Divorce

Quincy Divorce Lawyers

Decades of Community Presence. Over 90 Years of Combined Experience.

Divorce reshapes nearly every part of your life: where you live, how you parent, what you own, and what comes next financially. At Davis Law Group, our attorneys have served the Quincy and South Shore community for decades, and our team brings over 90 years of combined experience in Massachusetts family law. We handle every stage of the process, from initial filing through final judgment, and we stay available when you have questions after the case closes.

We represent clients in contested divorces, uncontested cases, same-sex divorce, and matters involving complex property and financial issues. Related concerns, including property division, alimony, child support, and child custody and visitation, are all handled under one roof. That breadth matters when the issues in your case are tangled together and resolving one affects the others.

We also know that a divorce isn’t purely a legal event. When clients need support beyond the courtroom, we can connect them with housing resources, financial advisors, accounting professionals, and counseling services throughout Greater Boston. Our attorneys return calls quickly and remain accessible outside traditional business hours when situations are urgent.

Request a confidential consultation with a Quincy divorce attorney by contacting us online or calling (617) 752-6216 as soon as possible.

Serving Quincy Divorce Clients at Norfolk Probate & Family Court

Quincy residents file divorce matters in Norfolk County, and those cases are heard at the Norfolk Probate and Family Court in Canton, MA. That court handles divorce filings, property division, child custody and support, and parenting plan disputes for Quincy, Weymouth, and the surrounding Norfolk County area. Familiarity with its procedures and local practices affects how efficiently a case moves forward.

Our attorneys are active in the Quincy and South Shore community through civic boards, bar associations, charitable organizations, and local politics. That presence means our clients work with a team that is recognized and rooted in the same community where their case will be decided. We maintain a physical presence near Quincy District Court and combine that local access with virtual consultations for clients who need flexibility.

Financial stability is one of the sharpest concerns our divorce clients face. Our connections with local financial advisors and housing resources help clients plan for life after the divorce is finalized. That may mean understanding the implications of property division or mapping a realistic path forward on housing and budgeting.

What to Expect During a Massachusetts Divorce

Every divorce moves through a common set of stages, though the timeline and complexity vary considerably depending on whether the case is contested. A Massachusetts divorce typically begins with one party filing a Complaint for Divorce, which is served on the other party. That party may respond with an Answer, and the court then schedules proceedings leading to a Divorce Decree that legally ends the marriage.

Between filing and final judgment, both sides exchange financial records and other relevant information during discovery. From there, most cases move into negotiation or mediation, where the goal is a separation agreement both parties can accept. When full agreement isn’t reachable, the contested issues go before a judge. An uncontested divorce filed as a joint petition can resolve more quickly. A contested case with disputed assets, custody arrangements, or support figures takes longer and demands a different level of preparation.

At Davis Law Group, we prepare thoroughly at every stage so nothing is missed. We pursue negotiated resolutions when that serves our client’s goals and step up decisively when litigation is what the case requires. Strategy is built around each client’s specific situation: their family dynamics, their financial realities, and what they need from life after the divorce is done. We offer confidential consultations so you can discuss the details of your situation before any decisions are made.

Contact us today at (617) 752-6216 to schedule a confidential consultation with a Quincy divorce attorney.

Massachusetts Divorce Law: What Quincy Clients Need to Know

Understanding how Massachusetts divorce law works before you file puts you in a stronger position to make decisions. The rules governing fault grounds, property division, and legal separation each affect strategy, timeline, and outcome in different ways.

The Divorce Filing Process

A Massachusetts divorce begins with the Plaintiff filing a Complaint for Divorce, which states the grounds for the divorce and provides the court with basic information about the marriage. The Complaint is served on the Defendant, who may respond with an Answer. Once the paperwork is filed and any applicable waiting period ends, the court schedules a hearing and issues the Divorce Decree, legally ending the marriage.

Fault & No-Fault Divorce

Massachusetts recognizes both fault and no-fault divorces. In a fault divorce, one spouse claims the other’s wrongful conduct caused the breakdown of the marriage. Recognized grounds include adultery, desertion, gross and confirmed habits of intoxication, cruel and abusive treatment, and non-support.

A no-fault divorce is based on irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, with no blame assigned to either party. No-fault divorces are generally less adversarial, faster, and less costly than fault divorces, and they tend to make negotiating a separation agreement more productive.

Marital Property & Debt Division

Massachusetts is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly rather than necessarily equally. Courts weigh factors such as the length of the marriage, the conduct of both parties, each spouse’s age and health, and each party’s ability to acquire future assets and income. The result is a division tailored to the specific circumstances of the marriage, not a mechanical 50/50 split.

Legal Separation

Massachusetts doesn’t have a formal legal separation process. Couples can, however, live apart and enter into a separation agreement covering asset division, child custody and support, and alimony while retaining the legal status of marriage. This arrangement preserves certain benefits of marriage while allowing both parties to move forward independently.

Preparing for Divorce

Preparing for a divorce means identifying and valuing marital assets and debts, understanding what’s at stake for any children, and arranging for legal representation before proceedings begin. Coming in with clear financial records and a realistic picture of your goals allows us to build a strategy grounded in your actual situation rather than assumptions.

Choosing the Right Divorce Attorney in Quincy

The legal team you choose shapes both your experience during the case and your position when it concludes. Some clients need a divorce lawyer who is comfortable litigating contested issues at every turn. Others want patient guidance toward a negotiated resolution that keeps conflict low and protects children’s stability. Clarifying those goals at the outset helps you determine whether a particular Quincy divorce attorney is the right fit. It also helps to know whether a firm can handle the related legal issues, such as estate planning or real estate matters, that frequently surface during and after a divorce.

At Davis Law Group, we handle all types of divorce: highly contested cases, uncontested matters filed as a joint petition, same-sex divorce, and cases involving complex property and financial issues. We use a team-based structure where senior attorneys set strategy and attorneys focused on specific legal issues handle the technical details, so clients get both high-level judgment and focused attention on the complexities their case presents. Our attorneys have civic standing in the Quincy and South Shore community through local politics, bar associations, and charitable organizations, and that recognized presence carries weight where cases are decided. We regularly appear before the Norfolk Probate and Family Court and understand Massachusetts divorce law in depth. We encourage prospective clients to bring their questions to an initial consultation so we can explain how we would approach their case and keep them informed at every stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a divorce take in Massachusetts?

Timeline depends on whether the case is contested or uncontested, the complexity of the issues involved, and court scheduling at the Norfolk Probate and Family Court. An uncontested divorce filed as a joint petition can resolve more quickly than a contested case where property, custody, or support remain in dispute. During your consultation, we can give you a realistic sense of what to expect based on the specifics of your situation.

Is mediation available for Massachusetts divorces?

Yes. Massachusetts courts may encourage mediation or conciliation before contested issues are litigated. Mediation allows both parties to work toward a mutually acceptable agreement with a neutral third party facilitating the process. It can reduce conflict, lower costs, and produce a separation agreement that both spouses had a hand in shaping. We can advise you on whether mediation is a good fit given the dynamics of your case.

How does Massachusetts divide marital property in a divorce?

Massachusetts follows an equitable distribution standard, meaning the court divides marital property fairly rather than necessarily equally. Judges consider the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income and earning capacity, contributions each party made to the marriage, and the needs of any children. The outcome is specific to the facts of each case rather than a fixed formula.

Can a divorce order be changed after it is finalized?

Post-judgment modifications of custody, support, or alimony orders are possible in Massachusetts when there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances since the original order was entered. Common examples include a significant change in income, a relocation, or a major shift in a child’s needs. We remain available to clients after their cases close and can advise on whether a modification is warranted.

Contact us online or call (617) 752-6216 to speak with a Quincy divorce lawyer at Davis Law Group.

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Hear From Our Happy Clients

At Davis Law Group, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

"If you're unsure who to use, you found them."
Excellent client support. Very helpful, generous, and knowledgeable. He took the time to listen to my concerns and offer his expert advice. If you're unsure who to use, you found them.

- Deb
"They will do everything within their power to get you the results you deserve."
Highly recommend to anyone in need of legal help. Jay, Annie and the team are super friendly and helpful. I can personally guarantee, from experience, they will bend over backwards and do everything within their power to get you the results you deserve.

- Jamie
"Jay and his coworkers were extremely helpful and fought for us."
Jay and his coworkers were extremely helpful and fought for us as clients. We are so happy with his practice and will most definitely be calling him again if need be!

- Paige
"I would hands down recommend contacting him."
Jay was outstanding in his service and professionalism. He is a saint in my book.
He worked with me after hours and had no hesitation to put in the extra effort to review my documentation and my case in detail without charge. I would hands down recommend contacting him for legal matters.

- Kelly
"Jay and the firm have cared about my specific needs as a client."
I have used the services of Davis Law Group a number of times during the past 20 years and found them to be an extremely professional and caring law firm. Specifically I have used them for real estate transactions and for estate planning, wills, and healthcare proxies, with Jay Davis and Maryanne McGonagle as my primary attorneys. Whereas some law firms use boiler plates and treat clients as transactions, Jay and the firm have cared about my specific needs as a client and customized to those needs. I highly recommend this firm.

- Rob
"I will definitely be using them again!"
I had an all around great experience working with Ryan Medeiros and Davis Law Group. Highly recommend! Ryan was knowledgeable and accessible, and knew what it would take to get the job done. I will definitely be using them again!

- Mark
"They have always done right by us."
Three generations of my family have trusted Davis Law Group with our legal needs and they have always done right by us. Since April I have been working non-stop with Mary Anne McGonagle and Jay Davis to navigate and probate an excruciatingly-complicated estate. Both Mary Anne and Jay have gone out of their way numerous times on my behalf and have vigorously protected my interests in the face of some fairly significant headwinds. I could not be more thankful for, and appreciative of, their attention and the care they have demonstrated for my family.

- Bryan
"What she did was truly above and beyond my expectation."
I benefited a lot from a recent consultation with Mary Anne. She is very knowledgeable in the area of landlord-tenant law, but what expressed me the most is her ethics. Although it was a free consultation, she still took it very seriously and spent the time to read my files prior to the call. During the session, she made complex legal issues easy to understand, analyzed my case and offer very good advice. She also worked very hard and communicated with me even after her normal work hours. What she did was truly above and beyond my expectation.

- Anonymous

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Why Choose Davis Law Group?

Dedicated & Compassionate Legal Help
With our firm, you get quality legal assistance on every step of your case.
We Fight For Our Clients
At Davis Law Group, you can expect your legal team to have your back at every step of the way.
Decades of Experience
Our law firm has been assisting clients in Massachusetts since 1994.
Offering Virtual Consultations
With virtual consultations, it's easier than ever to get started.

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15 Cottage Ave.
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Quincy, MA 02169
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