How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Boston, MA (2025 Guide)

You can get divorced without a lawyer in Boston—especially if your case is uncontested and you and your spouse agree on all major issues. Massachusetts allows self-represented (pro se) divorce, and the Suffolk Probate & Family Court processes thousands of no-lawyer divorces every year.

This guide explains exactly how to divorce without a lawyer in Boston, including forms, filing steps, timelines, and costs.

Can You Really Divorce Without a Lawyer in Boston?

Yes. Most Massachusetts uncontested divorces are handled without attorneys. A no-lawyer divorce works best when spouses agree on:

• Property & debt division

• Child custody & parenting schedules

• Child support

• Health insurance & medical coverage

• Spousal support (alimony)

• Taxes & retirement accounts

If you disagree on anything, mediation can help resolve issues without hiring an attorney.

Which Massachusetts Divorce Type Should You File?

Massachusetts offers two main no-lawyer divorce options:

✔ 1A Divorce (Joint Petition – Best for DIY)

Fastest + cheapest

• Both spouses file together

• Fully uncontested

• No service required

• Works well without attorneys

✔ 1B Divorce (Complaint for Divorce)

File individually

• Used if you and your spouse don’t fully agree

• Can still settle out of court

• Often resolved without attorney involvement

Most DIY Boston couples use the 1A Joint Petition.

How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Boston: Step-by-Step

1. Meet Massachusetts’ Divorce Requirements

✓ Residency

You may file in MA if:

• You’ve lived in MA for 1 year,
  OR

• The marriage broke down in Massachusetts and you currently live here

✓ Grounds for Divorce

The easiest:

• Irretrievable breakdown of the marriage (no-fault)

2. Complete the Required Massachusetts Divorce Forms

Forms vary depending on whether you file a 1A or 1B divorce.

1A Joint Petition Forms (Best for DIY):

• Joint Petition for Divorce (Form 1A)

• Joint Affidavit of Irretrievable Breakdown

• Separation Agreement

• Financial Statements from both spouses

• Certified marriage certificate

• Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (if children)

• Affidavit Disclosing Care & Custody (if children)

• Request for Trial Assignment

1B Contested (or partially contested) Forms:

• Complaint for Divorce

• Summons

• Financial Statement

• Separation Agreement (when ready)

• Parenting documents (if children)

Divorce.com™ auto-generates all Massachusetts-compliant forms, including Suffolk County requirements.

3. File Your Forms With the Suffolk Probate & Family Court

Boston divorces are filed at:

Suffolk Probate & Family Court
24 New Chardon Street, Boston, MA 02114

You may file:

• In person

• By mail

• Electronically through eFiling (in eligible cases)

Filing Fee (2025):

• $215 total (filing + surcharge)

• Additional fees apply if a summons is issued for 1B cases

4. Serve Your Spouse (1B Cases Only)

If filing 1A, service is not required.

If filing 1B, your spouse must be served by:

• Sheriff

• Constable

• Certified mail (in limited situations)

They have 20–120 days to respond depending on circumstances.

5. Exchange Financial Statements

Massachusetts requires full financial disclosures:

• Income

• Expenses

• Property & assets

• Retirement accounts

• Debts

• Tax documents

Both spouses must file Financial Statements with the court.

6. Finalize Your Separation Agreement

The Separation Agreement must address:

• Division of assets and debts

• Child custody & parenting plan

• Child support

• Health insurance & uninsured costs

• Alimony

• Retirement & tax provisions

Both spouses sign before filing for final approval.

7. Attend the Required Court Hearing

For a 1A divorce, the court schedules a short hearing (usually 10–20 minutes).

You must:

• Bring identification

• Confirm the marriage is irretrievably broken

• Acknowledge terms in the Separation Agreement

If everything is in order, the judge approves your agreement.

How Long Does a DIY Divorce Take in Boston?

1A Joint Petition:

• Court hearing: ~30–60 days after filing

• Judgment Nisi: issued after the hearing

• Divorce becomes final 90 days later

Total: ~4–5 months

1B Divorce:

• 6–12+ months depending on agreement timing

How Much Does It Cost to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Boston?

DIY Divorce Costs

• Filing fee: $215

• Certified marriage certificate: ~$20

• Notary fees: $5–$10

• Service fees (1B only): $35–$75

Online Divorce Services

• $499–$999

Attorney Fees

• $300–$600/hour

• Uncontested: $5,000–$8,000+

• Contested: $15,000–$30,000+

DIY divorce saves the most money.

Benefits of Divorcing Without a Lawyer in Boston

✔ Saves thousands in legal fees

✔ Predictable process for 1A cases

✔ Works well for amicable couples

✔ Faster than contested litigation

✔ Online tools simplify forms and reduce errors

Common DIY Divorce Mistakes in Massachusetts

Avoid:

• Filing the wrong 1A vs. 1B forms

• Using outdated financial statement forms

• Missing signatures or notarizations

• Incorrect child support calculations

• Filing without required attachments (e.g., marriage certificate)

• Not understanding Judgment Nisi timelines

Divorce.com™ ensures your forms are accurate and complete.

Get Help Filing Your Boston Divorce Without a Lawyer

Divorce.com™ helps Boston residents complete uncontested divorces quickly, accurately, and affordably.

Why Boston couples choose Divorce.com™:

• MA + Suffolk County–approved forms

• Step-by-step online process

• Optional attorney review

• Clear instructions for hearings

• Flat-fee pricing with no surprises

Start your Boston divorce today and avoid expensive attorney fees.