{"id":2948,"date":"2024-01-05T11:18:25","date_gmt":"2024-01-05T11:18:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/?p=2948"},"modified":"2024-04-30T22:35:37","modified_gmt":"2024-04-30T22:35:37","slug":"first-step-when-you-decide-divorce-massachusetts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/first-step-when-you-decide-divorce-massachusetts\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the First Step When You Decide to Divorce in Massachusetts?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"2948\" class=\"elementor elementor-2948\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8a7514c e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"8a7514c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-324ff1e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"324ff1e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The first step when deciding to divorce in Massachusetts is determining whether you are filing a contested or uncontested divorce, and whether the divorce will be fault or no-fault. In a contested divorce, the spouses have not come to full agreement on the terms, whereas in an uncontested divorce, both parties agree on all issues and terms. If filing a no-fault divorce, you can file under Section 1A or Section 1B, depending on whether an agreement has been reached before or after filing. For contested divorces, all cases are filed under Section 1B, with or without fault grounds\u200b.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2dd15e1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"2dd15e1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/1y_6-Uwzuec?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-909ebfc elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"909ebfc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='introduction-to-massachusetts-divorce-law'  id=\"boomdevs_1\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Introduction to Massachusetts Divorce Law<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e60c4c2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e60c4c2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='understanding-the-landscape'  id=\"boomdevs_2\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Understanding the Landscape<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8e59a69 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8e59a69\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>When a married couple arrives at the difficult decision to part ways, the legal path ahead can seem scary. Massachusetts divorce laws are designed to ensure that both parties are treated fairly, but it takes some navigation. The very first step in this journey is to get a clear picture of the type of divorce you are facing. Are you and your spouse citing irreconcilable differences, or is there a specific fault ground such as abusive treatment? This will determine the course of your divorce case.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a9f8ce8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a9f8ce8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='the-basics-of-residency'  id=\"boomdevs_3\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Basics of Residency<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e3b8788 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e3b8788\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>To <a href=\"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/ibetter-to-be-one-who-filed-divorce-massachusetts\/\">file for divorce in Massachusetts<\/a>, at least one spouse must be a resident of the state. If the reason for the divorce occurred outside of Massachusetts, the spouse filing must have lived in the state for at least one year. This residency requirement ensures that the Massachusetts family court has jurisdiction over your case.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bf447bc elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"bf447bc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='starting-the-legal-process'  id=\"boomdevs_4\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Starting the Legal Process<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-80ef61b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"80ef61b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='filing-for-divorce'  id=\"boomdevs_5\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Filing for Divorce<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9d769e7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9d769e7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Your divorce proceedings begin <a href=\"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/what-happens-if-spouse-doesnt-respond-divorce-massachusetts\/\">when you file a divorce complaint<\/a> in the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court. Whether you&#8217;re going through a no-fault divorce (referred to as a &#8220;1A&#8221; divorce if filing a joint petition, or &#8220;1B&#8221; if not) or a fault divorce, you will need to submit the proper divorce papers, including a certified copy of your marriage certificate, and pay a filing fee. If you cannot afford the legal fees, an affidavit of indigency can be filed, potentially waiving these costs.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f6a2edf elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"f6a2edf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='financial-considerations'  id=\"boomdevs_6\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Financial Considerations<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2d61d9e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2d61d9e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='preparing-your-financial-statement'  id=\"boomdevs_7\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Preparing Your Financial Statement<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7776508 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7776508\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>One of the most critical aspects of a divorce case is the financial statement. This document details your financial situation, including:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a5a3fa8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a5a3fa8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li>income,<\/li><li>bank accounts,<\/li><li>real estate,<\/li><li>retirement accounts, and<\/li><li>debts like credit cards.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3b0ca0e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3b0ca0e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>It&#8217;s a pivotal piece of information for:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-80b9533 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"80b9533\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li>property division,<\/li><li>child support payments, and<\/li><li>potential alimony.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-42ab021 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"42ab021\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='securing-your-financial-future'  id=\"boomdevs_8\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Securing Your Financial Future<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ac92572 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ac92572\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Understanding your assets and liabilities is key. You&#8217;ll need to collect:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-789f4d2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"789f4d2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li>bank statements,<\/li><li>tax returns, and<\/li><li>details of retirement plans.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-df13819 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"df13819\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If you and your spouse can agree on the division of assets, a written separation agreement can simplify the process. This is especially important if you&#8217;re considering an online divorce service to reduce attorney fees.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-995be98 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"995be98\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='dealing-with-child-custody-and-support'  id=\"boomdevs_9\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Dealing With Child Custody <br>and Support<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fd32cee elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"fd32cee\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='prioritizing-the-best-interests-of-the-child'  id=\"boomdevs_10\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Prioritizing the Best Interests of the Child<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7239732 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7239732\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Child custody arrangements are determined based on the best interests of the child. Whether seeking joint physical custody or becoming the custodial parent, you must prepare to make a strong case for your child&#8217;s well-being. Massachusetts child support guidelines will help you understand the likely financial support required.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8d76be0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8d76be0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='creating-a-stable-environment'  id=\"boomdevs_11\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Creating a Stable Environment<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-968dcab elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"968dcab\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>For minor children, stability during this tumultuous time is paramount. Any agreement made should ensure that their life is disrupted as little as possible. This includes decisions on:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-474b138 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"474b138\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li>the marital home,<\/li><li>the children&#8217;s education, and<\/li><li>their health insurance coverage.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-72506e8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"72506e8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='the-role-of-temporary-orders'  id=\"boomdevs_12\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Role of Temporary Orders<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-89bc5b4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"89bc5b4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/fgsJvEGQvxU?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3840a97 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3840a97\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='immediate-needs-and-protection'  id=\"boomdevs_13\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Immediate Needs and Protection<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-45cbe85 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"45cbe85\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>While divorce proceedings can take time, temporary orders can provide immediate relief regarding:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-991fc58 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"991fc58\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li>child custody,<\/li><li>child support, and<\/li><li>financial support.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c3d4a2c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c3d4a2c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>These court orders ensure stability until a final judgment is reached.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-235568d elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"235568d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='preparing-for-the-waiting-period'  id=\"boomdevs_14\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Preparing for the Waiting Period<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1ce828d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1ce828d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>In Massachusetts, there is a waiting period known as the &#8216;Nisi Period&#8217; before the divorce becomes final. Temporary orders are crucial during this time, as they govern the major issues until the final hearing.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ccadaee elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ccadaee\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='the-importance-of-mediation-and-settlement-agreements'  id=\"boomdevs_15\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Importance of Mediation and <br>Settlement Agreements<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5e61302 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"5e61302\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='exploring-divorce-mediation'  id=\"boomdevs_16\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Exploring Divorce Mediation<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4c5bf65 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4c5bf65\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Divorce mediation is a process that allows you and your spouse to work out an agreement with the help of a neutral third party. It can be a less adversarial and more cost-effective option compared to traditional divorce proceedings.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-94add77 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"94add77\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='reaching-a-mutual-agreement'  id=\"boomdevs_17\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Reaching a Mutual Agreement<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fbe9256 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fbe9256\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The goal is to arrive at a settlement agreement that both parties can agree upon. This agreement covers:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fbe8b53 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fbe8b53\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li>property division,<\/li><li>child custody, and<\/li><li>other major decisions.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8b2f308 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8b2f308\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If you can settle without going to trial, you will save time, money, and emotional energy.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6862fd9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6862fd9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='preparing-for-the-possibility-of-trial'  id=\"boomdevs_18\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Preparing for the Possibility <br>of Trial<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-febd9a2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"febd9a2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='understanding-the-discovery-process'  id=\"boomdevs_19\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Understanding the Discovery Process<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f13bf1e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f13bf1e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If you and your spouse cannot reach an agreement, the next step is the discovery process. This is when both parties exchange important financial information and details about other relevant issues. It&#8217;s a critical phase that requires attention to detail and accuracy.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2eb312b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2eb312b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='setting-a-trial-date'  id=\"boomdevs_20\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Setting a Trial Date<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8bb6912 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8bb6912\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Should your case go to trial, a trial date will be set. A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/massachusetts-criminal-pretrial-conference-expectations\/\">pre-trial conference<\/a> often precedes the trial, allowing both parties a chance to discuss the major issues before the court.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dd6284e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"dd6284e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='after-the-court-order-next-steps'  id=\"boomdevs_21\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">After the Court Order: <br>Next Steps<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-914315e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"914315e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='the-judgment-of-divorce-nisi'  id=\"boomdevs_22\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Judgment of Divorce Nisi<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7ff98a5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7ff98a5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>After your court hearing, if the divorce is granted, you will receive a judgment of divorce nisi. This is not the final judgment; it becomes absolute after the waiting period, which is \u00a090 days for a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/contesting-divorce-massachusetts\/\">contested divorce<\/a> and 120 days for an uncontested divorce in Massachusetts.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-11b0339 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"11b0339\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='post-divorce-moving-forward'  id=\"boomdevs_23\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Post-Divorce: Moving Forward<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-15c5981 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"15c5981\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='adjusting-to-life-after-divorce'  id=\"boomdevs_24\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Adjusting to Life After Divorce<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-05a5e0b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"05a5e0b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Once the legal process is complete, the next step is to adjust to your new life. This might involve:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f9ef1c5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f9ef1c5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li>updating your will,<\/li><li>changing beneficiaries on insurance policies, and<\/li><li>ensuring that all court orders are being followed.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2ea8ef5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2ea8ef5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='continued-legal-support'  id=\"boomdevs_25\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Continued Legal Support<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-515122f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"515122f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Just because the divorce is final doesn&#8217;t mean you won&#8217;t need legal advice.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d30577b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d30577b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li>Postnuptial agreements,<\/li><li>changes in child support payments, or<\/li><li>other adjustments may require the assistance of a family law attorney.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b4f3303 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b4f3303\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='affordable-legal-help'  id=\"boomdevs_26\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Affordable Legal Help<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2bcb00b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2bcb00b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>An <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/affordable-divorce-lawyer-massachusetts\/\"   title=\"affordable divorce\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">affordable divorce<\/a> is possible. At Afford Law, our fees are based on your income, so the less you earn, the less you pay. Our mission is to provide experienced legal help you can afford.<\/p><p>If you can&#8217;t afford our lower rates for a traditional attorney-client relationship, you have another option. Our legal coaching service can save you money and still give you access to a skilled attorney. In this arrangement, you represent yourself in court while we work with you behind the scenes to prepare you every step of the way. This service is available to you for one low monthly fee.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-eb252bb elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"eb252bb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/_XXDtuUCOQs?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-63f6807 elementor-align-center elementor-hidden-mobile elementor-tablet-align-center elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"63f6807\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-xl\" href=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Call Today For Your<br> Free Case Evaluation<br>508-453-1250<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1d72519 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1d72519\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>Legal Disclaimer<\/strong><\/p><p>This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with an attorney to discuss your specific circumstances and receive tailored guidance.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The first step when deciding to divorce in Massachusetts is determining whether you are filing a contested or uncontested divorce, and whether the divorce will be fault or no-fault. In a contested divorce, the spouses have not come to full agreement on the terms, whereas in an uncontested divorce, both parties agree on all issues [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3974,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2948","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-divorce"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What is the First Step When You Decide to Divorce in Massachusetts? - Afford Law<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Embarking on the path to divorce in Massachusetts can be daunting. 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Our latest blog post outlines the initial legal steps, critical considerations, and the importance of understanding Massachusetts&#039; specific divorce laws to ensure your journey starts on solid ground. 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