No matter how you process the decision, divorce won’t be easy. Things are likely to get complicated if there are minor kids involved or when you share a lot of assets with your spouse. The good news is you can get a no-fault divorce in Massachusetts. Even at times when you seem to be in agreement with your spouse about the divorce, consulting an attorney is a wise idea. Check with the lawyers of Turco Legal, P.C., to get an overview of the process. We have answered some significant questions about divorce in Massachusetts.
What are the residency requirements for a Massachusetts divorce?
If you were married outside of Massachusetts, you could file for divorce if you have lived in the state for at least a year immediately before the divorce. On the other hand, if the reason for your divorce happened in the state, you can file for divorce too, as long as it is not a situation where you have to Massachusetts to get the divorce alone.
What are the grounds for divorce in Massachusetts?
You can file for a no-fault divorce in Massachusetts, which essentially means that neither you nor your spouse is responsible for the breakdown of the marriage. The reason is “an irretrievable breakdown of marriage” – a situation where the marriage is broken and cannot be fixed. A fault-based divorce is when either party accuses the other of being responsible for the end of the marriage. There are several grounds for a fault-based divorce, including impotency, adultery, abandonment for a year, habitual intoxication, abusive behavior, and imprisonment. Expectedly, fault-based divorces take longer.
Can you ask for alimony?
There are several factors that the judge will consider for alimony or spousal support. The list includes the length of the marriage, the age of the parties, income and employability factors, economic and non-economic contributions of the parties, and whether a party lost economic opportunities due to the marriage.
Should you get an attorney?
Divorces are often complex and draining – emotionally and financially. You need someone who can work on your side and protect your interests, and that’s where a divorce lawyer can come in handy. They can ensure that you don’t compromise on your rights because of the situation. They can also fight for alimony and child support. If you have issues with visitation rights and child custody, your lawyer can help with those things too.
Call a divorce lawyer before you take the first step.