Skip to main content

Divorce Ceremonies vs. the Divorce Nisi

By
CNN recently reported on the developing trend of divorce ceremonies in Japan. These ceremonies in many respects parallel weddings, with friends and relatives present and a reception afterward. However, the substance is often cathartic instead of celabratory. For example, during the ceremony both the husband and the wife together smash a wedding ring with a mallet, they eat at separate tables during the reception, and the musician at the reception sings about breaking up.



While the existence of these ceremonies seems diametrically opposed to the American way of handling a divorce (parodied here by Indigo Productions), the thinking is to provide a symbolic ending so that both the husband and the wife can move on to the next stage of their lives.

In Massachusetts, the closest thing to a divorce ceremony that we have is the uncontested divorce hearing. Very different from a trial, the uncontested divorce hearing occurs when both parties agree to the divorce and have reached an agreement on all outstanding issues. After a short approximately 10-15 minute hearing in which the Judge reviews the agreement and a basic case is entered into the record, the Judge declares that the parties have demonstrated sufficient facts to obtain a divorce and that a Judgment of Divorce Nisi will be granted thirty days after the hearing. Ninety days after that, an absolute Judgment of Divorce is entered and the couple is officially divorced. Basically, it takes four months of waiting from the last date that you go to court before you are technically divorced. How unceremonial.

Labels:

Comments

  1. DanSeptember 14, 2010 at 8:18 AM

    After a VERY brief marriage we're considering the uncontested divorce route. If both parties agree, is there any way to petition to have the 120 waiting period waived?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kelsey & Trask, P.C.September 14, 2010 at 9:21 PM

    The waiting period of 120 days is required by statute and cannot be waived by a Judge. However, if your marriage was very brief, it is possibly you may qualify for an annulment. You should consult with an Attorney regarding the differences between an annulment and a divorce.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

2024 U.S. Presidential Party Platforms - What are the policy positions that could affect families?

By
While the laws that affect family formation, marriage and divorce are often made at the state level, there are also many policies and laws at the federal level that affect families and children.  Just some examples from recent years that have impacted families in my mediation practice include changes to the federal tax laws (such as  the elimination of the alimony tax deduction ) and U.S. Supreme Court rulings on same sex marriage and reproductive health rights.  In just over a month, the United States presidential election will have a significant impact on these federal policies going forward, and could choose the next appointments to the U.S. Supreme Court as well. In 2016 and 2020 we shared what each presidential platform said about families and policy regarding family formation and dissolution, and below we'll provide you an update on the 2024 presidential platforms.  As Maya Angelou said, "When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time."...
1 comment
Read more

Massachusetts Family Court Financial Statement - Instructions & Best Practices

By
During a divorce, or other case in the Massachusetts Probate & Family Court that involves your finances, such as a child support case, you will likely be required to file a court form Financial Statement.  In Massachusetts there are two versions of this form: a "short form" if your income is under $75,000 and a "long form" if your income is $75,000 or more.  Many people find these forms confusing and we've compiled a list of helpful information for filling them out. First , to access the forms, the court has provided pdf or online versions here: Massachusetts Rule 401 Short Form Financial Statement (pdf) Massachusetts Rule 401 Long Form Financial Statement (pdf) There are also some basic instructions provided by the court explaining the sections of the forms and providing access to a Schedule A (for self-employed people) and Schedule B (for rental income): Massachusetts Rule 401 Short Form Financial Statement Basic Instructions Massachusetts Rule 401 Long F...
Post a Comment
Read more

Can you Deviate from the Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines?

By
When completing the Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines Worksheet , many people are surprised by the resulting amount.  The court treats the worksheet amount as presumptive, which means that the amount in the worksheet is likely to be ordered by the court unless there is a good reason to deviate.  A common question in mediation between parents (both married and unmarried) is: If we agree to a different child support amount than the worksheet (or no child support at all), can we opt out or agree to a different child support than the guidelines suggests? The short answer is: sometimes.   In order to receive a Judgment from the court (whether in a divorce or an action between unmarried parents), the court requires the filing of the Child Support Guidelines worksheet.  However, there is a list of deviation factors in the Guidelines that the court can consider for ordering a number different than the worksheet.   When people are proposing a deviation tha...
Post a Comment
Read more