I never expected to be here…
Most people never expect to be in the middle of family conflict. The truth is that about half of the people who are married wind up getting divorced. Many of these couples have children. Unmarried parents often disagree, too. You are not alone. Lots of parents have different ideas about what is best for their children after a breakup. People are full of fear about dividing their assets, liabilities and the actual process of divorce. Where will I live? How will I afford my life? Will I retain health insurance? How can I possibly navigate all this this while trying to work/live life? These are only some of many common concerns.
Family conflict is difficult on so many levels. To make it worse, friends, families of origin and coworkers weigh in freely with competing advice. All of this happens at a time where there are strong emotions of sadness, fear and anger. We understand that it is just plain overwhelming. That’s why we have a plan.
We serve as your guide.
We are here to serve as your steady guide through the process of resolving your differences. We support our clients through difficult times and help before, during, and after marriage, in court and out of court. We will help you:
Receive expert support and advice at a critical time in your life
Assist you to make thoughtful decisions about your future
Assure you (and your children) have the financial means to begin your new life
Help you divorce well, and develop a parenting plan in your children’s best interest
Protect and maximize your future success
You have options.
There are many options available to settle your differences. These include mediation, collaborative divorce and litigation. You will discuss these options at an initial strategy session. Marybeth can serve as a mediator for you and your spouse or co parent. She can also act as collaborative lawyer (parties each retain a lawyer to negotiate out of court). In select cases, you can retain Marybeth as your lawyer in traditional litigation.
After many years “in the trenches” Marybeth has found that trying to resolve your situation without running to the courthouse as a first step helps you save money, restore peace and enhance your child’s adjustment. Sometimes, litigation is necessary - but not always. Marybeth has expertise in all types of disputes - including complex financial divisions, contested parenting plans, sensitive family situations, estate disputes, pre and post nups, tech industry splits. Marybeth frequently is involved with helping settle cases where mental health, addiction and eating disorders are present. She is well known by others (including the judiciary) as a compassionate, yet effective mediator and advocate.
A bit about Marybeth.
Marybeth has been passionate about helping people achieve justice since she was a kid. She’s a Harvard trained negotiator, went to Providence College with a degree in Econ and graduated from DePaul University Law School. She’s volunteered for amazing organizations, is a lifelong learner, and belongs to lots of impressive professional groups. We will spare you the details and attendant logos! If you insist, you can check her out on LinkedIn.
Marybeth is happy to represent members of traditional and nontraditional families. Come as you are. Call or email the offices of Marybeth Holland O'Hearn to set up an in person or virtual session. (508) 375-9900.
Our Family Law Services
Divorce