When a couple makes the decision to get divorced in Massachusetts, they will have to determine whether they would like to cite grounds for divorce or if they plan to cite no-fault. Fault grounds means that one spouse wishes to blame the divorce on the other because they committed one of the following acts that ultimately led to the failure of the marriage:
- Adultery
- Desertion
- Cruel and abusive treatment
- Gross and confirmed habits of intoxication
- Non-support
- Impotence
- Imprisonment for 5 or more years
Though there are plenty of fault grounds for a spouse to use, many people choose no-fault grounds because it avoids unnecessary additional legal problems. Massachusetts has two types of no-fault grounds, detailed as 1A and 1B.
A 1A divorce is an uncontested divorce that is happening due to the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. This means that all of the matters in the divorce are already resolved, including child custody, child support, equitable distribution, and alimony.
A 1B divorce, on the other hand, is also a divorce that is happening on no-fault grounds of an irretrievable breakdown but there are still unresolved marital issues that need to be addressed. If marital issues are resolved, the divorce can change from 1B to 1A.
If you have questions about divorce, contact our firm today.
If you require compassionate and knowledgeable legal guidance for a matter of divorce, family or estate law, please contact the experienced attorneys at the Law Offices of Cynthia L. Hanley today. Our firm proudly serves clients in Mansfield, Massachusetts and throughout Bristol County.
