If you and your spouse are planning on mediating your divorce, you may have a lot of questions. Working with an experienced divorce mediator can ensure your questions are answered. Even so, you may want to familiarize yourself with these must know Massachusetts divorce terms before you start the process.

  • Separation Agreement: This is the comprehensive agreement you create in mediation. It can address such issues as custody, co-parenting, alimony, and the division of your debts and assets. This agreement can stand alone as a legally binding contract or be merged with your divorce judgment.
  • No-fault Divorce: A divorce on the ground of an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. This means no one is at fault for the marriage ending.
  • Uncontested Divorce: A no-fault divorce where both spouses agree on all issues.
  • Divorce Nisi: This is the period of time between your judgment being entered and when your divorce is finalized. You cannot remarry until the nisi period has ended and your divorce is final.
  • Separate Support or Maintenance: Massachusetts does not handle “legal separations” like other states do. Instead, you can file for separate support. A separate support judgment can address many of the same issues addressed in a divorce, such as custody, child support, and alimony.
  • Alimony: Alimony is financial support paid to one spouse by the other. This may be called spousal support or spousal maintenance in other states.

These common Massachusetts divorce terms should give you a good orientation point from which to begin the mediation process. Reviewing some basic information about divorce in Massachusetts can help you feel more prepared for the process. It can also ensure the time you spend in mediation with your spouse is best used.

A skilled mediator will provide you with the information you need to create a legally sound separation agreement, but knowing some of the most used Massachusetts divorce terms is a good start.

Consult with an experienced divorce mediator if you have questions about how to navigate the divorce process in Massachusetts. Divorce law can be complex. Understanding the terms used can help you come to the mediation table prepared for an efficient divorce.

If you have questions about how to navigate the Massachusetts divorce process, Mediation Advantage Services can assist you. Experienced in divorce mediation, Law Office of Polly Tatum can help you and your spouse divorce efficiently and effectively through guided and non-adversarial mediation. Based in historic Worcester with a satellite office in Northboro, MA, our firm serves all cities and towns throughout Massachusetts and Worcester County including, Auburn, Paxton, Leicester, Sutton, Grafton, Shrewsbury, Westboro, Northboro, Southboro, Holden, Sterling, Princeton, Worcester, Charlton, Millbury, Dudley, Spencer, Brookfield, Sudbury, Natick, Framingham, Hopkinton, Milford, Blackstone, Leominster, Fitchburg, Acton, Jefferson, Barre, Oakham, Cambridge, Newton, Marlboro, Lancaster, Bolton, and Hudson. Call our office at (508) 466-4679, fill out our online form, or email us at info@mediationadvantage.com today to schedule your Complimentary Mediation Success Planning Session. You can also sign up for our eNewsletter or download our free e-book for more information regarding divorce in Massachusetts.