Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts
length of time to re-marry
I want to know how long I have to wait before I can re-marry after a divorce. Does it start from the day you first appear in court and the judge grants the divorce or do I have to wait the three months grace period then addtional time after the three months?
Thanks a bunch,
Christine
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: length of time to re-marry
The time runs from the day after the divorce is granted.
The length of time depends on what kind of divorce. If it was a no-fault where there was an agreement filed, there is a 30 day waiting period for the order and 90 days after that until it is final.
If it was a for-cause divorce, whether uncontested or not, or a "1B" divorce, irretrievable breakdown without an agreement, there is only 90 days.
Re: length of time to re-marry
Attorney Bilodeau is correct about the "time."
But in reality, the court's do not give a damn.
I have a case in which I represent Hubby/now ex-Hubby. Their Judgment of Divorce Nisi was in Late April 2004. Wife gave birth to another man's child around May 12th, 2004. Bought a new house with the other man around that same time, and got married on Fourth of July weekend. Divorce became final toward the end of July.
She technically was an adultress and a bigamist. Court does not give a damn.
So, don't worry. The courts will not go near adultery. They say, "Adultery has fallen into 'desuetude.'" Out-of-wedlock births are more common than in-wedlock births. Where everyone is having premarital, midmarital, and postmarital intercourse, the courts are not worrying about bigamy when there has been no financial harm to anyone.