Filing for divorce in Massachusetts without an attorney costs $200-$220 in court fees. You must meet the residency requirement of 1 year in Massachusetts (or grounds arose in MA). Massachusetts is a equitable distribution state with a 90-120 days (Nisi period) waiting period. An uncontested divorce typically takes 3-4 months (plus 90-day Nisi). Victoria AI guides you through every step with Massachusetts-specific instructions.
Last updated: February 1, 2026 • Reviewed by Divorce.law Legal Team
| Filing Fee | $200-$220 (The filing fee is approximately $200-$220 depending on the type of complaint (with or without children). Additional fees for service apply.) |
| Residency Requirement | 1 year in Massachusetts (or grounds arose in MA) |
| Waiting Period | 90-120 days (Nisi period) |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (fair, not equal) |
| Grounds for Divorce | Irretrievable breakdown (no-fault), Adultery, Impotency, Desertion, Alcohol/drug addiction, Cruel and abusive treatment, Non-support, Sentence to prison for 5+ years |
| No-Fault Only? | No (fault grounds available) |
| Uncontested Timeline | 3-4 months (plus 90-day Nisi) |
| Contested Timeline | 6 months to 2+ years |
| Fee Waiver Available? | Yes |
To file for divorce in Massachusetts, you must meet the following residency requirement: 1 year in Massachusetts (or grounds arose in MA).
Either the plaintiff lived in Massachusetts for at least 1 year before filing, OR the cause of divorce occurred in Massachusetts and the plaintiff has lived there since.
Tip: Victoria AI can help you determine if you meet Massachusetts's residency requirements and guide you through the documentation needed to prove residency.
Follow these steps to file for divorce in Massachusetts without an attorney. Victoria AI guides you through each step with state-specific instructions.
Either the plaintiff lived in Massachusetts for at least 1 year before filing, OR the cause of divorce occurred in Massachusetts and the plaintiff has lived there since.
Download the official Massachusetts divorce forms: Joint Petition for Divorce (1A), Complaint for Divorce (1B), Financial Statement. All forms are available from the Massachusetts courts website.
Fill out the divorce petition (CJ-D 101A) with your information, grounds for divorce, and what you're requesting (property division, custody, support).
File your completed petition with the Massachusetts court and pay the filing fee of $200-$220. Fee waivers are available if you qualify financially.
Properly serve your spouse with the divorce papers according to Massachusetts rules. Options typically include sheriff service, process server, or certified mail with acknowledgment.
Exchange mandatory financial disclosure documents as required by Massachusetts law. This typically includes income verification, tax returns, bank statements, and a sworn financial affidavit.
After the judgment is entered, there's a 90-day 'Nisi' period (120 days for fault divorces) before the divorce becomes absolute. This is a cooling-off period.
Submit your final judgment to the court. For uncontested divorces in Massachusetts, this typically takes 3-4 months (plus 90-day Nisi). The court will issue your final divorce decree.
These are the primary forms you'll need to file for divorce in Massachusetts. Victoria AI guides you through completing each form correctly.
Uncontested divorce
Contested divorce
Financial disclosure
If agreed
The filing fee to start a divorce in Massachusetts is $200-$220. The filing fee is approximately $200-$220 depending on the type of complaint (with or without children). Additional fees for service apply.
| Cost Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $200-$220 |
| Service of Process | $50-$100 (varies by method) |
| Certified Copies | $5-$25 per copy |
| Total DIY Uncontested | $350-$1,500 (uncontested DIY) |
If you cannot afford the filing fee, Massachusetts offers fee waivers for qualifying individuals. You'll need to complete a fee waiver application demonstrating financial hardship. This typically requires showing income below a certain threshold (often 125-200% of federal poverty guidelines) or receiving public assistance benefits.
Victoria can help: Our AI guides you through the fee waiver application process and helps you gather the required documentation.
After filing your divorce petition in Massachusetts, you must legally "serve" your spouse with the divorce papers. This ensures they receive official notice of the divorce and have an opportunity to respond.
A sheriff, constable, or private process server personally delivers the papers to your spouse. Most reliable method.
Papers sent via certified mail with return receipt requested. Your spouse must sign to acknowledge receipt.
Your spouse voluntarily signs an acknowledgment that they received the papers. Fastest and cheapest option if cooperative.
If your spouse cannot be located, you may be able to publish notice in a newspaper. Requires court approval.
You must file proof of service with the court showing your spouse was properly served. Without valid proof of service, your divorce cannot proceed. Massachusetts courts are strict about service requirements.
Massachusetts is a equitable distribution state.
Massachusetts divides marital property equitably. The court considers all property, regardless of title, and factors including length of marriage, conduct during marriage, age, health, income, and contribution to acquisition.
Victoria's Financial Tools: Our AI-powered financial tools help you identify, categorize, and value marital assets. Victoria can help you understand how Massachusetts law applies to your specific property.
Massachusetts uses the Income shares model per Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines.
Massachusetts uses income shares guidelines. Combined gross incomes determine the basic support, with adjustments for custody arrangements, childcare, and health insurance costs.
Understanding the timeline helps you plan and set realistic expectations for your Massachusetts divorce.
When both spouses agree on all terms including property division, custody, and support. This is the fastest and least expensive option.
When spouses cannot agree and need court intervention to resolve disputes. Involves hearings, discovery, and potentially trial.
File Petition
Day 1 - Submit your divorce paperwork and pay the $200-$220 filing fee
Serve Your Spouse
Within 30 days - Ensure proper legal service of divorce papers
Response Period
20-30 days - Your spouse has time to file a response
Waiting Period
90-120 days (Nisi period) - After the judgment is entered, there's a 90-day 'Nisi' period (120 days for fault divorces) before the divorce becomes absolute. This is a cooling-off period.
Final Judgment
Court issues your final divorce decree
Speed up your divorce: Victoria AI helps you complete forms correctly the first time, avoiding delays from rejected paperwork. Our checklists ensure you don't miss any steps or deadlines.
Joint Petition (1A) for agreed divorces
90-day Nisi period before final
All property divisible (not just marital)
Alimony Reform Act of 2011 limits duration
Probate and Family Court handles divorces
Common questions about filing for divorce in Massachusetts without an attorney.
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Massachusetts-specific forms
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Child support calculator
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All Massachusetts divorce information verified from official state court sources.
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