Have you and your spouse decided that you want to get divorced? Do you want to work together to reach an agreement outside of divorce court? If so, DIVORCE AND FAMILY MEDIATION SERVICES, LLC, (DFMS) can help you file for an uncontested divorce in Massachusetts. Call 617-750-9709 or contact our Quincy or Hingham office.
Documents to File with the Court
Here is a list of documents that you may need to file for an Uncontested or 1A Divorce some of these documents can be found on our website under Divorce Forms and Guides and other can be found at the
Massachusetts Probate and Family Court website
- Joint Petition for Divorce
- Joint Affidavit of Irretrievable Breakdown
- Affidavit of Care and Custody (if you have children from your marriage that are not emancipated)
- Certificate of Absolute/ Annulment or Rule 408
- Financial Forms for those making under $75,000 or Financial Forms for those making $75,000 and over (notarized if $75,000 and over). Each party must submit their own financial statement
- Child support guidelines, if you have children
- A money order (or whatever your court may allow) made payable to the court of filing for $215 (this is a filing fee)
- A certified copy of your marriage certificate from a city or town
- A notarized separation or divorce agreement
There could be other forms depending on your particular situation.
Where to File These Documents
After you have compiled all the documents listed above, you can file for divorce in a Probate and Family Court in your county.
- If you live in Hingham, you need to file in Plymouth Probate Court in Plymouth, Massachusetts
- If you live in Quincy, you need to file your documents in Norfolk Probate and Family Court in Canton, Massachusetts
- If you live in Dorchester, you need to file your documents in Suffolk Probate and Family Court in Boston, Massachusetts
- If you live in Cambridge, you need to file your documents in Middlesex Probate and Family Court in Cambridge, Massachusetts
What is a Separation Agreement?
A separation or divorce agreement is the document your divorce mediator will help you define through the process of divorce mediation. It describes the agreements you have reached regarding alimony, health insurance, taxes, the division of marital assets and debt, child support, child custody, parenting time, child tax credit, payment for children’s activities, and payment of college tuition for marital children.
Your separation agreement will become the legal document that states your rights and obligations after the divorce. It’s important that you have a clear understanding of this document.
What is a Parent Education Certificate?
Massachusetts family courts require that every couple with children under age 18 participate in parent education to prepare them for the task of parenting after divorce. After you complete the parent education program, you will receive a Parent Education Certificate that must be filed with the Court. At this time Massachusetts does not have an online program.
You CAN achieve a peaceful and respectful divorce or child custody agreement, with the right tools and support. DIVORCE AND FAMILY MEDIATION SERVICES, LLC, (DFMS) can provide the help you need. Contact our Quincy or Hingham law office for additional assistance with your family law, divorce, property division or child custody matter. Call 617-750-9709 or contact the office.