Divorce in Massachusetts: What to Expect
Deciding to end a marriage is never easy, and navigating the legal process can feel overwhelming. Our goal is to guide you through each step with care, clarity, and compassion and assist in choosing the path that is right for you.
Individuals in Massachusetts can pursue several different paths when seeking a divorce, depending on their circumstances and level of cooperation. Some couples proceed through traditional court intervention, where a judge oversees the process and makes decisions on contested issues such as property division, child custody, and support. Others choose mediation, a voluntary and confidential process in which a neutral mediator helps the spouses communicate and reach mutually acceptable agreements without going to trial. Another option is alternative dispute resolution (ADR), which includes methods like conciliation and arbitration, offering more structure than mediation but significantly less formality than court. Together, these pathways provide Massachusetts residents with a range of flexible options to navigate divorce in a way that best supports their needs and goals.