How to Get a Divorce in Massachusetts Quickly

Learn how to get divorced quickly in Massachusetts with an uncontested divorce. Find out what disputes are involved with a divorce and how busy the court system is.

Rosalyn Mcinerny20/06/20232 minutes 33, seconds read

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If you have decided to end your marriage, you may be wondering what the fastest way to get divorced in Massachusetts is. Uncontested divorces are by far the quickest way to obtain a divorce, as they involve filing a joint complaint as well as a full separation agreement. Divorce Aid Legal can help you with this process and can finalize it within 90 to 120 days, depending on whether there is a separation agreement involved. Contested divorces, on the other hand, involve one party filing for divorce and submitting the complaint to the other party. The Massachusetts Probate and Family Court has issued a standing order that estimates the duration of a contested divorce to be 14 months.

However, this process may still take longer, depending on what disputes are involved with a divorce and how busy the court system is. In order to file for divorce in Massachusetts, you must have lived in the state for at least one year or the reason why the marriage ended must have occurred in Massachusetts and you must have lived in Massachusetts as a couple. You can file for divorce in the Probate and Family Court in the county where you live or in the county where your spouse lives. If your spouse still lives in the county where you last lived together, you must file for divorce in that county.

You may also choose to use divorce mediation instead of a court hearing to end your marriage. Mediation is completely voluntary and the mediator's decision is not binding. However, it's a good way to create a separation agreement that can then be used to file a “1A” divorce without a lawyer. If both parties reach an agreement during the six-month waiting period, the divorce can be changed to uncontested so that the hearing process can be established without going through the entire six-month period.

If either of these things is true, you can file for divorce in Massachusetts, even if your spouse lives in another state or doesn't know where you live. It is recommended that you choose a no-fault divorce, unless you have strong evidence of any grounds for fault and prevailing yields considerable advantages for you. Hiring a lawyer means having the necessary protection when two parties disagree about their separation. 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. When someone files for divorce in Massachusetts because of irreconcilable differences, the defendant cannot object to the divorce. You may receive a separate court order that makes your name change official or that your name change is recorded in the final divorce decree. So, if you are looking for ways to get divorced quickly in Massachusetts, an uncontested divorce is your best option.

It's important to talk about this with a lawyer and get answers to your questions through other sources such as family law attorneys, your county court, friends and family who have been through a divorce, and online resources.

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.