21 McGrath Highway Quincy, Massachusetts 02169
Facebook Twitter Linkedin Instagram

Bruce L. Watson & Associates

Powerful Divorce Representation. Compassionate Family Law Attorneys.

Call For A Free Consultation
617-773-4111
  • Home
  • Our Firm
    • Bruce L. Watson, Esq.
    • Christine Sunnerberg, Esq.
  • Client Reviews
  • Divorce Practice
    • Alimony
    • Child Custody
    • Child Support
    • Divorce
    • Divorce Modifications
    • Parenting Time
    • Paternity
    • Restraining Orders
  • Divorce Resources
  • Legal Blog
  • Contact us
    • Free Initial Consultation
Menu
  • Home
  • Our Firm
    • Bruce L. Watson, Esq.
    • Christine Sunnerberg, Esq.
  • Client Reviews
  • Divorce Practice
    • Alimony
    • Child Custody
    • Child Support
    • Divorce
    • Divorce Modifications
    • Parenting Time
    • Paternity
    • Restraining Orders
  • Divorce Resources
  • Legal Blog
  • Contact us
    • Free Initial Consultation

Do we both need to be present to file papers for divorce in MA?

Additional Information:

Do a husband and wife both have to be present to file a joint petition for an uncontested divorce in Massachusetts?  Do we have to go together or can we go separately?

ATTORNEY ANSWER:

You ask if both of you need to be present to “file”, and I have two answers. First, either one of you or your counsel can file all necessary documents with the clerk’s office and obtain a hearing date. However, on that date, you both must appear before the Court, be sworn and answer questions about the statements you made establishing the breakdown of the marriage. The only exception to both parties appearing at the hearing occurs when one party lives out of state or is otherwise unavailable. The Court will accept an Affidavit of Informed Non-Appearance from the unavailable party. I have represented clients in divorce hearings where their spouses lived in England and China, among other places. All documents for the divorce must be properly executed and notarized, as may be, for the hearing to proceed successfully. Bring all contact information you have to your attorney if your spouse lives far away or is otherwise unavailable.

Massachusetts Divorce attorney Bruce Watson has established a reputation for obtaining favorable results for his clients. Serving the Boston South Shore region, Norfolk County, and Plymouth County including Braintree, Bridgewater, Brockton, Cohasset, Dedham, Duxbury, Hanover, Hingham, Marshfield, Milton, Needham, Norwell, Norwood, Pembroke, Scituate, Quincy, Wareham, Wenham, Weymouth.

Previous StoryI separated from husband in 2008 & moved to Weymouth, MA from NY.
Next StoryDo I have any rights to my husband’s house in Braintree, Mass?
Call Today: 617-773-4111

Categories

  • Client Reviews
  • Divorce Articles
  • Divorce Questions & Answers
  • DivorceNet Articles
  • General Posts
  • In The News

Tags

Alimony Annulment asset division bifurcation child custody Child Support civil union Co-parenting Collaborative Law Coronavirus COVID-19 date during divorce divorce divorce mediation divorce modifications DNA testing Domestic Abuse Estate Planning false allegations family law fault divorce grandparent custody gray divorce guardianship health insurance coverage High Net Worth Divorce Infidelity Joint Custody no-fault divorce Out-of-State Divorce Parenting Time paternity Protecting Assets separation agreements Tax Cuts and Jobs Act visitation

How May We Help You?

We offer a free initial consultation

Attorney Bruce L. Watson

Serving Greater Boston & South Shore region.

617-773-4111
21 McGrath Highway
Quincy, Massachusetts 02169
  • Home
  • Our Firm
    • Bruce L. Watson, Esq.
    • Christine Sunnerberg, Esq.
  • Client Reviews
  • Divorce Practice
    • Alimony
    • Child Custody
    • Child Support
    • Divorce
    • Divorce Modifications
    • Parenting Time
    • Paternity
    • Restraining Orders
  • Divorce Resources
  • Legal Blog
  • Contact us
    • Free Initial Consultation
Menu
  • Home
  • Our Firm
    • Bruce L. Watson, Esq.
    • Christine Sunnerberg, Esq.
  • Client Reviews
  • Divorce Practice
    • Alimony
    • Child Custody
    • Child Support
    • Divorce
    • Divorce Modifications
    • Parenting Time
    • Paternity
    • Restraining Orders
  • Divorce Resources
  • Legal Blog
  • Contact us
    • Free Initial Consultation
Facebook Twitter Linkedin Instagram
Copyright © 2023

by Attorney Bruce Watson · Quincy Divorce Lawyer · Attorney Marketing by Bardorf Legal Marketing

Email Us
close slider

Get A Case Evaluation

We are happy to provide a consultation to all first time clients.
Please complete the form below and we will contact you.