How Quickly Can You Get Divorced in Massachusetts?

Getting divorced in Massachusetts can be relatively quick depending on circumstances. An uncontested divorce can be finalized within 90-120 days while contested divorces may take up to 14 months.

Rosalyn Mcinerny22/03/20242 minutes 10, seconds read

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Getting divorced in Massachusetts can be a relatively quick process, depending on the circumstances. An uncontested divorce can be finalized within 90 to 120 days, while a contested divorce may take up to 14 months. There are simplified divorce procedures for couples who agree on all terms, and the court may waive the attendance of one spouse at the hearing for extended reach. To file for divorce in Massachusetts, you must have lived in the state for at least one year or the reason for the marriage ending must have occurred in Massachusetts. You can find more information on filing for divorce, types of divorce, getting a copy of your divorce record and more.

Divorce cases can reach a conclusion quickly or may take a long time to complete. With the burden of cases that judges have on their plate, family law trials are usually set six to nine months after the pre-trial conference hearing, assuming that all discovery has been made and the case is ready for trial. The pre-trial conference hearing is usually not set until about nine months after a divorce complaint is filed. Therefore, even in the fastest of circumstances, a family law (divorce) litigator will generally not see a trial to settle your case until more than a year after the initial complaint is filed. Under Massachusetts law, you have the right to represent yourself in all legal cases, including divorce.

There is no need for a trial and the process is simpler, faster and less expensive than a contested divorce. Massachusetts does not have an official form for the settlement, but many online divorce services will provide you with this document, based on the information you provided. If your spouse has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor with a sentence of at least 18 months, you can file for divorce. For contested divorces, hiring a lawyer means having the necessary protection when two parties disagree about their separation. If your spouse does not respond, the court will proceed with the divorce as long as the notice of the proceedings has been successfully completed.

In Massachusetts, neither cunnilingus nor fellatio, which the law defines as sodomy, is grounds for divorce and, in general, neither is considered adultery. It's very important to find out if your spouse has a pension, retirement account, insurance or other important assets before deciding whether to file your own divorce. Sometimes it is not a separate contract but until the judge approves it, it becomes part of the divorce decree (this is called a separation agreement that has been “merged with the divorce decree”).

Next postWhat Does a Local Divorce Lawyer Do?

Rosalyn Mcinerny

Rosalyn McInerny was born on a crisp autumn day in 1979, in the picturesque town of Daly City, California. Raised in a close-knit family, she learned early on the values of empathy, compassion, and perseverance. Her parents, both teachers, instilled in her the importance of education and the power of knowledge.

Rosalyn's academic journey began at a young age when she displayed an exceptional aptitude for learning. Her passion for studying human behavior and societal dynamics led her to excel in high school. In 1997, she earned a scholarship to attend Princeton University, where she majored in Psychology and minored in Sociology.

During her time at Princeton, Rosalyn became known for her dedication to helping others. She volunteered at the campus counseling center, providing support to students facing emotional challenges. It was during this time that she first glimpsed her future calling in the field of family law.

In 2001, Rosalyn graduated with honors, armed with a profound understanding of human relationships and a desire to make a meaningful impact on people's lives. She decided to pursue a career in law, a path that would enable her to use her knowledge and empathy to assist those navigating the complex and emotionally charged world of divorce.

After completing law school and passing the bar exam, Rosalyn quickly established herself as a rising star in the field of family law. Her deep understanding of human behavior and her empathetic approach to clients set her apart from her peers. In 2007, she joined Daly City Divorce Lawyers, a prestigious law firm specializing in divorce cases.

Rosalyn's passion for helping women going through divorce became her life's mission. She dedicated countless hours to understanding the unique challenges women face during this tumultuous period. Her dedication led her to write two influential books on the subject, "Unveiling Strength: A Woman's Guide to Divorce" and "Breaking Free:Empowering Women in Divorce."

Outside of her career, Rosalyn is a loving wife and devoted mother of two. She believes in the importance of a strong support system and encourages her clients to lean on their loved ones during challenging times.

As a partner at Daly City Divorce Lawyers, Rosalyn McInerny continues to make a difference in the lives of women seeking guidance through the difficult process of divorce. Her dedication, empathy, and unwavering commitment to her clients have earned her a reputation as a compassionate and knowledgeable advocate.

Rosalyn McInerny's story is one of resilience and compassion. She is a shining example of how one person's determination and empathy can positively impact the lives of countless others, helping them find strength and hope in the face of adversity.