Massachusetts Divorce Guide

Complete guide to divorce laws, costs, timeline, and process in Massachusetts
Updated for 2026 with state-specific AI predictions

12-18 months

Average Duration

$15,000

Average Cost

12 months (or conduct occurred in state)

Residency Req.

90 days (uncontested)

Waiting Period

Verified95

Massachusetts Divorce Quick Facts

Property Division

Equitable Distribution

Grounds

Fault or no-fault

Alimony

Length of marriage, age, health, income

Child Support

Income shares model

What Makes Massachusetts Divorce Unique

2011 alimony reform act limits duration

Both fault and no-fault available

All property divisible (no separate property)

General term alimony tied to marriage length

Shared custody considered

Mandatory parent education program

Massachusetts Divorce Process Timeline

Week 1-2
Filing
Meet residency requirement (12 months (or conduct occurred in state)), file petition, serve spouse
Month 1-3
Response & Discovery
Spouse responds, both parties exchange financial information and documents
Month 3-8
Negotiation
Settlement discussions, mediation if required, division of assets and debts
Month 9-12
Finalization
Court approval, waiting period (90 days (uncontested)), final decree entered

Find Massachusetts Divorce Professionals

Family Law Attorneys

150+

Mediators

45+

Divorce Coaches

60+

CDFAs

30+

Therapists

80+

Get Your Massachusetts Divorce Prediction

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Based on Massachusetts laws and historical cases