorneys are able to file all applicable pleadings; advise you on the area of law that you are involved in; and give you legal advice regarding the best possible outcome based on relevant case law, statutes, and the individual facts, which are pertinent to your legal situation.

A paternity action involves parties that have children born out of wedlock. It is often times necessary to establish the paternity of a child, or children, by having the parties undergo a genetic marker test. In other instances, the parties can acknowledge paternity by executing a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity, or by filing a complaint to establish paternity with the probate and family court.

In either event, it is extremely important to know your legal rights, whether your are the mother, or purported father, as the issue of paternity includes the areas of child custody, child visitation, child support, for example.

Every case if fact specific, so it is highly advisable to consult an attorney for more information, as well as exercising your legal rights.

A divorce is the dissolution of a legal marriage, and going through the divorce process can be one of the most difficult experiences someone can face, with certain long-term ramifications.

The topic of divorce usually includes dealing with the issue of child custody, child support, visitation, division of marital property and liabilities, alimony or spousal support, and medical insurance to name a few. The dissolution of a marriage can include other issues, as well, and your personal situation may involve a host of other circumstances, which likely require a more in-depth consultation and case overview.

In the State of Massachusetts, a party can file either a Complaint for Divorce, or both parties can agree to file a Joint Petition for Divorce. It is important for you to discuss your options, and the positive and negative implications of each, with an attorney to advise you and allow you to decide which method is the proper route for you to take depending on your situation.

This area of a divorce deals with legal and physical custody of minor children born out of your marriage. This area often proves to be one of the most difficult and argumentative areas of a divorce because the issue is one of a personal nature. Visitation, which is more commonly referred to as, “Parenting time,” is time that either the husband or the wife spends with their respective children. The option of not addressing this area properly, and without the proper legal advice, can have long-term consequences for both you, and your children.

Additional Information Coming Soon. 

Often times, parties that have either gone through a divorce, or a paternity matter (child, or children, born out of wedlock), feel that the present situation regarding the custody, visitation, or support of minor child should be revisited by the Probate and Family Court, which made the original order or judgment.

There are certain requirements that a moving party must meet in order to have any of these issues revisited. In some situations, especially regarding personal property division, after a divorce has been entered, you may not go back and try to change the terms that you may have already agreed upon. In any event, you should consult an attorney to address your concerns.

Sometimes, a party in a divorce action, post or present matter, or a party to a Paternity action, does not adhere to the terms agreed upon by the parties, or the order or judgment of the Court. This area can be easily addressed and remedied by the Court through the proper procedure, and a consultation with an attorney could easily determine your rights and available remedies for intentional noncompliance.

An Abuse Prevention Order, or, “209A,”as it is more commonly referred to in the legal community, can have long-term consequences for either the plaintiff or the defendant. Being a party on either side should not be taken lightly, and consulting an attorney is always recommended. 

If you are injured in an automobile or motorcycle accident, or are the victim of a slip and fall injury, you should seek the advice of a qualified attorney who is able to assist you in this area of the law, as any delays on your part could result in your legal rights being jeopardized.

Simple estate planning procedures include preparation and execution of wills, health care proxies, power of attorneys, and trust planning. 

If you are the defendant in a criminal matter, you are afforded Constitutional rights, and need to be proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of the charges brought forth against you. It is highly advisable to seek competent legal representation if you are a defendant faced with any criminal charges to discuss your legal rights.