As you know, family law issues can get extremely complicated. This holds especially true if you live in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The bottom line is that divorce and everything involved in the divorce process is stressful. Couples who are facing divorce are typically not on good terms with each other. That means it can be incredibly difficult to agree upon important terms that will not only affect the outcome of the divorce but also have a monumental influence on your lives moving forward.
In order to get through the process and make these issues significantly easier to deal with, it is highly advised that you work with a professional attorney who specializes in family law. All family law issues tend to be emotional. The situation can get even more emotional when children are involved and custody and child support is in the mix. You should always be represented by a family law attorney who takes emotions out of the equation and gets down to the facts of your case.
Speaking of fact, there are a few things that you should be aware of if you plan to get divorced in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. First and foremost, Massachusetts is a no fault state. That means you do not need to actually prove why you want to get divorced. In fact, you only need to state that you want to get divorced on the grounds that your current marriage is broken beyond repair, and that it is in the best interest for both parties to divorce. That fact can save you a considerable amount of time, heartbreak, and aggravation.
You can also file for divorce in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts based on specific “fault” grounds. That being stated, it is not all that common. For example, you can file for divorce in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts based on adultery, addiction to alcohol or drugs, physical or mental abuse, or neglect. However, you must be able to prove in Court that the allegation or fault is true. That adds an additional element to the case that may not be necessary as Massachusetts is considered a “no-fault” state. You can end a marriage for any reason. Another important fact is that either you or your spouse must reside in Massachusetts for at least a six (6) month period in order to file for divorce in the commonwealth.
That can complicate things a bit if you or your spouse has recently moved to another state or even another county within the commonwealth. Ask anyone who has been through a divorce. They will inform you that it took an emotional toll, even if both parties were amenable and agreed on most if not all items. It’s difficult to say the least to finalize the official end to a marriage. It certainly took time to build a life together and the divorce symbolizes the end of that life. However, breaking the emotional bond isn’t the only hurdle to get over.
Dividing assets and property add a whole new staple into the mix. The same holds true for couples with children. Deciding on child custody and child support can be incredibly difficult, especially when the parties do not agree on the terms. The good news is that an experienced family law attorney will help you get through everything. They will also help you to obtain the best outcome possible based on your exact circumstances.
Please contact us today if you need help with any family law-related topics. Attorney Brynn Zawada is here for you each and every step of the way.