SIMPLIFYING YOUR DIVORCE
Massachusetts Divorce Papers
If you're starting to look into divorce in Massachusetts, the paperwork can feel like the hardest part before you've even begun. The forms have code numbers, the rules reference statute sections, and it's not always obvious which document does what. The good news: Massachusetts uses statewide standardized court forms, so once you understand the pieces, the picture gets a lot clearer.
This guide walks you through the Massachusetts divorce forms in plain language — what each one is, what it does, and where to find the official versions. We'll also cover how the process generally works, the state's residency and grounds rules, and the common mistakes that trip people up.
One important note before we dive in: this page is informational only. It describes what the forms do and how the Massachusetts process is structured — it is not legal advice and does not tell you what to file for your own situation. Every divorce is different, and for advice on your specific situation, consult an attorney.
Which Massachusetts Divorce Forms Will You Need?
Massachusetts handles all divorces through the Probate and Family Court, and the state publishes standardized CJD-series forms that are used statewide — the same forms apply no matter which county you file in. Which forms come into play depends on the path your divorce takes. Massachusetts has two distinct no-fault paths plus a fault path: a §1A joint petition (both spouses agree on everything and file together), a §1B contested no-fault complaint (one spouse files without a complete agreement), and a fault-based complaint. The forms below are grouped by what they do so you can see how the pieces fit together.
Starting the Case
These forms open a divorce case. The one that applies depends on whether the divorce is a joint no-fault filing, a contested no-fault filing, or fault-based.
Joint Petition for Divorce Pursuant to G.L. c.208, §1A (CJD 101A)
Starts an uncontested no-fault divorce; both spouses file together claiming irretrievable breakdown and submit a separation agreement at the same time.
Complaint for Divorce under G.L. c. 208, §1B (CJD 101B)
Starts a contested no-fault divorce, where one spouse files claiming irretrievable breakdown without a full agreement.
Complaint for Divorce (CJD 101)
Starts a fault-based divorce; the filer alleges a specific fault ground.
Affidavit of Irretrievable Breakdown
A sworn statement confirming the marriage has irretrievably broken down. It is required in §1B cases and, when filed together with a separation agreement, can convert a 1B case to a 1A.
Motion (CJD 400)
A general motion form used to request temporary orders — such as custody or support — while the case is still pending.
Responding to a Complaint
If a Complaint for Divorce has been filed and served, the other spouse may respond using this form.
Answer to Complaint for Divorce (CJD 201)
The defendant spouse's response to a Complaint for Divorce.
Financial and Disclosure Forms
Massachusetts requires financial disclosure whenever money or support is at issue. Which version of the financial statement applies depends on annual gross income.
Financial Statement — Short Form (CJD 301S)
Mandatory financial disclosure for parties with annual gross income under $75,000; required whenever money or support is at issue.
Financial Statement — Long Form (CJD 301L)
Mandatory financial disclosure for parties with annual gross income of $75,000 or more; required whenever money or support is at issue.
Forms for Divorces With Children
When minor children are involved, additional forms address custody, support, and parenting education.
Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (CJD 304)
Calculates the child support obligation using the Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines; it must be filed in cases where child support may be established or modified. This is a worksheet rather than a simple fixed amount, and the guidelines are periodically updated — the current version is effective December 1, 2025, so always download the latest version before filing.
Child Care or Custody Disclosure Affidavit (UCCJEA affidavit)
Discloses any prior or pending custody or care proceedings involving the minor children; required in cases involving a child under 18. This form implements UCCJEA requirements and does not carry a prominent CJD number in official listings, so it's worth confirming the current form number at mass.gov before filing.
Parent Education Notice / Co-Parenting Education Course (Two Families Now) acknowledgment
Confirms completion of the mandatory 4-hour co-parenting education course required for parents with minor children in contested (1B or fault) divorces under Standing Order 3-23. Note that this course is not required for §1A joint petitions.
Settlement or Separation Agreement
Unlike many of the other documents, the separation agreement is not a standardized court form — the parties draft their own.
Separation Agreement (no standardized CJD form — parties draft their own)
A written settlement agreement covering property division, alimony, child custody, parenting time, and child support. It is required for a 1A divorce and is filed together with the Joint Petition. Because there is no official template, parties (or their attorneys) prepare their own.
Finalizing Your Case
Massachusetts divorces are finalized through a court judgment that becomes absolute after a waiting period rather than a separate fill-in form. After the hearing, the court issues a Judgment of Divorce Nisi, and the divorce becomes absolute once the nisi period expires (more on the timing below). Certified copies of the final judgment can be requested from the Probate and Family Court where the case was filed.
Where to Get Massachusetts Divorce Forms
Because Massachusetts uses statewide standardized forms, you can access the same official documents from several sources.
Official State Courts Site
The Probate and Family Court publishes the full set of CJD-series divorce forms online. You can find and download the current official versions on the state's forms page: Probate and Family Court Forms for Divorce. Forms are also available through courtforms.jud.state.ma.us. Because forms like the CJD 304 worksheet are updated periodically, downloading directly from the official source helps ensure you have the latest version.
County Probate and Family Court
Massachusetts forms are not county-specific — the same statewide forms are used everywhere. That said, you file in the Probate and Family Court in the county where either spouse lives, and that court is where you submit your paperwork, ask procedural questions, and later request certified copies.
Legal Aid and Self-Help Resources
Court self-help materials and legal aid organizations can help you understand the forms and the process at no or low cost. These resources explain how the documents work but generally cannot give advice tailored to your individual circumstances.
Online Divorce Services (Divorce.com)
If you'd rather not assemble the paperwork on your own, an online service can guide you through it. Divorce.com walks you through a simple questionnaire and helps prepare the Massachusetts forms based on your answers, so you're not left guessing which document goes where.
Hire an Attorney
For contested situations, complex finances, or anything you're unsure about, an attorney can prepare and review your paperwork and advise you on your specific situation. This is the right route whenever you need guidance rather than just the forms themselves.
The Massachusetts Divorce Process
Every case is a little different, but a Massachusetts divorce generally moves through these stages.
1. Confirm Residency
Massachusetts requires that you have lived in the state for one year prior to filing, or that the grounds for divorce occurred in Massachusetts and both spouses lived there together as a couple. The case is filed in the Probate and Family Court in the county where either spouse lives.
2. File the Opening Paperwork
The case begins with either a Joint Petition (CJD 101A) for an uncontested no-fault divorce, a Complaint under §1B (CJD 101B) for a contested no-fault divorce, or a Complaint (CJD 101) for a fault-based divorce. A 1A joint petition is filed together with the separation agreement.
3. Serve the Other Spouse (Contested Paths)
In a §1B or fault case, the spouse who files arranges for the other spouse to be served with the complaint. The responding spouse may then file an Answer (CJD 201). In a 1A joint petition, both spouses are filing together, so service in this sense doesn't apply.
4. Exchange Financial Disclosures
Whenever money or support is at issue, each party completes a Financial Statement — the Short Form (CJD 301S) for annual gross income under $75,000 or the Long Form (CJD 301L) for $75,000 or more. In cases with children, the Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (CJD 304) and the Child Care or Custody Disclosure Affidavit also come into play, and parents in contested cases complete the mandatory Two Families Now co-parenting course.
5. Attend the Hearing and Observe the Waiting Period
The court holds a hearing and then issues a Judgment of Divorce Nisi. In a 1A joint no-fault case, the divorce is not absolute until 120 days after the nisi judgment. In a 1B or fault case, there is a 90-day nisi period after the judgment hearing. Neither spouse may remarry until the nisi period expires and the divorce becomes absolute.
6. Receive the Decree and Request Certified Copies
Once the nisi period passes, the divorce becomes absolute. You can request certified copies of the final judgment from the Probate and Family Court where your case was filed, which you may need for things like updating records or changing a name.
Massachusetts-Specific Requirements You Should Know
Residency. You must have lived in Massachusetts for one year prior to filing, or the grounds for divorce must have occurred in Massachusetts while both spouses lived there as a couple. You file in the Probate and Family Court in the county where either spouse lives.
Property regime. Massachusetts is an equitable distribution state. That means marital property is divided in a way the court considers fair, which is not always an even 50/50 split.
Grounds. Massachusetts offers a no-fault ground — irretrievable breakdown of the marriage under G.L. c. 208 (§1A joint petition or §1B contested). It also recognizes fault grounds, including adultery (which requires naming the third party), desertion, gross and confirmed habits of intoxication, cruel and abusive treatment, non-support, impotency, and imprisonment for five or more years.
Waiting period. Divorces become final through a Judgment of Divorce Nisi followed by a waiting period — 120 days for a 1A joint no-fault divorce and 90 days for a 1B or fault divorce. Neither party may remarry until the divorce becomes absolute.
Distinctive features. Massachusetts has two distinct no-fault procedural paths keyed to whether the spouses agree: the faster §1A joint petition (full agreement filed together) and the §1B contested path (issues negotiated or litigated over time), plus a separate fault path. The mandatory 4-hour Two Families Now co-parenting course applies to parents of minor children in contested divorces under Standing Order 3-23, but not to 1A joint petitions. Massachusetts has no covenant marriage option, and as an early adopter of same-sex marriage, its forms and procedures are gender-neutral. There is no separate domestic relations court — every divorce goes through the Probate and Family Court.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing a path that doesn't match your situation
The §1A joint petition assumes both spouses agree on everything and file together with a separation agreement. If there's no complete agreement, that's a different path (§1B). Understanding which path fits is one of the most consequential early steps.
Using the wrong financial statement
The Short Form (CJD 301S) and Long Form (CJD 301L) are tied to annual gross income — under $75,000 versus $75,000 or more. Filing the version that doesn't match your income can cause delays.
Filing an outdated Child Support Guidelines Worksheet
The CJD 304 worksheet is updated periodically; the current version is effective December 1, 2025. Always download the latest version from the official site rather than reusing an old copy.
Overlooking the children's forms and course
Cases involving a child under 18 require the Child Care or Custody Disclosure Affidavit, and contested cases require the mandatory Two Families Now co-parenting course. Missing these can stall a case.
Assuming there's a separation agreement template
There is no standardized CJD separation agreement form — parties draft their own. Treating it as a fill-in-the-blank form can lead to gaps in property, support, or parenting terms.
Forgetting the waiting period before remarrying
The nisi period (120 days for 1A, 90 days for 1B or fault) must pass before the divorce becomes absolute. Neither spouse may remarry until then.
How Divorce.com Can Help
Sorting out which Massachusetts forms apply, downloading the current versions, and filling them in correctly is exactly the kind of work that's easy to get wrong on your own. Divorce.com is built to take that weight off your shoulders by guiding you through a simple, plain-language process and helping prepare your paperwork based on your answers.
A guided questionnaire that helps identify the right Massachusetts forms for your situation
Completed, ready-to-file paperwork prepared from your answers
Plain-language explanations so you understand each document along the way
A faster, less stressful alternative to assembling everything by hand
Support designed for uncontested divorces, with the option to consult an attorney when you need advice
Which Massachusetts Divorce Forms Will You Need?
Massachusetts handles all divorces through the Probate and Family Court, and the state publishes standardized CJD-series forms that are used statewide — the same forms apply no matter which county you file in. Which forms come into play depends on the path your divorce takes. Massachusetts has two distinct no-fault paths plus a fault path: a §1A joint petition (both spouses agree on everything and file together), a §1B contested no-fault complaint (one spouse files without a complete agreement), and a fault-based complaint. The forms below are grouped by what they do so you can see how the pieces fit together.
Starting the Case
These forms open a divorce case. The one that applies depends on whether the divorce is a joint no-fault filing, a contested no-fault filing, or fault-based.
Joint Petition for Divorce Pursuant to G.L. c.208, §1A (CJD 101A)
Starts an uncontested no-fault divorce; both spouses file together claiming irretrievable breakdown and submit a separation agreement at the same time.
Complaint for Divorce under G.L. c. 208, §1B (CJD 101B)
Starts a contested no-fault divorce, where one spouse files claiming irretrievable breakdown without a full agreement.
Complaint for Divorce (CJD 101)
Starts a fault-based divorce; the filer alleges a specific fault ground.
Affidavit of Irretrievable Breakdown
A sworn statement confirming the marriage has irretrievably broken down. It is required in §1B cases and, when filed together with a separation agreement, can convert a 1B case to a 1A.
Motion (CJD 400)
A general motion form used to request temporary orders — such as custody or support — while the case is still pending.
Responding to a Complaint
If a Complaint for Divorce has been filed and served, the other spouse may respond using this form.
Answer to Complaint for Divorce (CJD 201)
The defendant spouse's response to a Complaint for Divorce.
Financial and Disclosure Forms
Massachusetts requires financial disclosure whenever money or support is at issue. Which version of the financial statement applies depends on annual gross income.
Financial Statement — Short Form (CJD 301S)
Mandatory financial disclosure for parties with annual gross income under $75,000; required whenever money or support is at issue.
Financial Statement — Long Form (CJD 301L)
Mandatory financial disclosure for parties with annual gross income of $75,000 or more; required whenever money or support is at issue.
Forms for Divorces With Children
When minor children are involved, additional forms address custody, support, and parenting education.
Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (CJD 304)
Calculates the child support obligation using the Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines; it must be filed in cases where child support may be established or modified. This is a worksheet rather than a simple fixed amount, and the guidelines are periodically updated — the current version is effective December 1, 2025, so always download the latest version before filing.
Child Care or Custody Disclosure Affidavit (UCCJEA affidavit)
Discloses any prior or pending custody or care proceedings involving the minor children; required in cases involving a child under 18. This form implements UCCJEA requirements and does not carry a prominent CJD number in official listings, so it's worth confirming the current form number at mass.gov before filing.
Parent Education Notice / Co-Parenting Education Course (Two Families Now) acknowledgment
Confirms completion of the mandatory 4-hour co-parenting education course required for parents with minor children in contested (1B or fault) divorces under Standing Order 3-23. Note that this course is not required for §1A joint petitions.
Settlement or Separation Agreement
Unlike many of the other documents, the separation agreement is not a standardized court form — the parties draft their own.
Separation Agreement (no standardized CJD form — parties draft their own)
A written settlement agreement covering property division, alimony, child custody, parenting time, and child support. It is required for a 1A divorce and is filed together with the Joint Petition. Because there is no official template, parties (or their attorneys) prepare their own.
Finalizing Your Case
Massachusetts divorces are finalized through a court judgment that becomes absolute after a waiting period rather than a separate fill-in form. After the hearing, the court issues a Judgment of Divorce Nisi, and the divorce becomes absolute once the nisi period expires (more on the timing below). Certified copies of the final judgment can be requested from the Probate and Family Court where the case was filed.
Where to Get Massachusetts Divorce Forms
Because Massachusetts uses statewide standardized forms, you can access the same official documents from several sources.
Official State Courts Site
The Probate and Family Court publishes the full set of CJD-series divorce forms online. You can find and download the current official versions on the state's forms page: Probate and Family Court Forms for Divorce. Forms are also available through courtforms.jud.state.ma.us. Because forms like the CJD 304 worksheet are updated periodically, downloading directly from the official source helps ensure you have the latest version.
County Probate and Family Court
Massachusetts forms are not county-specific — the same statewide forms are used everywhere. That said, you file in the Probate and Family Court in the county where either spouse lives, and that court is where you submit your paperwork, ask procedural questions, and later request certified copies.
Legal Aid and Self-Help Resources
Court self-help materials and legal aid organizations can help you understand the forms and the process at no or low cost. These resources explain how the documents work but generally cannot give advice tailored to your individual circumstances.
Online Divorce Services (Divorce.com)
If you'd rather not assemble the paperwork on your own, an online service can guide you through it. Divorce.com walks you through a simple questionnaire and helps prepare the Massachusetts forms based on your answers, so you're not left guessing which document goes where.
Hire an Attorney
For contested situations, complex finances, or anything you're unsure about, an attorney can prepare and review your paperwork and advise you on your specific situation. This is the right route whenever you need guidance rather than just the forms themselves.
The Massachusetts Divorce Process
Every case is a little different, but a Massachusetts divorce generally moves through these stages.
1. Confirm Residency
Massachusetts requires that you have lived in the state for one year prior to filing, or that the grounds for divorce occurred in Massachusetts and both spouses lived there together as a couple. The case is filed in the Probate and Family Court in the county where either spouse lives.
2. File the Opening Paperwork
The case begins with either a Joint Petition (CJD 101A) for an uncontested no-fault divorce, a Complaint under §1B (CJD 101B) for a contested no-fault divorce, or a Complaint (CJD 101) for a fault-based divorce. A 1A joint petition is filed together with the separation agreement.
3. Serve the Other Spouse (Contested Paths)
In a §1B or fault case, the spouse who files arranges for the other spouse to be served with the complaint. The responding spouse may then file an Answer (CJD 201). In a 1A joint petition, both spouses are filing together, so service in this sense doesn't apply.
4. Exchange Financial Disclosures
Whenever money or support is at issue, each party completes a Financial Statement — the Short Form (CJD 301S) for annual gross income under $75,000 or the Long Form (CJD 301L) for $75,000 or more. In cases with children, the Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (CJD 304) and the Child Care or Custody Disclosure Affidavit also come into play, and parents in contested cases complete the mandatory Two Families Now co-parenting course.
5. Attend the Hearing and Observe the Waiting Period
The court holds a hearing and then issues a Judgment of Divorce Nisi. In a 1A joint no-fault case, the divorce is not absolute until 120 days after the nisi judgment. In a 1B or fault case, there is a 90-day nisi period after the judgment hearing. Neither spouse may remarry until the nisi period expires and the divorce becomes absolute.
6. Receive the Decree and Request Certified Copies
Once the nisi period passes, the divorce becomes absolute. You can request certified copies of the final judgment from the Probate and Family Court where your case was filed, which you may need for things like updating records or changing a name.
Massachusetts-Specific Requirements You Should Know
Residency. You must have lived in Massachusetts for one year prior to filing, or the grounds for divorce must have occurred in Massachusetts while both spouses lived there as a couple. You file in the Probate and Family Court in the county where either spouse lives.
Property regime. Massachusetts is an equitable distribution state. That means marital property is divided in a way the court considers fair, which is not always an even 50/50 split.
Grounds. Massachusetts offers a no-fault ground — irretrievable breakdown of the marriage under G.L. c. 208 (§1A joint petition or §1B contested). It also recognizes fault grounds, including adultery (which requires naming the third party), desertion, gross and confirmed habits of intoxication, cruel and abusive treatment, non-support, impotency, and imprisonment for five or more years.
Waiting period. Divorces become final through a Judgment of Divorce Nisi followed by a waiting period — 120 days for a 1A joint no-fault divorce and 90 days for a 1B or fault divorce. Neither party may remarry until the divorce becomes absolute.
Distinctive features. Massachusetts has two distinct no-fault procedural paths keyed to whether the spouses agree: the faster §1A joint petition (full agreement filed together) and the §1B contested path (issues negotiated or litigated over time), plus a separate fault path. The mandatory 4-hour Two Families Now co-parenting course applies to parents of minor children in contested divorces under Standing Order 3-23, but not to 1A joint petitions. Massachusetts has no covenant marriage option, and as an early adopter of same-sex marriage, its forms and procedures are gender-neutral. There is no separate domestic relations court — every divorce goes through the Probate and Family Court.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing a path that doesn't match your situation
The §1A joint petition assumes both spouses agree on everything and file together with a separation agreement. If there's no complete agreement, that's a different path (§1B). Understanding which path fits is one of the most consequential early steps.
Using the wrong financial statement
The Short Form (CJD 301S) and Long Form (CJD 301L) are tied to annual gross income — under $75,000 versus $75,000 or more. Filing the version that doesn't match your income can cause delays.
Filing an outdated Child Support Guidelines Worksheet
The CJD 304 worksheet is updated periodically; the current version is effective December 1, 2025. Always download the latest version from the official site rather than reusing an old copy.
Overlooking the children's forms and course
Cases involving a child under 18 require the Child Care or Custody Disclosure Affidavit, and contested cases require the mandatory Two Families Now co-parenting course. Missing these can stall a case.
Assuming there's a separation agreement template
There is no standardized CJD separation agreement form — parties draft their own. Treating it as a fill-in-the-blank form can lead to gaps in property, support, or parenting terms.
Forgetting the waiting period before remarrying
The nisi period (120 days for 1A, 90 days for 1B or fault) must pass before the divorce becomes absolute. Neither spouse may remarry until then.
How Divorce.com Can Help
Sorting out which Massachusetts forms apply, downloading the current versions, and filling them in correctly is exactly the kind of work that's easy to get wrong on your own. Divorce.com is built to take that weight off your shoulders by guiding you through a simple, plain-language process and helping prepare your paperwork based on your answers.
A guided questionnaire that helps identify the right Massachusetts forms for your situation
Completed, ready-to-file paperwork prepared from your answers
Plain-language explanations so you understand each document along the way
A faster, less stressful alternative to assembling everything by hand
Support designed for uncontested divorces, with the option to consult an attorney when you need advice
Which Massachusetts Divorce Forms Will You Need?
Massachusetts handles all divorces through the Probate and Family Court, and the state publishes standardized CJD-series forms that are used statewide — the same forms apply no matter which county you file in. Which forms come into play depends on the path your divorce takes. Massachusetts has two distinct no-fault paths plus a fault path: a §1A joint petition (both spouses agree on everything and file together), a §1B contested no-fault complaint (one spouse files without a complete agreement), and a fault-based complaint. The forms below are grouped by what they do so you can see how the pieces fit together.
Starting the Case
These forms open a divorce case. The one that applies depends on whether the divorce is a joint no-fault filing, a contested no-fault filing, or fault-based.
Joint Petition for Divorce Pursuant to G.L. c.208, §1A (CJD 101A)
Starts an uncontested no-fault divorce; both spouses file together claiming irretrievable breakdown and submit a separation agreement at the same time.
Complaint for Divorce under G.L. c. 208, §1B (CJD 101B)
Starts a contested no-fault divorce, where one spouse files claiming irretrievable breakdown without a full agreement.
Complaint for Divorce (CJD 101)
Starts a fault-based divorce; the filer alleges a specific fault ground.
Affidavit of Irretrievable Breakdown
A sworn statement confirming the marriage has irretrievably broken down. It is required in §1B cases and, when filed together with a separation agreement, can convert a 1B case to a 1A.
Motion (CJD 400)
A general motion form used to request temporary orders — such as custody or support — while the case is still pending.
Responding to a Complaint
If a Complaint for Divorce has been filed and served, the other spouse may respond using this form.
Answer to Complaint for Divorce (CJD 201)
The defendant spouse's response to a Complaint for Divorce.
Financial and Disclosure Forms
Massachusetts requires financial disclosure whenever money or support is at issue. Which version of the financial statement applies depends on annual gross income.
Financial Statement — Short Form (CJD 301S)
Mandatory financial disclosure for parties with annual gross income under $75,000; required whenever money or support is at issue.
Financial Statement — Long Form (CJD 301L)
Mandatory financial disclosure for parties with annual gross income of $75,000 or more; required whenever money or support is at issue.
Forms for Divorces With Children
When minor children are involved, additional forms address custody, support, and parenting education.
Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (CJD 304)
Calculates the child support obligation using the Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines; it must be filed in cases where child support may be established or modified. This is a worksheet rather than a simple fixed amount, and the guidelines are periodically updated — the current version is effective December 1, 2025, so always download the latest version before filing.
Child Care or Custody Disclosure Affidavit (UCCJEA affidavit)
Discloses any prior or pending custody or care proceedings involving the minor children; required in cases involving a child under 18. This form implements UCCJEA requirements and does not carry a prominent CJD number in official listings, so it's worth confirming the current form number at mass.gov before filing.
Parent Education Notice / Co-Parenting Education Course (Two Families Now) acknowledgment
Confirms completion of the mandatory 4-hour co-parenting education course required for parents with minor children in contested (1B or fault) divorces under Standing Order 3-23. Note that this course is not required for §1A joint petitions.
Settlement or Separation Agreement
Unlike many of the other documents, the separation agreement is not a standardized court form — the parties draft their own.
Separation Agreement (no standardized CJD form — parties draft their own)
A written settlement agreement covering property division, alimony, child custody, parenting time, and child support. It is required for a 1A divorce and is filed together with the Joint Petition. Because there is no official template, parties (or their attorneys) prepare their own.
Finalizing Your Case
Massachusetts divorces are finalized through a court judgment that becomes absolute after a waiting period rather than a separate fill-in form. After the hearing, the court issues a Judgment of Divorce Nisi, and the divorce becomes absolute once the nisi period expires (more on the timing below). Certified copies of the final judgment can be requested from the Probate and Family Court where the case was filed.
Where to Get Massachusetts Divorce Forms
Because Massachusetts uses statewide standardized forms, you can access the same official documents from several sources.
Official State Courts Site
The Probate and Family Court publishes the full set of CJD-series divorce forms online. You can find and download the current official versions on the state's forms page: Probate and Family Court Forms for Divorce. Forms are also available through courtforms.jud.state.ma.us. Because forms like the CJD 304 worksheet are updated periodically, downloading directly from the official source helps ensure you have the latest version.
County Probate and Family Court
Massachusetts forms are not county-specific — the same statewide forms are used everywhere. That said, you file in the Probate and Family Court in the county where either spouse lives, and that court is where you submit your paperwork, ask procedural questions, and later request certified copies.
Legal Aid and Self-Help Resources
Court self-help materials and legal aid organizations can help you understand the forms and the process at no or low cost. These resources explain how the documents work but generally cannot give advice tailored to your individual circumstances.
Online Divorce Services (Divorce.com)
If you'd rather not assemble the paperwork on your own, an online service can guide you through it. Divorce.com walks you through a simple questionnaire and helps prepare the Massachusetts forms based on your answers, so you're not left guessing which document goes where.
Hire an Attorney
For contested situations, complex finances, or anything you're unsure about, an attorney can prepare and review your paperwork and advise you on your specific situation. This is the right route whenever you need guidance rather than just the forms themselves.
The Massachusetts Divorce Process
Every case is a little different, but a Massachusetts divorce generally moves through these stages.
1. Confirm Residency
Massachusetts requires that you have lived in the state for one year prior to filing, or that the grounds for divorce occurred in Massachusetts and both spouses lived there together as a couple. The case is filed in the Probate and Family Court in the county where either spouse lives.
2. File the Opening Paperwork
The case begins with either a Joint Petition (CJD 101A) for an uncontested no-fault divorce, a Complaint under §1B (CJD 101B) for a contested no-fault divorce, or a Complaint (CJD 101) for a fault-based divorce. A 1A joint petition is filed together with the separation agreement.
3. Serve the Other Spouse (Contested Paths)
In a §1B or fault case, the spouse who files arranges for the other spouse to be served with the complaint. The responding spouse may then file an Answer (CJD 201). In a 1A joint petition, both spouses are filing together, so service in this sense doesn't apply.
4. Exchange Financial Disclosures
Whenever money or support is at issue, each party completes a Financial Statement — the Short Form (CJD 301S) for annual gross income under $75,000 or the Long Form (CJD 301L) for $75,000 or more. In cases with children, the Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (CJD 304) and the Child Care or Custody Disclosure Affidavit also come into play, and parents in contested cases complete the mandatory Two Families Now co-parenting course.
5. Attend the Hearing and Observe the Waiting Period
The court holds a hearing and then issues a Judgment of Divorce Nisi. In a 1A joint no-fault case, the divorce is not absolute until 120 days after the nisi judgment. In a 1B or fault case, there is a 90-day nisi period after the judgment hearing. Neither spouse may remarry until the nisi period expires and the divorce becomes absolute.
6. Receive the Decree and Request Certified Copies
Once the nisi period passes, the divorce becomes absolute. You can request certified copies of the final judgment from the Probate and Family Court where your case was filed, which you may need for things like updating records or changing a name.
Massachusetts-Specific Requirements You Should Know
Residency. You must have lived in Massachusetts for one year prior to filing, or the grounds for divorce must have occurred in Massachusetts while both spouses lived there as a couple. You file in the Probate and Family Court in the county where either spouse lives.
Property regime. Massachusetts is an equitable distribution state. That means marital property is divided in a way the court considers fair, which is not always an even 50/50 split.
Grounds. Massachusetts offers a no-fault ground — irretrievable breakdown of the marriage under G.L. c. 208 (§1A joint petition or §1B contested). It also recognizes fault grounds, including adultery (which requires naming the third party), desertion, gross and confirmed habits of intoxication, cruel and abusive treatment, non-support, impotency, and imprisonment for five or more years.
Waiting period. Divorces become final through a Judgment of Divorce Nisi followed by a waiting period — 120 days for a 1A joint no-fault divorce and 90 days for a 1B or fault divorce. Neither party may remarry until the divorce becomes absolute.
Distinctive features. Massachusetts has two distinct no-fault procedural paths keyed to whether the spouses agree: the faster §1A joint petition (full agreement filed together) and the §1B contested path (issues negotiated or litigated over time), plus a separate fault path. The mandatory 4-hour Two Families Now co-parenting course applies to parents of minor children in contested divorces under Standing Order 3-23, but not to 1A joint petitions. Massachusetts has no covenant marriage option, and as an early adopter of same-sex marriage, its forms and procedures are gender-neutral. There is no separate domestic relations court — every divorce goes through the Probate and Family Court.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing a path that doesn't match your situation
The §1A joint petition assumes both spouses agree on everything and file together with a separation agreement. If there's no complete agreement, that's a different path (§1B). Understanding which path fits is one of the most consequential early steps.
Using the wrong financial statement
The Short Form (CJD 301S) and Long Form (CJD 301L) are tied to annual gross income — under $75,000 versus $75,000 or more. Filing the version that doesn't match your income can cause delays.
Filing an outdated Child Support Guidelines Worksheet
The CJD 304 worksheet is updated periodically; the current version is effective December 1, 2025. Always download the latest version from the official site rather than reusing an old copy.
Overlooking the children's forms and course
Cases involving a child under 18 require the Child Care or Custody Disclosure Affidavit, and contested cases require the mandatory Two Families Now co-parenting course. Missing these can stall a case.
Assuming there's a separation agreement template
There is no standardized CJD separation agreement form — parties draft their own. Treating it as a fill-in-the-blank form can lead to gaps in property, support, or parenting terms.
Forgetting the waiting period before remarrying
The nisi period (120 days for 1A, 90 days for 1B or fault) must pass before the divorce becomes absolute. Neither spouse may remarry until then.
How Divorce.com Can Help
Sorting out which Massachusetts forms apply, downloading the current versions, and filling them in correctly is exactly the kind of work that's easy to get wrong on your own. Divorce.com is built to take that weight off your shoulders by guiding you through a simple, plain-language process and helping prepare your paperwork based on your answers.
A guided questionnaire that helps identify the right Massachusetts forms for your situation
Completed, ready-to-file paperwork prepared from your answers
Plain-language explanations so you understand each document along the way
A faster, less stressful alternative to assembling everything by hand
Support designed for uncontested divorces, with the option to consult an attorney when you need advice
If you're starting to look into divorce in Massachusetts, the paperwork can feel like the hardest part before you've even begun. The forms have code numbers, the rules reference statute sections, and it's not always obvious which document does what. The good news: Massachusetts uses statewide standardized court forms, so once you understand the pieces, the picture gets a lot clearer.
This guide walks you through the Massachusetts divorce forms in plain language — what each one is, what it does, and where to find the official versions. We'll also cover how the process generally works, the state's residency and grounds rules, and the common mistakes that trip people up.
One important note before we dive in: this page is informational only. It describes what the forms do and how the Massachusetts process is structured — it is not legal advice and does not tell you what to file for your own situation. Every divorce is different, and for advice on your specific situation, consult an attorney.
The Bottom Line
Massachusetts uses standardized, statewide CJD-series forms filed through the Probate and Family Court, with three procedural paths: a §1A joint petition, a §1B contested no-fault complaint, and a fault-based complaint. Which forms you'll encounter depends on your path, whether you have minor children, and your income — and the divorce becomes final only after the nisi waiting period (120 days for 1A, 90 days for 1B or fault). Whether you're in Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Cambridge, or Lowell, the same forms apply, though you file in the county where a spouse lives.
You can download the official forms directly from the state at the Probate and Family Court Forms for Divorce page. If you'd rather have the paperwork prepared for you through a simple guided process, Divorce.com can help.
This page is informational and describes what the Massachusetts forms and process involve — it is not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, consult an attorney.
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