Uncontested Divorce
If you are seeking a divorce and need representation, the Law Office of James F. Connors can help you through the entire process. He represents clients in Probate and Family Court for divorce settlements, prenuptial agreements, and more. His experience spans over 50 years and includes both educating and working in the family law field, making him an expert divorce attorney.
What is Uncontested Divorce?
Uncontested divorce means that both spouses are in mutual agreement on the distribution of assets and terms of child custody. In Massachusetts, this is also referred to as a “no-fault 1a divorce.” In this type of divorce, there is no trial, making it a quicker and simpler process.
Massachusetts Uncontested Divorce Process
If you are seeking a divorce in the state of Massachusetts, there are several steps to take during the uncontested divorce process. Filing for divorce will require you to write a legally binding contract between both parties called a separation agreement. The separation agreement must be signed by both spouses and notarized. A divorce attorney will help guide you through the different ways to reach an agreement.
For uncontested divorce in Massachusetts, you will need the following:
· A certified copy of marriage certificate
· Separation agreement
· Joint petition for divorce
· The signed Affidavit of Irretrievable Breakdown
· Record of Absolute Divorce
· A financial statement
· Child Support Guidelines worksheet
· Attend a parent education program
· An affidavit disclosing custody proceeding
Having a divorce attorney as representation will make the process go much smoother, as you will be prepared with all the correctly filled out paperwork needed to file for uncontested divorce.
How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Massachusetts?
Once all of your paperwork has been filed, the court will set a hearing date. In most cases, both parties must attend the hearing unless they were granted a waiver by the court. During the hearing, the judge can ask questions about the paperwork filed. After the hearing, the judge will accept the separation agreement and enter a divorce order.
Your divorce becomes final 90 days from the date your judge grants your divorce. If you are looking to remarry, you must wait 120 days from the entry date of the order approving the divorce.
Making sure the paperwork is filled out properly with all the essential components is crucial to a time-efficient divorce. Having an attorney present will help you prepare the paperwork for filing and represent you during the hearing.