Divorce can be stressful, from going through the legal processes to seeing a life you thought would last forever end. Thus, it’s understandable if you wish to know how long it can take before you’re able to move on.
Here is what you should know about no-fault divorce periods in Massachusetts:
It depends on the type of no-fault divorce
If you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse are dissolving your marriage on the basis that it’s irretrievably broken, and have agreed on crucial matters, including child custody, child support, alimony and property division (a 1A no-fault divorce), your divorce may be finalized in as few as 120 days.
Once the judge hears your case and determines the marriage is irretrievably broken, a judgment nisi (the period between the judge granting you a divorce and when it will be final) will automatically be entered 30 days later. If you and your spouse don’t change your minds during this period, your divorce will be finalized 90 days after the judgment date.
If you or both of you believe the marriage is irretrievably broken but aren’t in agreement about vital matters (a 1B no-fault divorce), your divorce is “contested” and may be longer than if you were going through a 1A no-fault divorce. Unless the court has granted a waiver, your hearing can’t be scheduled any sooner than six months from when you filed. Further, if you haven’t agreed on all issues during the hearing, there may be a trial. The judge will make the final decision during the trial. Your divorce will be finalized 90 days after the judgment is entered.
It’s important to note that these are “best case” scenarios. How long your divorce actually takes will depend heavily on the court’s schedule.
If you are going through a divorce, it will be best to get legal guidance to avoid potential delays.