What Happens in Massachusetts if we Change our Mind about a Divorce, but it has already been Filed?

             You and your spouse, if you are both in agreement, can agree to Stipulate to Dismissing the Divorce action and you can always re-file in the future.

What is the Difference between a Divorce and an Annulment?

An Annulment is not easy to get in Massachusetts, but it is saying that the marriage never existed. Examples of this is: If your spouse was already married to someone else; which would make the marriage invalid.  The divorce is the way to terminate a legal and valid marriage.

In Massachusetts are Divorce Records Public or Private?

Divorce records are public.  You would need to file a Motion to Seal, for example if DCF was involved or the allegations of abuse to keep your divorce private, your Financial Statement is not public.

To Change my Name, Do I have to Wait for the Divorce to be Finalized or Can I file through another Action?

You can change your name at any time through a separate court proceeding, even before the divorce if final. However, most people do the name change at the time of the divorce because it can be part of the divorce process rather than separate court action.