No-Fault Divorce in Massachusetts

Though divorce is the last thing spouses imagine at the start of their marriage, it is an unfortunate reality of life. If you are now looking to file for divorce, you should read on and reach out to our experienced Bristol County divorce attorneys to learn more about fault vs. no-fault divorces and how our firm can help you through the legal process going forward. Here are some of the questions you may have:

What is a no-fault divorce?

When couples divorce in Massachusetts, they have the option of citing fault grounds or simply filing a no-fault divorce. No-fault divorce, on one hand, is when you file for divorce without having to state a specific reason for doing so. However, understandably, many spouses wish to cite their reasoning for divorce, especially if they feel wronged by their spouse. For example, if your spouse cheated on you, nobody would blame you for wanting the court to know that was the reason for your split. Not only does this help some spouses feel a sense of retribution, but many spouses also assume that it may impact the outcome of their divorce. Unfortunately, this is not always true.

In many cases, our firm will advise clients to not cite fault grounds for two reasons: 1) citing fault grounds gives your spouse a chance to rebut your accusations, often prolonging the process, and 2) citing fault grounds rarely ever positively impacts the outcome of your divorce.

What are the grounds for divorce in Massachusetts?

Under some circumstances, spouses will instead choose to cite fault grounds. The fault grounds you may cite for your divorce in Massachusetts are as follows:

  • Domestic violence
  • Impotence
  • Desertion
  • Adultery
  • Imprisonment for 5 years or more
  • Drug or alcohol abuse
  • Non-support

Are there different types of no-fault divorce in Massachusetts?

Yes, there are. The two types of no-fault divorce are 1A divorce and 1B divorce. 1A divorce is an uncontested divorce, which means you and your spouse agree on its terms and are ready to move forward with the process. However, if you cannot agree on your divorce terms, you will file a 1B divorce for a contested divorce, and from there, you will most likely enter the litigation process. For an attorney you can trust, reach out to our firm today.

Contact our experienced Massachusetts 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.