Divorce

If you're getting divorced, it's safe to assume that you probably have enough tension swirling in your orbit without lawyers and the court system fueling the flames of the existing conflict. That's why at Foundations Family Law & Mediation Center, we take an approach to focus on negotiating strategic settlements from the very beginning of your case. With this "litigation as a last resort" mindset, we can quickly find common ground with the other side, determine the main issues of contention that may require judicial intervention, and help you reach your goals as swiftly, cost-effectively, and peacefully as possible.

Throughout this process, we will be with you every step of the way to help you build a solid foundation for the future you deserve. A future filled with freedom, stability, and peace of mind.

schedule a consultation

You can also call (508) 635-8965 or fill out our contact form.

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Your next chapter begins now, and you don't have to go it alone.

We know what keeps you up at night - we're right there with you.

worrying about the uncertainty that lies ahead when there's so much at stake

wondering how you'll be able to make ends meet financially and pay your bills

yearning to do what's best for your children, but stressing about having to co-parent with your ex in the future

not wanting to lose your home and having to start all over in an unfamiliar place

wishing you were divorced yesterday and having to accept that the divorce process takes time

trying to predict how your ex is going to react and respond to all sorts of hypothetical situations

being afraid of losing things that you've worked so hard for

wanting to be in control of your future, while realizing that so much is out of your hands

If any of the above statements resonate with you, it's because you're in good company. These are common sentiments expressed by our clients when they connect with us for the first time-- like they are feeling their way around in the dark or taking a step onto an invisible staircase.

Let us illuminate the path forward for you by empowering you with information and customizing a strategy based upon your own unique circumstances. It all starts with booking a Consultation. During this one-hour session, we will gather important information about you, your family, and your goals, answer burning questions that you may have, and ensure that we are a good fit for your needs.

schedule a consultation

You can also call (508) 635-8965 or fill out our contact form.

According to the Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS), divorce ranks a whopping #2 on the list of Top 10 Most Stressful Life Events (even higher than imprisonment, death of a close family member, and personal injury or illness). Our philosophy towards divorce aims to ditch any unnecessary drama over and above what you are already experiencing.

This translates to:

being super responsive to your emails and calls (a top priority for us!)

sharing information with you as soon as we receive it through our client portal where you will have 24/7 access to your case file

containing costs by not recommending certain discovery tools or court processes if they aren't needed in your case

helping you conduct a cost-benefit analysis when considering settlement options

preserving the relationship with your ex as much as possible to optimize your co-parenting relationship moving forward and minimizing trauma to your children

Attorney Vacchi did the most amazing job for my divorce case. She was consistently available to answer any and all questions that I had, and most importantly she was always...

- B.M., Bristol County, MA

"Divorce attorney who really gets it"

Jolee was always there to answer my questions along the way. Quite knowledgeable, she put me at ease during times of stress, which was often! She provided unique perspectives I...

- L.J., Worcester County, MA

"Excellent divorce attorney"

Jolee represented me throughout my divorce and provided excellent counseling regarding the financial settlement of a home owned jointly and the custody of two children.

- B.R., Providence County, RI

How We Work Together

Once you sign on as a client with the firm, we will provide you with a Roadmap to give you a high-level view of the road ahead. We will walk you through each stage of the divorce, draft all necessary court pleadings, and provide you with checklists along the way of the information and documents that we need you to provide to us. Throughout this process, you will be able to access your attorney's calendar and schedule meetings with them directly as needed.

To take the first step in this journey and schedule your consultation with us today.

schedule a consultation

You can also call (508) 635-8965 or fill out our contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a contested and uncontested divorce?

There are 2 ways to file for divorce in Massachusetts: A 1A uncontested divorce, and a 1B contested divorce (named after the statute that the divorce is filed under). There are 4 major differences between these 2 types of divorces:

Timing: A 1A divorce can only be filed AFTER there is a full agreement negotiated by the parties. This means that all settlement negotiations must occur before the filing of the court documents. Even if there is disagreement among the parties about one narrow issue, a 1A divorce cannot be filed. Conversely, a 1B divorce is filed BEFORE there is a full agreement reached between the parties. However, the majority of 1B divorces do end up settling at some point after the filing and before a trial.
Automatic Restraining Orders: In a 1B divorce, certain automatic restraining orders go into effect once the Plaintiff (filing party) files the divorce and when the Defendant (answering party) is served with the court documents. These orders mostly relate to keeping finances and insurance benefits status quo until otherwise agreed upon by the parties or ordered by the court. So, for example, a party should not be emptying/closing bank accounts or kicking their spouse off of health insurance once the automatic restraining orders go into effect. These orders are not available to parties who file 1A divorces.
Temporary Orders: Parties to a 1B divorce can file various motions to obtain temporary orders from the court that are in effect while the divorce is pending final resolution. Temporary orders are not available to parties who file 1A divorces.
Cost: 1A divorces typically cost less in legal fees overall because there is only one required court appearance, which is the uncontested divorce hearing.

How long will it take to get divorced?

There are many factors that can affect the length of time that it may take for a divorce to become "absolute" or final in Massachusetts. Generally speaking, filing a 1A uncontested divorce will have the quickest timeline for obtaining a divorce. Once the divorce is filed (which requires settlement negotiations to have been conducted already with all issues agreed upon), the parties will usually have to wait anywhere from 1-3 months (depending on the court's calendar) to have their uncontested divorce hearing. If their Separation Agreement (divorce contract) is accepted by the court at the hearing, the parties will still be legally married for 120 days (4 months) after the hearing.

If filing a 1B contested divorce, it will be approximately 6 months (or more) after the filing date for the parties to have their pre-trial conference in court. There may be several more hearings after the pre-trial to include further pre-trial conferences, motion hearings, status conferences, and/or review hearings. Contested divorces usually settle by the 12-15 months mark. Once the Separation Agreement is approved by the court, the parties will still be legally married for 90 days (3 months). Some more complex and high-conflict cases can take years to go to trial and receive a divorce judgment.

Who can get divorced in Massachusetts?

You can file for divorce in Massachusetts if you meet 1 of the following 3 criteria:

You previously lived with your spouse in Massachusetts and one of you lived in Massachusetts when the cause of the divorce occurred (AKA the "irretrievable breakdown of the marriage");
You have lived in Massachusetts for at least 1 year prior to filing the divorce; or
You are domiciled in Massachusetts at the time of divorce and the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage occurred while in Massachusetts, unless the court believes that you moved here for the purpose of obtaining a divorce.