Massachusetts Divorce Lawyers: Find the Support You Need Near You

Divorce in Massachusetts can feel difficult and emotionally draining, especially when you’re navigating parenting plans, property division, and major financial decisions. Whether you’re facing disagreements with your spouse or pursuing a peaceful, uncontested divorce, a skilled Massachusetts divorce lawyer can help protect your rights and guide you through the process with clarity and confidence.

Massachusetts offers both no-fault and fault-based divorce options, and marital property is divided under an equitable distribution system. This means the court looks at fairness — not necessarily a 50/50 split — when dividing assets.

Below is a detailed overview of Massachusetts divorce law and a vetted directory of trusted family-law attorneys throughout the state.

Understanding Divorce in Massachusetts

Residency Requirement

You may file for divorce in Massachusetts if:

• You have lived in the state for 1 year, OR

• The cause of divorce occurred in Massachusetts and at least one spouse lives in the state

Grounds for Divorce

Massachusetts recognizes:

No-fault divorce

• “Irretrievable breakdown of the marriage” under:

  • 1A (joint petition)

  • 1B (contested)

Fault grounds

• Adultery

• Cruel and abusive treatment

• Desertion

• Substance misuse

• Non-support

• Impotency

Most couples file under 1A or 1B to simplify the process.

Property Division

Massachusetts uses equitable distribution, meaning:

• Marital assets are divided fairly

• Judges may consider all property — marital and separate

• Factors include length of marriage, contributions, earning potential, and future needs

Child Custody (Parenting Responsibilities)

Courts consider:

• Best interests of the child

• Parental involvement

• Emotional ties

• Stability of home environment

• Ability to co-parent

• Any history of abuse or safety concerns

Massachusetts often encourages shared custody where appropriate.

Child Support & Alimony

Child support follows the Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines.

Alimony types include:

• General term

• Rehabilitative

• Reimbursement

• Transitional

Awards depend on income, marriage length, and financial circumstances.

When You May Need a Massachusetts Divorce Lawyer

You should consider an attorney if:

• You disagree on custody or parenting time

• You own real estate, investments, or business assets

• One spouse earns significantly more

• Financial misconduct or hidden assets are suspected

• Domestic violence or safety issues exist

• Your spouse has hired a lawyer

• High conflict or litigation is expected

Even uncontested divorces benefit from professional review.

Massachusetts Uncontested Divorce Options

A joint petition under Section 1A offers the quickest uncontested divorce pathway.

Divorce.com assists Massachusetts couples by:

• Preparing accurate, state-approved divorce forms

• Preventing filing errors

• Helping you finalize the divorce affordably

• Providing support throughout the process

⭐ Massachusetts Divorce Lawyers by Metro Area

Boston

• Lynch & Owens P.C.

• Wilkinson & Finkbeiner, LLP

Worcester

• Murphy & Rudolf LLP

• The Law Office of Robert W. Kovacs, Jr.

Springfield

• Bulkley Richardson

• Dolan Divorce Lawyers, PLLC

Lowell

• The Law Offices of Brian C. DeMatteo

• Marcotte Law Firm

Cambridge

• Law Offices of Lisa A. Ruggieri

• Skylark Law & Mediation, P.C.