Grounds for Divorce Lawyers

Massachusetts Grounds for Divorce Lawyers in Mansfield, MA | Bristol County

Divorce can be a complicated and emotional topic for many. In Massachusetts, there are a few prerequisites before being able to divorce. One of those requirements is the need to cite grounds. Many people think that divorce can only begin because of a specific reason, commonly called “fault grounds”. With the implementation of no-fault divorces, Massachusetts, among many other states, provides a way for people to get a divorce that avoids legal issues before getting into the process. Now, if you want a divorce, no one can stop you. It is important to understand your legal options when considering the divorce process. The Law Offices of Cynthia L. Hanley, P.C. is an experienced and compassionate law firm serving the great state of Massachusetts. Our firm understands how stressful a divorce can be and we are here to help you along the way. For a consultation, contact our firm.

Fault grounds

Massachusetts allows people to cite fault grounds to start a divorce. This means that one party is at fault for the marriage ending. When a person decides to cite fault grounds, they have 7 grounds to choose from, including:

  • Adultery
  • Desertion
  • Gross and confirmed habits of intoxication
  • Cruel and abusive treatment
  • Non- support
  • Impotence
  • Imprisonment of 5 or more years

Most people shy away from using fault grounds because of the exposure to legal action before the divorce process even begins, costing both parties more time and money than no-fault grounds. If your spouse cheated on you and you cite the fault ground of adultery, they can answer that accusation, leading to legal problems before the important marital issues can be addressed. Furthermore, most fault grounds have little to no impact on the divorce outcome, with some exceptions, including cruel and abusive treatment.

No-fault grounds

No-fault grounds allow people to get to the important topics of divorce and avoid the pitfalls of fault grounds. No-fault grounds are broken into two main categories that revolve around the premise of “an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage”; 1A divorce and 1B divorce.

  • 1A Divorce: This is an uncontested divorce. Both parties agree that the marriage has broken down and through a written agreement, have resolved marital issues, including child support, parenting time, alimony, child custody, and the division of marital assets.
  • 1B Divorce: This is a contested divorce. One party cites that the marriage is irretrievably broken down and the couple have not agreed to terms over marital issues. If the couple cannot come together to figure out their differences, they may have to litigate. If they can come together to resolve marital issues, they may be able to change their divorce complaint from a “1B” to a “1A” divorce.

Contact an experienced Mansfield, MA Divorce Attorney

If you are facing the possibility of divorce, it is important to have quality legal support through the process. Exploring your legal options is an important part of being prepared for the road ahead. The Law Offices of Cynthia L. Hanley, P.C. has over 30 years of experience practicing law in Massachusetts. If you need a law firm that can effectively represent your specific needs, contact The Law Offices of Cynthia L. Hanley, P.C. for a consultation.