In a no-fault divorce, the parties state in their filings that the marriage has broken down irretrievably or that the couple has irreconcilable differences. In other words, if one person wants a divorce, the couple will be divorced. In a fault divorce, the Plaintiff must prove that the Defendant has committed a wrong (cruel and abusive treatment is an at fault grounds for divorce in MA) that allows the Plaintiff to get a divorce. People think that a fault grounds divorce gives the Plaintiff an advantage in getting property division or alimony. This is not the case as the Court must consider the same factors to decide these issues in both fault and no-fault divorces.

In addition to not receiving any economic advantage, if someone really wants to prove that the other party was “at fault” for the divorce, a trial in the matter must occur to determine fault. This is a tremendous waste of legal fees.