Shrewsbury Divorce Lawyer

Compassionate Counsel From a Local Advocate

Divorce touches every corner of your life, and having a Shrewsbury divorce attorney who knows both Massachusetts law and Worcester County courts can make the process faster, fairer, and less stressful. Attorney Alan Leslie Rosenfield has guided families in Shrewsbury, Westborough, and surrounding MetroWest communities for 30 years, protecting assets, parenting time, and peace of mind.

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Why Clients in Shrewsbury Choose Attorney Rosenfield

Proven Family-Law Focus

Alan has handled 1A (joint) and 1B (contested) no-fault divorces throughout Worcester County since the 1990s, appearing weekly in Worcester Probate & Family Court, just seven miles west of Shrewsbury Center.

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Strategic Yet Compassionate Advocacy

Massachusetts allows a spouse to file unilaterally for a 1B divorce so long as they show an “irretrievable breakdown.” We leverage that rule when negotiations stall, while still seeking low-conflict resolutions first.

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Deep Local Knowledge

With a median resident age of 40.5 and 49 % of adults in their peak earning years in Shrewsbury, property division and retirement accounts demand meticulous attention.

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Our Shrewsbury Divorce & Family-Law Services

Uncontested (1A) Divorce: One hearing, one joint petition, final decree in as little as 120 days after the 90-day nisi period.

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Contested (1B) Divorce: Strategic discovery, settlement conferences, and—if required—trial; typical timeline 12–18 months.

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Child Custody & Parenting Plans: Crafting schedules that meet the Worcester courts’ “best interest of the child” standard.

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Child Support: Calculated under the 2023 Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines, effective Oct. 4 2023.

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Alimony: Payments generally capped at 30–35 % of the income gap and limited in duration by the marriage length under M.G.L. c. 208 § 49.

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High-Asset & Business Owner Divorce: Valuation of closely held businesses, RSUs, pensions, and 401(k)s.

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Post-Judgment Modifications: Adjust support or custody when life changes.

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Key Massachusetts Divorce Facts Every Shrewsbury Spouse Should Know

1. Residency & Filing

You may file in Worcester County if either spouse has lived in Massachusetts for at least one year or if the cause of the divorce happened here.

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2. No-Fault vs. Fault Grounds

Most couples choose a no-fault 1A or 1B filing—over 98 % of cases resolve this way.

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3. Timeline Expectations

• Uncontested: 3–6 months from filing to final judgment if paperwork is complete.

• Contested: 12–18 months on average, depending on discovery and trial dates.

 

4. Child Support Basics

The 2023 Guidelines apply statewide and use an income-shares model up to $400 k in combined income.

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5. Alimony Duration Caps

General-term alimony can last 60 % of the marriage length for unions of six to ten years, scaling to 80 % for longer marriages.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce in Shrewsbury

How soon can I move out of the marital home?

Courts encourage stability for children but will not force cohabitation if safety or serious conflict exists.

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Will my 401(k) be split 50/50?

Equitable distribution is the rule, but factors like premarital contributions and earning power mean the split can vary.  Learn about fairness for Massachusetts couples in divorce.

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Can we mediate first?

Yes. Mediation often shortens the timeline and reduces cost; any agreement becomes part of the 1A paperwork.

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Ready to Protect Your Future?

A divorce can redefine your finances, your parenting schedule, and your peace of mind. Let a Shrewsbury divorce lawyer with decades of Worcester County experience advocate for you every step of the way. Contact Attorney Rosenfield to start charting your next chapter today.

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