When A Couple Wants To End Their Marriage

Dissolving a marriage is one of the most challenging times in life. At the practice of , we will be by your side with experienced guidance when you need an assertive advocate in your corner. A divorce in Massachusetts requires a couple to state the grounds, or reason, for a divorce. There are a range of options for filing divorce in Massachusetts. We can explain your choices, so you can make an informed decisions and move past this trying time.

What Is A Uncontested Divorce?

This option is for couples who want an efficient and amicable divorce. If you and your spouse can agree on issues relating to support, custody, and division of assets without the intervention of the court system then this might be the right option for you. All the negotiations and document preparation are done outside of court and typically only require a single visit to the court house to submit the separation agreement to the judge for approval.

Irretrievable Breakdown: Divorce Without Public Accusations Of Fault

This is the most common form of divorce filing in Massachusetts and is another term for “irreconcilable differences”. It’s most commonly used when one or both parties are unable to agree on issues relating to support, custody and division of assets, or if one of the parties doesn’t want to get divorced. This complaint tells the court that on a specific date, your marriage became irretrievably broken, it remains broken to this day and you wish to end the marriage. If you and your spouse can agree on the terms of your divorce later in the process, this action can be converted to a joint petition for divorce and settled with a separation agreement.

Marriage Dissolution On The Grounds Of Fault

A party who feels that their marriage failed because of one of the reasons listed below can ask for a divorce under the following fault grounds:

• Cruel and abusive treatment
• Adultery
• Gross and confirmed habit of intoxication
• Neglect to provide suitable support
• Impotency
• Confinement in prison
• Desertion

Parties choosing to proceed under one of the above-stated fault grounds for divorce should be aware that in order to actually obtain a divorce under one of these grounds, the existence of these circumstances must be proved.

Why High Net Worth Divorces Are Different

It is common in divorce to have issues of alimony, child custody, child support and division of property. But when a couple has an extreme amount of assets, completing a divorce process can be very complex. Having worked on many dissolutions with higher assets, we strive to ensure that assets are distributed equitably between you and your spouse. Our collaboration with both forensic accountants and financial experts, can help determine value of marital property and high assets, including:

• Retirement accounts, annuities and pensions
• Trusts, stocks, bonds, inheritances and other investments
• Business assets and property
• Offshore accounts
• Executive bonuses and deferred compensation
• Residences and vacation homes
• Vehicles, boats, motorcycles and collectible cars
• Expensive jewelry

If your divorce involves high salaries and assets, it is critical to talk to an attorney who is knowledgeable in high-value or after-50 divorces. Allow the divorce lawyers at our office in Concord to provide you options and reassure you. We also offer mediation services that work toward an out-of-court settlement, but we are also experienced and confident litigators.

Not Sure Which Divorce Option Is Right For You? Contact Our Divorce Attorneys

Deciding which option is right for you can be overwhelming and can have unforeseen consequences. If you are not sure which option is right for you, consider seeking the advice of a knowledgeable attorney before proceeding. Call our Concord Family Law firm at 978-341-5040 or send in this email inquiry form to request an initial consultation. We respond promptly to every request.