Bill > S981

This bill amends the Massachusetts General Laws to make changes to the divorce proceedings in certain Probate Court decisions. The key provisions are: 1. Allowing a divorce complaint to be filed without the signed statement and dissolution agreement required under the existing law, and a hearing to be held no earlier than 30 days after the filing of the complaint to enter a judgment of divorce Nisi if the court finds an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. 2. Allowing the 30-day waiting period to be waived in order to consolidate the hearing on the complaint filed under this new provision with a complaint for divorce filed by the opposing party under the existing law. 3. Specifying that a judgment of divorce Nisi shall become absolute after 30 days unless the court orders otherwise, and that the action cannot be dismissed or discontinued except upon terms ordered by the court or if both parties agree. The overall aim of the bill is to provide more equitable and streamlined divorce procedures in certain cases.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S981