DUKES COUNTY PROBATE AND FAMILY COURT
No matter what type of family law matter you are facing, The Massachusetts Family Law Group is dedicated to protecting the rights of our clients in Dukes County. From our office in Plymouth we are aggressive when it comes to defending our clients and their families. We leave no stone unturned. For a no-obligation consultation, call (800) 299-DIVORCE or contact us online.
The Dukes County Courthouse is where all Probate and Family Court matters are heard, and the court has jurisdiction over all divorce, paternity, contempt, modification, and abuse prevention matters relating to people who reside in Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, Tisbury, West Tisbury, Chilmark, Aquinnah, and Gosnold.
The courthouse is located at 81 Main Street, Edgartown 02539.
When you appear in Dukes County, you'll most likely be before the First Justice, Stephen C. Steinberg. Given that matters are usually only heard on Wednesdays, his schedule is full. You're well-advised to avoid needless banter when asked to speak. Don't apologize to him for appearing, don't let the Judge know how you "agree with the court" if you're on the winning side, but rather present convincing arguments showing why the court should - or shouldn't continue to rule in a certain way. You should also avoid certain comments such as, "...with all due respect," or "...as you know, your Honor" because in each case you're insinuating the two of you aren't in agreement on a certain matter.
Contested or Uncontested Divorce? The Choice is Yours.
When on the Cape, couples will often begin the divorce process on a contested track and then, before the actual trial, reach an agreement on all of the terms relating to finances, parenting, health and life insurance, and post-secondary education for the children. This is called a settlement.
Most judges, especially Judge Steinberg, appreciate it when parties can settle on their own issues, without putting him in the position of having to do it for you. If you and your spouse can not come to agreement on your own, typically your lawyers will help you reach one within time.
It has become more and more popular for couples in Dukes County to work out the terms of their own divorce by working with our Flat-Fee Uncontested Divorce Lawyers. To eliminate the high cost of divorce litigation and prevent the harmful affect contentious divorce can have on children, visit our sister firm FlatFeeDivorceAttorney.com.
When it comes to Dukes County Domestic Relations Matters, the Attorney You Hire Should Give You a "Home-Court Advantage"
While every judge applies the same set of laws, each interprets statutory law and handles its procedures a little differently from the judges and courthouses in the other counties. For that reason, our attorneys are assigned to specific regions and courthouses. By working day in and day out in the same places, we know how things work.
Does that mean we litigate every case? No. However, we do prepare each case as if it is going to trial. We believe our preparation and willingness to go to court leads to more favorable settlement offers.
To learn more about how to put our 40+ years of combined legal experience to work for you, call (800) 299-DIVORCE for a free, no-obligation consultation. While our main office is in Plymouth - right at the edge of the Cape - we avail ourselves for appointments in Edgartown, Chilmark, and West Tisbury. This enables us to serve men and women with divorce, paternity, modification, and contempt matters throughout the area.
