Can I get divorced without a lawyer?

Many uncontested divorces are handled pro se. If there are contested assets, support disputes, or custody conflict, consider consulting an attorney.

What is the difference between a petition and a response?

The petition starts the case (you are the petitioner). The response is what you file if your spouse filed first and served you.

Does this cover custody?

It includes a custody framework, and a dedicated custody-agreement generator is available for parenting plans and schedules.

Massachusetts Divorce Forms

Start or respond to a divorce with court-ready petition and response documents.

Start your Massachusetts divorce forms

Massachusetts is already picked for you. Free preview - $9 to download the court-ready PDF.

An uncontested or simple divorce often does not require a lawyer. This tool drafts the Petition for Dissolution, the Response, and a marital settlement framework covering property division and, where relevant, custody.

Divorce in Massachusetts: what the official sources say

Court: Probate and Family Court

The form to respond to a divorce complaint is the Answer to Complaint for Divorce (CJD 201). source
If the reason for the divorce happened outside Massachusetts, the person filing generally must have lived in Massachusetts for the year before filing. source

Official Massachusetts forms and instructions

Checked against the official sources on 2026-09-10. Court rules change, so confirm them before you file.

Before you file in Massachusetts, confirm

How long you must live in Massachusetts before you can file
Whether Massachusetts has a waiting period before a divorce can be final
Which official Massachusetts forms must be filed with your petition
How your spouse must be served, and the filing fee or fee waiver

The official Massachusetts court site below has the current answers.

Documents you can generate

Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
Response to a petition you were served with
Property division and settlement framework
Formatted for your state family court

Official resources and free legal help

Pro Se Legal Docs is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. These templates help you prepare your own filing; they do not replace advice from a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get divorced without a lawyer?: Many uncontested divorces are handled pro se. If there are contested assets, support disputes, or custody conflict, consider consulting an attorney.
What is the difference between a petition and a response?: The petition starts the case (you are the petitioner). The response is what you file if your spouse filed first and served you.
Does this cover custody?: It includes a custody framework, and a dedicated custody-agreement generator is available for parenting plans and schedules.

Other Massachusetts forms

Eviction Defense Small Claims Debt Lawsuit Defense Domestic Violence Restraining Order Custody Agreement Unpaid Wage Claim Civil Harassment Restraining Order Bankruptcy Schedule

Divorce forms for every state

Ready to prepare your Massachusetts divorce forms?

Start now

This is a self-help document generator, not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice. Court rules and filing requirements in Massachusetts can change - confirm specifics with your local court clerk or a licensed attorney.