Law

How Long Does It Take To Settle A Divorce in Boston?

Nobody likes the idea of divorces. Couples who go through the process want it to get over as soon as possible. One of the common questions that a Boston divorce lawyer receives is, “How long will my divorce take?” While an attorney can be helpful in many cases, no one can tell you the exact time your divorce will take. 

The length of a divorce depends on various cases, such as the nature of the process, whether it is contested or uncontested, and if children are involved. Understanding these factors can help you gain an understanding of how long you are expected to be in the loop. 

Is your divorce contested or uncontested?

The type of your divorce will greatly influence the length of the procedure. A contested divorce is one where the two spouses do not agree on the matters of the case, such as child custody, child support, asset division, etc. Therefore, the court has to intervene, investigate and decide on their behalf, which takes time. On the other hand, an uncontested divorce resolves quickly as the parties have already reached an agreement on these matters. 

Is your divorce no-fault or fault-based?

Fault and no-fault divorces are quite self-explanatory. In a no-fault divorce, the parties agree that no one has a fault in breaking up the marriage. This speeds up the process as the court does not require proof of fault from either party. 

Some states allow you to file a fault-based divorce. You can choose this option if you want to slow down your divorce. Fault-based divorces are more complicated as you will need to prove the other party’s fault with solid evidence and witnesses. Not being able to produce proof won’t stop you from getting the divorce, but it will certainly lengthen the process. 

What is a simplified divorce?

As you can guess from the name itself, a simplified divorce in Boston is the easiest and quickest type of divorce. However, there are certain grounds for qualifying for this type of divorce. 

  • The couple does not have a child.
  • Both the spouses agree to a simplified divorce.
  • Spouses agree that no one receives alimony.
  • The couple has an agreement on the division of marital property.

For a simplified marriage, you and your spouse will need to submit a petition in court. As long as you fill out the petition and submit the documents correctly, the process should get over quickly. The court will dissolve your marriage at the first hearing itself. Overall, a simplified divorce should only take about three weeks. 

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Frances Garret