Massachusetts Trial and Divorce Lawyer

When a marriage breaks down and one of the spouses feels that the relationship must end, he or she may consult a Massachusetts Lawyer and seek a divorce. In addition to recognizing various "fault" grounds (such as desertion) for granting a divorce, Massachusetts also allows divorce on a no-fault basis (cited as "irretrievable breakdown," meaning simply that a marriage has broken down to the point where there is no chance of reconciliation between the parties).  Like many types of civil proceedings in Massachusetts courts, the divorce process often begins with the filing of a "complaint" in the appropriate court by a Massachusetts Lawyer representing one of the parties, then generally follows the same course as other types of litigation. Massachusetts also allows parties to file for divorce jointly, if they are in agreement as to how they want to address all of the issues relating to the breakup of their marriage. In these cases, after the court receives a "joint petition" for divorce and other required papers from the parties (or one of their lawyers), it schedules a hearing. When the parties appear for the hearing, the judge determines whether the agreement the parties have reached is fair and reasonable under Massachusetts law. If the judge finds that it is, he or she will usually approve the agreement and grant a "judgment nisi" (conditional divorce). The divorce generally becomes final within 4 months of the hearing date, so long as their is no objection by either of the parties or their Massachusetts Lawyers during that post-hearing period.