How to Start a Divorce
Residency Requirements Grounds for Divorce
Divorce & Children
Child Custody Child Support
Our Guarantee

Online Divorce
in Massachusetts

Divorce in Massachusetts is quick and easy
Massachusetts flag
Do you know the location of your spouse?
Can you and your spouse agree to the division of property, debts and all child related issues?

Divorce Online in Massachusetts

Spouses can prepare divorce papers online in Massachusetts if their case is uncontested. This approach is called an online divorce. However, it only implies document preparation. Only a court can officially grant a divorce.

Online divorce tools help spouses select all the necessary documents for their case and fill them out following the state standards without a lawyer. It saves thousands of dollars and, more importantly, makes the preparation process less confusing and stressful.

MassachusettsOnlineDivorce provides spouses who want to separate amicably with an easy-to-use tool for selecting and filling out their paperwork. The process involves a few simple steps:

  1. Confirming that the divorce is uncontested by completing a short qualification form;
  2. Filling out the MassachusettsOnlineDivorce online divorce questionnaire to select and complete documents without an attorney;
  3. Downloading court-ready documents from your account.

Online divorce with MassachusettsOnlineDivorce will help you:

  • Save time because you won’t need to waste it on visits to a lawyer;
  • Make your divorce paperwork low cost due to the cheapest price of $139;
  • Get freedom in preparing for your divorce as you can answer the MassachusettsOnlineDivorce questionnaire at your own pace, at any time, in any place, and using any device;
  • Take a step towards your new life quicker as you’ll have ready-to-file papers within 2 business days;
  • Avoid unnecessary stress searching for filing guidelines because you’ll get state-specific instructions along with completed paperwork;
  • Turn the complex traditional process of preparing documents into an effortless one.

Compare Your Options for Filing for Divorce in Massachusetts

Divorce With a Lawyer

Hiring a lawyer is inevitable for a complex contested divorce. However, it's not always necessary for a peaceful dissolution of marriage.

  • Pay thousands of dollars in legal fees;
  • Divorce may take longer due to your lawyer’s workload;
  • Hiring a lawyer can ruin what’s left of a normal relationship with your spouse.
Massachusetts logo

The premier uncontested divorce tool

It is an easy and fast online divorce process for couples seeking an uncontested divorce that value their resources.

  • Straightforward online paperwork without any legal background required;
  • Opportunity to use the platform at a convenient time and place;
  • Unlimited access to your account;
  • The ability to make changes to your answers;
  • Ready-to-sign divorce papers within 2 business days;
  • Clear filing instructions for finalizing a divorce in Massachusetts;
  • Fair price that meets all budgets.
Start Now For $139

DIY divorce

Doing your divorce yourself may give some feeling of control, but it also involves a lot of effort, time, and nerves.

  • Learning complex legal terminology and state procedures without outside help;
  • Divorce paperwork will take longer due to state requirements;
  • The possibility of a fair outcome is reduced;
  • Lack of professional support can increase stress.

What Forms Do I Need to File for Divorce in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, divorce proceedings can be contested or uncontested, fault or no-fault. Fault divorces are almost always contested, while no-fault ones can be contested (1B divorce) or uncontested (1A divorce).

The list of forms varies depending on divorce type but typically includes:

  • Complaint for Divorce Form CJD-101
  • Complaint for divorce (CJD-101B) for no-fault 1B divorce
  • Joint Petition for Divorce (CJD-101A) for no-fault 1A divorce
  • Record of Absolute Divorce (R-408)
  • Marriage Certificate
  • Financial Statement
  • Separation Agreement for no-fault 1A divorce
  • Affidavit of irretrievable breakdown for no-fault 1A divorce
Welcome to your online Massachusetts divorce guide
Qualify for divorce1
Provide your case details2
Get your papers3
File for divorce4
Start Now

How to Fill Out Massachusetts Divorce Papers

Filling out divorce papers is one of the main problems that spouses face when preparing for the dissolution of marriage. The complexity of this process is related to the state’s specific requirements and the peculiarities of the process.

To begin with, it’s critical to decide on the type of divorce because each process involves different paperwork. Once spouses select suitable papers, they can fill them out.

  1. Read the forms and highlight unfamiliar terms. Find their definitions and try to understand the meaning. It will help avoid the misuse of words.
  2. Gather all the necessary information and additional documents mentioned in the papers.
  3. Fill out the documents following the requirements specified in the forms and official resources.
  4. Proofread the completed papers and check for errors and incorrect information. If the court clerk finds mistakes, they can reject your filings.
  5. Sign the papers and ask the other party to do the same if required (the second spouse’s signatures are needed if spouses file for 1A divorce).

If your case is amicable, you can complete your application for an uncontested divorce online in Massachusetts using MassachusettsOnlineDivorce. This method is quick and easy. Moreover, you won’t need to puzzle over legal terminology because our platform is designed to help those who don’t have a legal education.

The system is based on a questionnaire. You fill out the MassachusettsOnlineDivorce survey sharing the terms of your uncontested divorce and then download completed papers from your account within a couple of days. Simple as that!

File for Divorce Online in Massachusetts Without a Lawyer

Filing for divorce without an attorney is a chance to save time and money. This option is helpful when applying for a simple uncontested divorce. In Massachusetts, it’s a no-fault 1A divorce. Since the spouses have no disputes, they don’t need to hire a lawyer to represent their interests in court.

If the couple can’t agree on property division, child custody, child support, and spousal support (alimony), their case becomes contested. Thus, each spouse will have to hire an attorney to protect their rights and represent them in court.

Family law attorneys in Massachusetts charge $250 to $300 an hour, significantly increasing divorce costs.

Lawyer-free divorce requires spouses to take several steps:

  • Reach consensus and sign a separation agreement describing the arrangements reached;
  • Select suitable divorce forms and fill them out independently or using online divorce tools like MassachusettsOnlineDivorce to save time and nerves;
  • Submit paperwork to the local court offline or use the eFileMA to file a divorce online in Massachusetts (only for no-fault 1A and 1B cases);
  • Serve the defendant (not applied for no-fault 1A divorce) and attend the final hearing where the judge issues their decision.
Check if you qualify for an online divorce in Massachusetts
Get your ready-to-file Massachusetts divorce paperwork
Get Divorce Forms

Do-It-Yourself Divorce in Massachusetts

A DIY divorce is a cost-effective option for spouses who want to proceed without an attorney. It’s often used by couples seeking an uncontested no-fault divorce in Massachusetts.

DIY divorce includes several steps described below.

1. Complete Separation Agreement

Spouses filing for 1A divorce need to agree on no-fault grounds for divorce (irretrievable breakdown) and resolve all disputes regarding debts and marital property division, spousal support, child-related issues, etc.

They need to reach mutual consent and document all the arrangements reached in the Separation Agreement. They can do it independently or through counseling sessions. Both parties must sign and notarize the agreement.

2. Fill Out the Paperwork

Couples pursuing 1A divorce can initiate their case by completing and signing:

  • Joint Petition for Divorce CJD-101A
  • Affidavit of irretrievable breakdown
  • Separation Agreement

However, additional forms may be required depending on the case specifics.

Partners can get blank forms at Mass.gov Legal & Justice sections or use MassachusettsOnlineDivorce to prepare all the necessary documents in a matter of days.

3. File Divorce Forms

In Massachusetts, divorcing couples have several filing options:

  • Using local e-filing system eFileMA to file online (only applies to no-fault divorces 1A and 1B)
  • Going to the Probate and Family Court in the county whether either partner lives and applying in person.

Each couple must pay a filing fee unless they can’t afford it. In this case, spouses can request a fee waiver by applying for indigency.

1A divorce court fees include a filing fee of $200 and a filing surcharge of $15. In addition to these expenses, those filing for 1B divorce will also have to pay a summons charge of $5.

4. Attend Final Hearing

Usually, the plaintiff must hire a sheriff to deliver copies of the documents to the defendant. It’s called service. But, since both spouses are petitioners in a 1A divorce, they can skip this part.

The final step is to attend the hearing. The judge will review the separation agreement, and once it’s approved, they will issue an order.

The waiting period (Nisi period) starts automatically 30 days after the judgment is issued and lasts 90 days. After it’s over, the divorce becomes final.

We provide you with:
Massachusetts flag
  • All Required Massachusetts State Forms
  • Massachusetts-Specific Court Filing Instructions
  • Unlimited Revisions for as long as your account is active

Getting a Divorce With Children in Massachusetts

If a divorce involves minor children, the process differs a bit. First, spouses need to complete additional paperwork, including:

  • Affidavit disclosing care or custody proceeding OCAJ-1 TRC IV
  • Child Support Guidelines worksheet CJD-304

Second, they need to resolve child custody and child support issues. If they succeed in arranging everything themselves, they can proceed with an uncontested divorce. If they fail, the judge will decide for them, following state laws and regulations.

When choosing the type of child custody, both parents and the judge have two options. They can select physical custody to identify with whom the child will live or legal custody to determine who will make child-related decisions. They can also decide whether parents will have shared or sole custody.

Anyway, all the decisions should be made based on what’s in the child’s best interests. Factors determining this include but are not limited to:

  • Both parents’ mental and physical health and moral fitness;
  • Each parent’s relationship with the child;
  • Living conditions the child needs;
  • Any history of domestic violence or child abuse.

In some cases, parents may be asked to complete a parenting class.

In addition, child support matters must be addressed. The amount is calculated based on each parent’s income, the number of children, and other financial factors.

Check if you qualify for an online divorce in Massachusetts
Get your ready-to-file Massachusetts divorce paperwork
Get A Divorce With Children

Residency Requirements in MA

Before proceeding with a divorce, spouses must meet residency requirements, allowing the court to review the case. In Massachusetts, these requirements vary depending on where the cause for a breakup happened.

If the reason that led to the divorce happened outside Massachusetts:

  • the plaintiff must have lived in the state for at least one year before taking legal action; or
  • the spouses must have lived together in Massachusetts, and one of them must have lived in the state when the reason for the dissolution of the marriage happened;

If the reason for divorce occurred in Massachusetts, the plaintiff must live in the state when filing. However, the court will consider whether the filing spouse has moved to Massachusetts for the purpose of getting divorced.

If the filing spouse doesn’t meet at least one of the above requirements, they have several options:

  • Establish residency;
  • Ask the second spouse to act as a petitioner if they fulfill the requirements;
  • Consider another state where they meet residency requirements.
Massachusetts flag

How Long Does It Take to Get a Divorce in Massachusetts?

The length of the divorce process depends on the type of divorce.

In Massachusetts, an uncontested no-fault divorce, called 1A divorce, is considered the quickest way to end a marriage. This type of process can be completed as early as 120 days after the judge approves the separation agreement.

30-day after the court approval is granted, the 90-day waiting period (also called the nisi period) starts. It gives both partners a chance to change their minds if they aren’t sure about their decision to get divorced. If the spouses don’t want to change anything, the divorce becomes final once the nisi period ends.

When it comes to a contested no-fault divorce 1B, the process takes longer as spouses need to serve papers, exchange financial statements, and attend pre-trial court hearings (if required). In addition, the final hearing can’t be scheduled earlier than 6 months from the filing date.

After the divorce decree is issued, spouses have an obligatory waiting period of 90 days, as in 1A divorce.

The same rule applies to at-fault divorces in Massachusetts, but they take even more time as the filing spouse needs to prove the other party’s misconduct. Therefore, the more complicated the case and the more disagreements the spouses have, the longer the process will take.

Customer Testimonials
Stephen A.
Ghana
Some of the words are too technical
Review stars
ROSELYN K.
HAMPDEN COUNTY
QUESTIONS FAST AND EASY TO FILL OUT. WAITING FOR MY PAPERS AND I CAN ADD TO MY REVIEW.
Review stars
Maria C.
Middlesex
This website was amazing to find after I started looking for attorneys and found out how expensive they would be! This site has all the paperwork you need and answers your questions so well!
Review stars
Eileen Z.
Middlesex
Easy to use - simple - it walks you through it - while the process isn't complete yet - I am happy so far.
Review stars
Loni M. G.
Essex
Mass. Online Divorce was easy to navigate, quick and affordable. There was no sales pressure, just informative information to let me make the best choice. Thank you!
Review stars
Kerry F.
Hampden
I am completely satisfied with this service. It was easy to use. My questions and answers were attended to quickly and efficiently. Would highly recommend!
Review stars
Lorena C.
Norfolk
You made everything easy and stress free, this is painful enough, I will recommend you to everyone I know!
Review stars
Sylvanus k.
Suffolk
A very simple process and customer focused. I will definitely recommend them.
Review stars
Sulaiman A.
Suffolk
It is convenient in the sense that I don't have to go down to city hall, find parking and wait in line to fill out paperwork.
Review stars
Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

To get an uncontested divorce, spouses need to agree on all divorce-related issues and sign a Separation Agreement. They also need to state that their marriage is irretrievably broken. This way, spouses will qualify for an uncontested no-fault 1A divorce.

Once the couple is ready to proceed, they must complete all the required paperwork and file it with the court.

The average cost of a divorce in Massachusetts is $12,000. Legal fees make up the bulk of the amount.

However, spouses can cut expenses if they opt for an uncontested divorce. This way, they can avoid hiring a lawyer and use MassachusettsOnlineDivorce to prepare documents. The service costs just $139, making uncontested divorce more affordable.

Spouses filing for divorce can ask the court to waive obligatory filing fees if they don’t have money to pay. They can do it by filling out an Affidavit of Indigency. If the request is court-approved, the fees will be canceled.

Divorcing couples can download blank forms from official resources like Mass.gov and complete them themselves or hire an attorney.

However, there’s another legit option. With MassachusettsOnlineDivorce, spouses get an easy-to-use tool to select and generate completed papers for an uncontested divorce in a matter of 2 business days independently. It’s a cheap and effective solution that makes divorce paperwork less hassle.

Partners can file their uncontested cases offline with Probate and Family Court or online using the eFileMA filing system.

When using the latter option, spouses need to understand that they can’t get a divorce online in Massachusetts. They can use online tools to complete paperwork and the local e-filing system to file their case online. The final judgment is made by the judge offline in the court.

Massachusetts allows both no-fault and at-fault grounds for divorce. No-fault grounds imply that neither side is to blame for the marriage breakdown. Spouses just need to state that their union is irretrievably broken.

Fault-based grounds include infidelity, desertion, gross habits of intoxication, cruel treatment, non-support, impotence, and a prison sentence of 5 years or more. Choosing one of these reasons, the filing spouse must provide evidence.

Massachusetts is an equitable distribution state. It means that all marital property (that acquired during the marriage) must be divided fairly among the spouses, which isn’t always a 50/50 split.

Spouses can decide on property division themselves, allowing them to proceed with an uncontested divorce. If they can’t agree, the judge will decide for them.