Divorce in Massachusetts: forms, cost, and how to file

Massachusetts divorce at a glance

Official source: Massachusetts court forms & self-help. Always confirm current forms and fees with the court before filing.

How to file for divorce in Massachusetts: step by step

Massachusetts offers a joint "1A" no-fault divorce for couples who agree and sign a separation agreement — the simplest, fastest path. Here is what to expect.

1. Confirm you can file in Massachusetts
   You qualify if one spouse has lived in Massachusetts for at least a year, or the reason for the divorce happened here while you lived here as a couple. For the simplest path (a "1A" joint divorce), you and your spouse file together with a signed separation agreement.Source: G.L. c. 208 §§ 1A, 1B
2. Write and sign your separation agreement
   For a 1A divorce, you and your spouse must agree in writing on everything — property, support, and any parenting arrangements — and have the agreement notarized. This agreement is the heart of the filing.Source: G.L. c. 208 § 1A
3. Generate your documents
   Use LawCat to produce the Joint Petition (CJD-101A), the Affidavit of Irretrievable Breakdown, and your Financial Statement (short form CJD-301S if you earn under $75,000/yr, otherwise the long form CJD-301L).Source: MA Probate & Family Court forms
4. File with the Probate and Family Court
   File your joint petition and supporting documents with the Probate and Family Court in your county (about $215). You will also need a certified copy of your marriage certificate. If you cannot afford the fee, file an Affidavit of Indigency.Source: Affidavit of Indigency (fee waiver)
5. Add the child-support worksheet (if you have children)
   If you have children, complete the Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (CJD-304). LawCat’s calculator fills in the numbers under the 2025 guidelines.Source: 2025 MA Child Support Guidelines; CJD-304
6. Attend your short hearing
   For a 1A divorce, the court schedules a brief hearing where the judge confirms your agreement is fair. Many are quick and routine.Source: G.L. c. 208 § 1A hearing
7. Wait for the divorce to become final
   After the judge approves your divorce, a "judgment nisi" enters about 30 days later, and the divorce becomes absolute 90 days after that — roughly four months total.Source: Judgment nisi (~30 days) → absolute (+90 days)

What does filing “pro se” (without a lawyer) mean in Massachusetts?

Pro se — also called self-represented — means you handle your own divorce without hiring an attorney. In Massachusetts you have the right to file your own divorce, and the court publishes the official forms for you to use. The large majority of uncontested divorces, where both spouses agree the marriage is over and can agree on the terms, are handled pro se every day.

Filing pro se is usually a good fit when: you both agree on the divorce, you can agree on splitting property and debts, and any parenting time and support are worked out. It’s worth talking to a lawyer when: you disagree about custody or money, one spouse hides assets or won’t cooperate, there’s a business or significant property to divide, or there has been any abuse.

LawCat prepares your Massachusetts pro-se divorce documents for free and walks you through every filing step — so doing it yourself never means doing it alone.

How child support is calculated in Massachusetts

Hybrid income-shares model under the 2025 Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines.

Because Massachusetts uses an income-shares approach, the exact number comes from an official table based on both parents’ combined income. Use your court’s official child-support calculator for a precise figure.

How long does a Massachusetts divorce take?

After a 1A joint petition is approved, judgment nisi enters about 30 days later and becomes absolute 90 days after that — roughly a 120-day tail to a final divorce. After that, the timeline depends on the court’s calendar and how quickly each step is completed. An uncontested, pro-se divorce is typically the fastest path — most of the wait is the statutory period, not paperwork.

Common reasons Massachusetts divorce filings get rejected

• Missing signatures, or forms that aren’t notarized where the court requires it.
• Skipping the financial disclosure both spouses are required to exchange.
• Filing before meeting the residency requirement.
• Mistakes serving the other spouse, or forgetting to file the proof of service.
• Not following local county rules. Low. Statewide CJD forms are accepted in every division; some divisions have local scheduling practices but no local pleading forms.

LawCat’s guided questions and filing checklist are built to prevent exactly these — the errors that send self-represented filers back to the clerk’s window.

Forms in your Massachusetts divorce packet

LawCat prepares each of these Massachusetts forms for you, filled in from your answers:

Why LawCat is free

Most “online divorce” sites charge $137–$499 for the same public court forms, and some add monthly fees. LawCat gives document preparation away because it is built by a law firm that helps people who later decide they want an attorney. You keep the free documents either way.

Compare divorce filing fees in every state →

Massachusetts divorce FAQ

Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in Massachusetts?

No. Massachusetts allows you to file for divorce yourself (pro se). LawCat prepares your Massachusetts divorce documents free, and you pay only the court’s filing fee. You can hire an attorney at any point if your case becomes complicated.

How long do I have to live in Massachusetts to file for divorce?

1 year, or cause of divorce occurred in MA while parties lived in MA as married couple

How much does it cost to file for divorce in Massachusetts?

Approx $215 for 1A joint petition ($200 fee + $15 surcharge). Fee waiver: Affidavit of Indigency (statewide form). With LawCat your documents are free, so the filing fee is typically your only unavoidable cost — and it can often be waived if you can’t afford it.