Massachusetts Divorce Attorneys

Divorce in Massachusetts is governed by M.G.L. Chapter 208, a body of law with its own terminology, timelines, and procedures that differ from those of other states. 

In a no-fault divorce, either both spouses file jointly under Section 1A (uncontested) with a signed separation agreement, or one spouse files a complaint under Section 1B (contested) citing irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.

After filing, both parties exchange mandatory financial disclosures, including sworn financial statements. The court uses this information to address property division, child support, alimony, and custody arrangements. Many cases resolve through negotiation or mediation before trial. When a fair resolution can’t be reached outside the courtroom, your Turco Legal attorney is prepared to litigate on your behalf.

Massachusetts imposes a waiting period before a divorce becomes final. Uncontested divorces include a 120-day nisi period after the judge approves the agreement. Contested divorces carry a 90-day nisi period after judgment, and the court cannot enter a judgment of divorce nisi any earlier than six months after the complaint is filed. Your attorney will guide you through each stage and keep you informed on timelines specific to your county’s court schedule.

In contested cases involving minor children, both parents must also complete a court-approved co-parenting education course.

Divorce often involves multiple legal issues that have to be resolved together. Turco Legal provides representation in every aspect of Massachusetts divorce and family law, so your case is handled cohesively from start to finish.
Here are some of the divorce and family law services we provide:

Divorce Law

Same-Sex Divorce

Family Law

Appeals

Massachusetts divorce law is state-specific, and the details of how statutes are applied can vary by county and by judge. If you’re early in the process and want to understand how the law applies to your situation, we’ve put together resources covering the major topics.

Getting the right legal representation can make all the difference. As leading Massachusetts divorce attorneys, we bring 200+ years of combined legal experience. Our goal is to provide knowledgeable, result-driven representation to help you through a challenging situation. 

When you partner with Turco Legal, you can expect:

• Legal strategies built around the specific facts of your case and the applicable Massachusetts statutes, from Section 34 property division to the Alimony Reform Act’s durational limits.
• Attorneys who practice in Probate and Family Courts across Massachusetts, including Essex, Suffolk, Middlesex, Norfolk, and Worcester counties.
• Consistent communication so you understand where your case stands and what comes next.
• A team that stays current on changes to Massachusetts family law, including the updated Child Support Guidelines and evolving appellate decisions on equitable distribution.

We want you to move forward through your divorce with confidence while protecting what matters most.

At Turco Legal, we work best with informed, engaged clients who ask questions, do their research, and want a lawyer who truly listens. Our goal is to surpass your expectations, providing the kind of legal advocacy that earns lasting trust. Below are a few testimonials from clients who experienced the care, preparation, and legal precision we bring to every case:

As Seen In

Proudly Giving Back

Turco Legal donates 10% of all proceeds to Lawyers for Civil Rights Boston, supporting their mission to advance civil liberties, protect due process, and ensure equal access to justice.

Learn More →

If you are considering divorce or facing a family law matter, start by speaking with an experienced divorce lawyer in Massachusetts to learn more about your options and next steps. 

Contact our team to schedule a consultation to explore the best approach for you.

What is the first step in filing for divorce in Massachusetts?

The first step is filing a Complaint for Divorce in the Probate and Family Court for the county where you or your spouse resides. Massachusetts requires that at least one spouse has lived in the state. If the grounds for divorce arose in Massachusetts, there is no minimum residency period; otherwise, one spouse must have lived in the state for at least one year before filing. You’ll need to choose between a joint petition under Section 1A if you and your spouse agree on all terms, or a contested complaint under Section 1B if you don’t.

How long does a divorce take in Massachusetts?

Timelines vary based on whether your divorce is contested or uncontested. An uncontested 1A divorce, where both spouses agree on all terms and file jointly, can be finalized in roughly four to six months, including a mandatory 120-day nisi waiting period before the divorce becomes absolute. A contested 1B divorce typically takes 12 to 18 months or longer, depending on the complexity of the issues and the court’s schedule. The 1B track also requires that no judgment can enter until at least six months after the complaint is filed, followed by a 90-day nisi period.

What are the grounds for divorce in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts allows both no-fault and fault-based divorce. The most common path is no-fault, where one or both spouses cite irretrievable breakdown of the marriage under M.G.L. Chapter 208, Sections 1A or 1B. Fault-based grounds under Section 1 include adultery, desertion for one year or more, gross and confirmed habits of intoxication, cruel and abusive treatment, nonsupport, and a prison sentence of five or more years. Most divorces in Massachusetts proceed on no-fault grounds.

How is property divided in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts follows equitable distribution under M.G.L. Chapter 208, Section 34. Assets are divided fairly based on the circumstances of the marriage, which does not always mean equally. Massachusetts courts can divide all property owned by either spouse, regardless of when it was acquired or whose name is on the title. This includes premarital assets, inheritances, and gifts. The precedent set in Rice v. Rice, 372 Mass. 398 (1977), established that a spouse’s “estate” includes all property “however acquired.” Judges weigh over a dozen statutory factors, including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income and employability, contributions to the household, and the needs of any children.

Do I need a Massachusetts divorce lawyer?

Divorce lawyers in Massachusetts are not legally required. However, Massachusetts divorce law involves specific statutes and evolving case law that directly affect your financial outcome. Issues like property division under Section 34, alimony calculations under the Alimony Reform Act (M.G.L. c. 208, §§ 48-55), and child support under the Massachusetts Guidelines all carry procedural and substantive requirements that benefit from experienced legal counsel. An attorney can help you understand what you’re entitled to and advocate for a fair result.

What money can’t be touched in a divorce in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts does not draw a strict line between marital and separate property the way most other states do. Under Section 34, courts have the discretion to include virtually all assets in the marital estate, including inheritances, gifts, and premarital property. However, the source and nature of the asset are factors the court considers. In shorter marriages, a judge may be more likely to return an inheritance or gift to the spouse who received it. In longer marriages, courts more frequently treat all assets as part of the shared estate. The specific facts of your case will determine how these assets are handled.