Parties can change their minds after filing for divorce in Massachusetts. If both you and your spouse agree to stop the proceedings, you’ll need to file a joint motion to dismiss your divorce petition. The earlier in the process you make this decision, the simpler it is to dismiss the case.
If you already had a judge order a divorce judgment you may still be able to stop the divorce. Massachusetts has a the mandatory waiting period after a judgment (called a nisi period) of 90 days. During this time, your marriage hasn’t been legally dissolved yet and you can stop it.
A few important things to note:
Both spouses need to be in agreement about dismissing the case
If your spouse has filed any counterclaims, those need to be dismissed too
If you decide to file for divorce again in the future, you’ll need to start the entire process over from the beginning
It’s completely normal for people to reconsider such a significant decision. If you’re thinking about reconciling, you might want to consult with a family law attorney to understand the specific steps needed for your situation. They can help ensure everything is handled properly from a legal standpoint.
