If you and your spouse have tried to work out your differences, but ultimately have decided that it’s in your best interests to go your separate ways, you may fear the costly and time-consuming divorce process ahead. However, you don’t necessarily have to attend numerous court hearings to iron out the terms that will apply to the termination of your marriage. Fortunately, alternative divorce routes exist, enabling couples to end their marriage without having to go to court. Please continue reading to learn how you can get a divorce without going to court in Massachusetts and how our trusted Bristol County Divorce Options Lawyers can guide you through these complex matters.
Can I Get a Divorce Without Going to Court?
If you want to reap the benefits of staying out of divorce court in Massachusetts, you must meet certain requirements to file for an uncontested divorce. During an uncontested divorce, spouses must enter into the process in complete agreement on the terms that will apply to the termination of the marriage. Essentially, both parties will need to see eye to eye on all matters such as child custody, property division, child support, and spousal support for minor children. If you can handle your differences outside of the courtroom, your divorce process will be drastically easier as you can avoid litigation, the associated fees, and long waiting periods.
If you cannot agree on the terms that will apply to the termination of your marriage, you will need to file for a contested divorce. A contested divorce occurs when both parties have to retain legal representation and argue their divorce in court to reach a marital settlement agreement. This generally takes much longer to resolve than an uncontested divorce. Depending on the court’s caseload, an uncontested divorce can range from three to six months to resolve. An uncontested divorce, on the other hand, can take anywhere from several months to years to settle, depending on the complexity of the case.
Should I Consider Mediation?
If you and your spouse have tried to work out our disputed issues but still haven’t reached a mutually beneficial settlement agreement and don’t want to go to court to end your marriage, you should consider the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) method of mediation. During mediation, you and your spouse will meet with an impartial mediator who will facilitate communication and resolution of any issues surrounding the divorce. This alternative dispute resolution is designed to help couples negotiate and arrive at a just divorce settlement agreement. There are numerous benefits to this legal process, including avoiding litigation.
At The Law Offices of Cynthia L. Hanley, P.C., we are prepared to help you determine the best divorce route for your unique situation. If you are seeking a divorce in Massachusetts, please don’t hesitate to contact a dedicated lawyer who can help you dissolve your marriage and avoid litigation.
