If you are ready to get divorced in Massachusetts, you should first have a firm understanding of your options. You may file either a fault-based divorce or a no-fault divorce. You must know what each of those can mean for you. Please continue reading and speak with our knowledgeable Bristol County divorce attorney today to learn more about the different types of divorce in Massachusetts and how we can help you through every step of the process ahead. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What are the fault grounds for divorce in Massachusetts?
There are various fault grounds you may cite when filing for divorce in Massachusetts. Those fault grounds are as follows:
- Adultery
- Desertion
- Gross and confirmed habits of intoxication
- Cruel and abusive treatment
- Non- support
- Impotence
- Imprisonment of 5 or more years
What is a no-fault divorce?
When you file a no-fault divorce, you do not cite any of the aforementioned reasons for your divorce, and instead, you simply cite an “irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.” Under most circumstances, our firm will recommend that you file a no-fault divorce, as citing fault grounds gives your spouse a chance to rebut your reasoning for divorce, which all too often prolongs the divorce process, costing you additional time and money. Furthermore, citing fault grounds, such as adultery, very rarely works to the benefit of the spouse that believes he or she was wronged. For this very reason, we usually tell our clients that it makes the most sense to file a no-fault divorce.
What are the different types of no-fault divorces in Massachusetts?
There are two types of no-fault divorces in Massachusetts. They are 1A and 1B divorce. If you are filing for an uncontested divorce, meaning you and your spouse can agree on terms surrounding child custody, child support, alimony, and property division, you will file a 1A divorce. That being said, if you cannot agree on all of the aforementioned, you will file a 1B divorce, which means that you are filing a no-fault contested divorce. This generally happens when one spouse feels as though their marriage is irretrievably broken down and the other does not. No matter where you are in the process, you must retain the services of an experienced Massachusetts divorce attorney who can work for the best outcome possible on your behalf.
Contact our experienced Bristol County firm
For over 30 years, The Law Offices of Cynthia L. Hanley, P.C. has provided quality legal support and representation for clients in Bristol County and all of Massachusetts. Our firm’s experience eases the stress of clients while providing the legal services they deserve. If you need help through a contested divorce, contact The Law Offices of Cynthia L. Hanley, P.C. for a consultation today.
