The Boston divorce process

At Nigro, Pettepit & Lucas, LLP, we know how difficult the divorce process can be.  But we also know how to skillfully guide you through this process in a supportive, efficient, and effective way.

Filing divorce in Boston: the steps  

The following steps must be performed to file for divorce in Boston or Massachusetts:

• Step # 1: Establish grounds for divorce.  As in all areas of Massachusetts, divorcing in Boston allows for fault-based or no-fault divorces.  A fault-based divorce can be established due to adultery, impotency, cruel and abusive treatment, desertion, a prison sentence of five or more years, drug abuse or addiction, or refusal to provide adequate spousal support.  No-fault divorces are established on the grounds that the marriage suffered an irretrievable breakdown.

• Step # 2: File for divorce (this can be done by you or your spouse).  You must both be state residents at the time of filing if the reason for the divorce occurred in Massachusetts.  If it did not, then you must reside in the state for at least a year after the reason for divorce occurred.  If  it is an uncontested divorce and you and your spouse agree on the most salient issues in your divorce, you may file a Joint Petition for Divorce with the Probate and Family Court.  This typically allows the divorce to be completed more quickly and without a trial.  If you do not agree on the terms of your divorce, one spouse may file Complaint for Divorce with the Probate and Family Court.  The other spouse is then served with the petition for divorce and allowed to respond.

• Step #3: Attend your divorce hearing in court.  You and your spouse may each bring your attorneys to advocate on your behalf regarding any unresolved issues in the separation, which are typically decided upon by the judge at this time.

• Step #4: Once the court issues your divorce decree, your marriage is ended. 

Get the help you need

If you do choose to file divorce in Boston, completing each procedural step correctly is crucial.  Retaining the legal counsel of an experienced Boston divorce law firm such as Nigro, Pettepit & Lucas, LLP ensures that everything possible is done to process your divorce effectively and efficiently.  Trust the firm with over 65 years of experience in family law: you can feel confident discussing your case with an attorney from Nigro, Pettepit & Lucas, LLP.