Massachusetts · Probate and Family Court

Massachusetts family court, without the confusion.

Massachusetts Probate and Family Court handles divorce, custody, child support, and 209A abuse prevention orders.

We walk you through exactly what to fill out, in plain English, and produce the forms ready to sign and file.

Where do you need help?

Coming soon

Divorce / Dissolution of Marriage

Start or respond to a divorce case. Covers petition, financial disclosure, and the complete filing packet.

Coming soon

Child Custody / Parenting Time

Establish custody and parenting time when you were never married or as part of a divorce.

Coming soon

Modify Custody or Parenting Time

Change an existing custody or parenting time order when circumstances have significantly changed.

Coming soon

Child Support

Establish or modify a child support order.

Coming soon

Establish Paternity

Legally establish parentage when the parents were not married.

Coming soon

Protective Order

Get an emergency order to protect yourself or your children from domestic violence or harassment.

Coming soon

Relocation (Moving with Children)

Request court approval to move with your children, or oppose a move.

Coming soon

Enforce a Court Order

Bring the other party back to court when they are violating an existing order.

Coming soon

Name Change

Change your name or your child's name through the court.

Coming soon

Spousal Support / Alimony

Request or respond to a request for spousal support or alimony.

What Massachusetts requires — before you file

1 1-year residency (with exceptions). Generally you or your spouse must have lived in Massachusetts for 1 year before filing, but exceptions apply if the cause of divorce occurred in Massachusetts.

2 No mandatory waiting period for uncontested cases. Massachusetts does not impose a waiting period for 1A (joint) divorces, though contested cases take longer.

3 Financial statement required. Both parties must file a sworn financial statement in all cases involving money or property.

Massachusetts uses 'legal custody' and 'physical custody.' The court distinguishes between 1A (joint/uncontested) and 1B (contested) divorce petitions.

All 14 Massachusetts Counties

Massachusetts Probate and Family Court has divisions in each county. File in the county where you or the other party lives.

Middlesex

Worcester

Suffolk

Essex

Norfolk

Bristol

Hampden

Plymouth

Barnstable

Hampshire