Family Law

Mansfield Family Law Attorneys

Sensible Family Law Solutions for Bristol & Norfolk County Residents

Are you involved in a divorce, child custody case, or another family law-related matter? No matter what legal issue you’re facing, one of our experienced attorneys can provide the support you need to get through this challenging time.

At the Ostendorf Law Group, PLLC, we believe cutting-edge legal counsel doesn't have to come with an unreasonable price tag. Our divorce services are billed as a flat-fee, so you know up-front how much our help will cost and can balance your budget accordingly. Our attorneys are versatile and knowledgeable, capable of handling a wide variety of family law cases.

Take the first step! Call (508) 593-1408 or contact us online to discuss your needs with Mansfield family law attorneys who see the bigger picture and have the experience to help make a difference in your future.

Understanding Family Law in Mansfield, MA: Local Insights & Resources

Living in Mansfield, MA, you may encounter unique challenges when navigating family law matters. Local resources, such as the Bristol County Probate and Family Court, are available to assist residents in understanding their rights and responsibilities. Whether you are facing a divorce, child custody dispute, or other family-related legal issues, knowing where to turn for help can make all the difference.

Compassionate Legal Care & Guidance Through Family Law Matters

Many families in our community experience stress during these times, often feeling overwhelmed by the legal process and its implications on their lives. The emotional toll of separation or custody battles can be significant, especially for children involved. Our team at

Whether you reside in North Ridge, Whiteville, or anywhere in between, our team is dedicated to serving our community and providing guidance through all your family law matters with care. We recognize that each case is unique, and our attorneys are dedicated to helping you find sensible solutions that work for your family. If you are in Mansfield, MA, and need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out. We can help you navigate the complexities of family law with confidence and clarity.

Commonly Asked Questions

How can I prepare for my initial consultation with a family law attorney?

Start by gathering relevant documents, such as financial records, custody agreements, or any previous legal correspondence. Write down a list of questions you have about your case and the attorney's approach. Be ready to discuss your goals and concerns openly. At Ostendorf Law Group, we value thorough preparation and aim to provide you with clear guidance from the very first meeting.

What is the difference between an uncontested and contested divorce?

An uncontested divorce occurs when both parties agree on key issues such as property division, custody arrangements, and alimony before the case goes to court. These divorces are typically faster, less expensive, and less stressful. A contested divorce, however, happens when the couple cannot reach agreements on one or more issues. This requires court intervention where a judge will make decisions based on the evidence presented by both sides. Contested divorces often take longer and involve more legal proceedings.

Can I modify an existing custody or visitation order if it no longer works?

Yes, child custody and visitation orders can be modified if there has been a substantial change in circumstances. Examples include a parent relocating, changes in work schedules, or the child’s evolving needs. To request a modification, you must petition the court and demonstrate why the current arrangement is no longer suitable. The court will then examine whether the proposed changes are in the best interest of the child.

What is the legal process for establishing guardianship in Massachusetts?

To establish guardianship, you generally need to file a petition with the probate and family court. You must demonstrate that the potential guardian will act in the best interest of the child or incapacitated adult. The court requires detailed paperwork, including proof of the applicant's ability to care for the individual. A hearing is then scheduled where evidence and testimony are presented. If the guardianship involves disputes, the process may become more complex.

The Many Ways We Can Help You

Excellence Is the Standard for the Family Law Cases We Handle

Family Law and Divorce Services

We understand that family law cases are often stressful and can be emotionally draining. Our attorneys will handle your case with the care and compassion it deserves so that you can move forward with confidence.

We'll do everything in our power to help you thoroughly understand the details of your case and develop a comprehensive legal strategy tailored to your personal needs. At the end of the day, our mission is simple: ensure that you know your case is in the hands of people who genuinely care about preserving your best interests.

We provide a full range of family law services, including:

  • Divorce services, including for amicable divorces. Whether you're estranged from your ex or are working with them to develop an amicable exit strategy for your marriage, we can help you navigate your divorce.
  • Parental rights issues like parenting time and child support agreements. In any divorce that involves children, child custody, and child support are lynchpin issues. We'll work with you to help you handle custody and support matters effectively without jeopardizing your familial relationships.
  • Determining alimony payments (spousal support). Whether you're seeking alimony from your ex or are being asked to pay spousal support yourself, we have the knowledge to help you with your case.
  • Division of marital assets. Receiving an unfavorable division of assets judgment in your divorce can mean the difference between financial stability and uncertainty. We'll help you understand what assets you should claim as private or communal property, and fight for your rights in court.
  • Premarital agreements. Misconceptions surrounding prenuptial agreements abound. Realistically, premarital agreements are an excellent way to make sure your marriage is fair and equitable to both parties. Whether you want to protect your spouse from that risky investment you've waited years to make, or just want to ensure your assets are divided equitably, we can help you draft a prenuptial agreement that suits your needs.
  • Annulments. Under certain circumstances, you may wish to pursue an annulment instead of a divorce. We can help you understand whether seeking an annulment is feasible, given your circumstances. If it is, we'll help you pursue it.
  • Adoption and guardianships. Navigating adoption or guardianship processes successfully can be challenging. Often, these processes are legally complex and time-consuming. We'll help you determine the most effective way for you to pursue adoption or guardianship and will remain at your side throughout the process.
  • Restraining orders. Whether you're a victim of domestic violence seeking a restraining order, or you're defending yourself against one, we have the knowledge to help you with your case. We understand domestic violence-related proceedings can be stressful and will handle your case with empathy and care.
  • Contempt proceedings. If your ex won’t comply with a court decree, we can help you understand how to broach the topic with a court. If your ex accuses you of shirking your responsibilities, we'll fight for your rights in the courtroom.
  • Court order modification. If you believe your ex isn't accurately carrying out their responsibilities concerning a child custody order or other legally binding contract, we can help. We'll work with you to pursue a court order that can help ensure your ex follows any contracts to the letter.

To help you get to know our firm a little better, let's explore what you can expect if you come to us seeking aid for a child custody, support, visitation, or property asset division case.

Child Custody—Determining Your Custody Arrangement

You want what's best for your children. Unfortunately, child custody, support, and visitation cases often result in a significant amount of inter-familial conflict that can negatively affect parent-child relationships.

Our attorneys at the Ostendorf Law Group, PLLC, understand how important it is to preserve a good parent-child relationship during the divorce process. If you have children who are involved in a divorce, you'll face questions such as: 

  • Who gets custody?
  • How is time with the children shared?
  • How do we continue to support them?
  • What happens as our lives change due to a move or a job change?

The answers to these critical concerns will be different for every family.

If possible, we'll work with you and your ex to try and develop a mutually beneficial arrangement that satisfies both parties. If you and your ex are estranged or can't reach an agreement, we'll fight for your parental rights in the courtroom. We'll take care of the heavy lifting, so you can focus on maintaining a positive relationship with your children during this trying time.

Protecting your rights as a parent is just as important as the interests of your children. We provide the insight and advice you need for custody, support, establishing paternity, and other child custody-related concerns.

  • We maintain the highest ethical standards in our decisions, actions, and communications.
  • We have a heavy litigation background & winning success record.
  • We create personalized strategies to meet your needs.
  • We are accessible - when you hire us, you get us day or night.

Property Division—Dividing Debts and Assets in a Divorce

How marital assets such as property, debts, and bank accounts are divided can determine your future financial stability. For this reason, property division is often one of the most contentious parts of any divorce case. It's a complex issue that requires the help of a skilled attorney who can handle the legal as well as the emotional aspects of these cases.

Under Massachusetts law, all assets and debts must be divided equitably, including:

  • Homes
  • Vehicles
  • Household goods
  • Bank accounts
  • Cash assets
  • Retirement accounts
  • Real estate assets
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Ready to Approach Your Family Law Case with Confidence? We're Here to Help.

Our comprehensive legal services provide a broader perspective and help ensure we maintain a consistent, comfortable approach to resolving your legal challenges. At the Ostendorf Law Group, PLLC, our divorce, child support, and custody attorneys in Mansfield are here to protect your future and that of your children.

To arrange a consultation with one of our family lawyers, contact us online or give us a call at (508) 593-1408. Meet our team today! We proudly serve clients throughout Bristol County.