Massachusetts Law About Divorce
Best Bet
Family Law Advocacy for Low and Moderate Income Litigants, 2d ed., 2008. Mass. Legal Services. Online version of great book includes checklists, sample agreements and forms and so much more. Despite the title, those in all income brackets will find it useful. Best online source. 
Massachusetts Laws
- MGL c.208 Divorce
Court Rules
- Massachusetts Rules of Domestic Relations Procedure
- Supplemental Probate Rules 401-411
- Probate and Family Court Standing Order 4-08: Parent Education Program Attendance
Forms
Help in Determining Which Forms to Use
Contested Divorce: Forms to File, Hampshire County Probate Court. Lists the forms needed for both no-fault and fault contested divorces. While some information is specific to Hampshire County, the same types of forms are required in all counties.
Uncontested Divorce - 1A Divorce: Forms to File, Hampshire County Probate Court. Lists the forms needed for uncontested divorces. While some information is specific to Hampshire County, the same types of forms are required in all counties.
Divorce Forms
Other Web Sources
Divorce in General
After one signs divorce papers before a judge in Massachusetts is there a waiting period or are you divorced immediately?, Mass. Trial Court Law Libraries.
Divorce and the Alternatives, Neighborhood Legal Services. Explains the differences between annulment, separate support and divorce.
Divorce Information, Hampshire County Probate and Family Court. "Let us walk you through the maze of procedures, forms and information regarding divorce. We are striving to help people who are contemplating filing for a divorce, information and forms to download to fill out at your convenience."
Divorce Statistics, Divorce Magazine. A large number of statistics about divorce in an easy-to-read format. Includes divorce rate by state, statistics about marriage and divorce and children of divorce.
Divorce Without Court: A Guide to Mediation & Collaborative Divorce, Nolo, 2006. Includes information on mediation, writing the agreement, doing legal research, and more. Requires Library Card for access.
How do I get a copy of my divorce decree?, Mass. Trial Court Law Libraries.
How to File Papers in Essex Probate and Family Court, Neighborhood Legal Services. Includes detailed information on what Probate Court does, how to file, where to file, and over 70 pages of sample filled-in forms.
Nolo's Essential Guide to Divorce, Nolo, 2006. Not specific to Massachusetts, includes information on uncontested divorce, mediation, custody disputes, child support, health insurance and more. Requires Library Card for access.
Parent Education Program Attendance, Mass. Probate Court. List of approved parenting programs in Massachusetts.
Separation Agreements
Checklist for Divorce Separation Agreements, Mass. Council on Family Mediation. A list of the many items to consider when drafting your separation agreement.
Merger vs. Survival of Divorce Agreements in Massachusetts, DivorceNet. There are critical differences between a separation agreement that is "merged" and one that "survives" the divorce judgment. Article provides help in choosing the one that's right for you.
Financial Statements and Other Financial Issues
Divorce & Money: How to Make the Best Financial Decisions During Divorce, Nolo, 2006. Includes information on dividing property, doing taxes, dealing with child support, and more. Requires Library Card for access.
DOR Directive 89-3: Divorce judgment nisi and filing status, Mass. Dept. of Revenue. "Since the material (and tax) status of a divorced or divorcing individual depends on the nature of the judgment of divorce in effect at the close of the tax year, if the judgment nisi is in effect at that time, the taxpayer is married and must file either jointly or as married filing separately. If the judgment nisi has then become absolute, the taxpayer's filing status is 'single'."
Financial Statements and Financial Disclosure in Massachusetts Divorce, Atty. Howard I. Goldstein. Provides helpful advice as well as links to forms, rules, and information on other aspects of divorce.
How to Fill Out a Financial Statement, Neighborhood Legal Services. Includes information on records to gather and what to include in your financial statement.
Print Sources
Ginsberg Formula for Alimony: Ginsberg, Edward M. Hon. "The Place of Alimony in the Scheme of Things", 14 Massachusetts Family Law Journal 107 (Jan. 1997).