Massachusetts Divorce Laws
What to Expect When Help Yourself Divorce Prepares Your No Fault Massachusetts Divorce.

Grounds for Divorce in Massachusetts.
Help Yourself Divorce is a no-fault divorce service, so we will prepare your divorce papers based on the ground that there is an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.

 

Massachusetts Residency Laws.
If you and your spouse lived together as husband and wife within the commonwealth of Massachusetts, and at least one spouse currently lives in Massachusetts, you may file for divorce without meeting any additional residency requirement.

However, if you and your spouse never lived together as husband and wife within the commonwealth of Massachusetts, you must meet the following residency requirement:

1) If your marriage broke down WITHIN Massachusetts, the plaintiff must be currently living in Massachusetts at the time you file; or

2) If your marriage broke down OUTSIDE of Massachusetts, the plaintiff must live in Massachusetts for one year before filing.

 

Filing for Divorce.
You will file for divorce in the Massachusetts county where you and your spouse last lived together. However, if neither spouse still lives in that county, then you may file for divorce in the Massachusetts county where either spouse currently lives.

 

Serving Your Spouse.
With our service, you will file a joint petition. This means you do not have to serve your spouse with the divorce papers, which expedites the process.

 

Waiting Period/Finalizing Your Divorce.
There is no specific waiting period before your final divorce hearing may be held. Typically, the court is able to schedule a hearing for your case about 2-4 weeks after filing the paperwork. However, your divorce will not actually be final until 90 days after the judge sign the judgment. The reason for this is because Massachusetts law requires the court to first enter a "judgment nisi". After the expiration of 90 days, the judgment nisi automatically converts into a final decree, meaning your divorce is final.

Learn more about the divorce procedure.

 

Additional Information.
The wife may restore her name to a former name as part of the divorce proceeding. This can be taken care of at the same time, and for no extra cost.

After a judgment of divorce has become absolute, either party may marry again.

If you and your spouse have minor children, you must attend an approved Parent Education Program. You must both register with an approved provider within 60 days after filing, and you must attend the next available session. You can find a list of approved providers here.

 

 

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IMPORTANT: Help Yourself Divorce is a paralegal service, not a law firm. Seek help from an attorney if you need legal advice.