PRACTICE AREAS
divorce &
judicial
separation
Sometimes marriages need to end. Moss Legal Services is here to help you navigate the process of divorce by providing you with all the information you need to know to make the decision that is best for you and your family.
Some decide they want to remain married, but wish to legally divide their assets and debts, and if applicable, reach an agreement regarding their children, but remain married. In that case, Moss Legal Services can help you through the process of Judicial Separation.
We handle all aspects of divorce and Judicial Separation, from Complaints, Motions to Modify, Motions to Enforce, and Motions for Contempt.
parental
rights & responsibiLIties
When couples who are not married but have children separate, and want a formal order regarding decision-making, residence, contact, and child support, a Complaint for Parental Rights & Responsibilities is appropriate. Paternity can also be established through a Parental Rights action.
We also represent clients in actions to Modify, Enforce, and for Contempt.
prenuptial & Postnuptial agreements
Prenuptial agreements determine how couples will divide their assets and debts in the event they divorce. Prenuptial agreements can make the divorce process much simpler, and often prompt conversations couples should have before they get married.
Postnuptial agreements, like prenuptial agreements, determine how couples will divide their assets and debts in the event of divorce, except they are executed after couples marry.
estate
planning
We help clients prepare their end-of-life documents, including wills, power of attorney, and advance healthcare directives. One of the biggest gifts you can give to your family at the end of your life is to ensure they know your wishes.
protection
from abuse & harassment
When people experience domestic, interpersonal violence, and/or harassment, they seek protection through the Courts via a Protection from Abuse complaint or a Protection from Harassment complaint. We represent clients as Plaintiffs and Defendants.
guardian
ad litem
In some family matter cases, the Courts appoint a guardian ad litem (GAL). GAL's are appointed for a variety of reasons, and their appointments can be narrow or broad. In every case, a GAL will meet with the child(ren) and their parents and make recommendations to the parents and the Court about what is in the best interests of the child(ren).
QUALIFIED DOMESTIC RELATIONS ORDERS
(QDRO)
SOMETIMES, AS PART OF A DIVORCE JUDGMENT, PARTIES NEED TO DIVIDE RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS. CERTAIN RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS, SUCH AS 401(K)S, 403(B)S, PENSIONS, EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLANS (ESOPS), AND SIMPLIFIED EMPLOYEE PENSION (SEP) PLANS, ARE GOVERNED BY ERISA, AND IN ORDER TO DIVIDE THESE PLANS, A QUALIFIED DOMESTIC RELATIONS ORDER (QDRO) NEEDS TO BE FILED WITH THE COURT. WITHOUT A QDRO, THE PLAN ADMINISTRATOR CANNOT DIVIDE THE RETIREMENT PLAN.
WE DRAFT QDROS AS PART OF OUR LAW PRACTICE FOR CLIENTS, BUT ALSO FOR SELF-REPRESENTED PARTIES WHO NEED A QDRO TO EFFECTUATE THEIR DIVORCE JUDGMENT.
SERVICE AREA
WE SERVE YORK, CUMBERLAND, ANDROSCOGGIN, AND SAGADAhOC COUNTIES.
WE SERVE OXFORD, KNOX, FRANKLIN, SOMERSET, KENNEBEC, LINCOLN, WALDO, HANCOCK, WASHINGTON, PENOBSCOT, PISCATAQUIS, AND AROOTSTOOK COUNTIES ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS.