Last Updated on October 19, 2022 by Umer Mukhtar
Divorce is not an easy decision. It takes courage to finally accept that your marriage has failed, probably after all the good effort. Filing for divorce in Massachusetts doesn’t have to be complicated. Even when your spouse doesn’t want a divorce, you can seek the same. Divorce is more than just a signature. It can impact your life ahead, and you may want to seek legal representation and advice at the earliest. In this post, we are sharing more on laws in the state and why you should get help with your divorce in Massachusetts.
Table of Contents
The basic aspects
If you were married in a different state, you can still file for divorce in Massachusetts, as long as residency requirements are met. Either you or your spouse must have lived in the county for at least one year. Getting a divorce in Massachusetts doesn’t have to take long either. There is a statutory waiting period of 90 days. If you and your spouse can agree on aspects like child custody, child support, and property division, the divorce can be done quicker. In some cases, divorces drag for months, because the separating spouses cannot come to an agreement on key things.
Grounds for divorce in Massachusetts
The state allows for both “fault” and “no-fault” divorces. In a no-fault divorce, you don’t have to blame your spouse but can claim that the differences are irreconcilable. In other words, just stating that you and your spouse cannot stay together anymore. There are also fault grounds in Massachusetts, including impotency, adultery, desertion (for a year), substance abuse, cruelty, and conviction of a felony. A fault-based divorce often takes more time and costs more, which is precisely why it is best to resolve matters in an amicable manner.
Why do you need a divorce lawyer?
While you can file for a divorce on your own, working with an attorney has many benefits. People often don’t know much about family law until they are facing a legal matter. Hiring a divorce lawyer is more about knowing your rights and interests. Lawyers know what it takes to discuss key aspects and get what you deserve. Massachusetts allows for equitable distribution of assets, but there are various factors to consider, such as the length of the marriage. An attorney can work on your side and make sure that the divorce remains as simple as possible.
You can check online for top-rated attorneys in Massachusetts.
