What is an uncontested or simple divorce in Massachusetts?

An uncontested (simple) divorce is one where spouses agree the marriage should end and agree on all terms the court must approve (children, support, property, and debts). In Massachusetts, many uncontested cases are filed using a joint process when both spouses sign the paperwork and submit a complete agreement for approval.

What is the difference between Section 1A and 1B in Massachusetts?

Section 1A is typically used when both spouses file together and submit a signed agreement for the court to approve. Section 1B is generally used when one spouse starts the case (or when there is not a complete agreement at filing). Procedures can vary by court and case facts.

Can I remarry during the Nisi period?

UNVERIFIED: If your case includes a waiting period between the court’s initial judgment and the date the divorce becomes final (“Absolute”), you are not free to remarry until the divorce is final. Confirm your finalization date on the court’s Notice of Entry and related documents.

Which Financial Statement (Short or Long) do I need?

UNVERIFIED: Massachusetts uses different financial statement formats depending on income and/or case requirements. Confirm the current threshold and form instructions on Massachusetts court resources before selecting the short or long form.

What is an uncontested or simple divorce in Massachusetts?

An uncontested (simple) divorce is one where spouses agree the marriage should end and agree on all terms the court must approve (children, support, property, and debts). In Massachusetts, many uncontested cases are filed using a joint process when both spouses sign the paperwork and submit a complete agreement for approval.

What is the difference between Section 1A and 1B in Massachusetts?

Section 1A is typically used when both spouses file together and submit a signed agreement for the court to approve. Section 1B is generally used when one spouse starts the case (or when there is not a complete agreement at filing). Procedures can vary by court and case facts.

Can I remarry during the Nisi period?

UNVERIFIED: If your case includes a waiting period between the court’s initial judgment and the date the divorce becomes final (“Absolute”), you are not free to remarry until the divorce is final. Confirm your finalization date on the court’s Notice of Entry and related documents.

Which Financial Statement (Short or Long) do I need?

UNVERIFIED: Massachusetts uses different financial statement formats depending on income and/or case requirements. Confirm the current threshold and form instructions on Massachusetts court resources before selecting the short or long form.

Updated for 2026 • Section 1A Compliant

Massachusetts Uncontested Divorce Kit (1A)

The Correct Forms & Roadmap for a "Section 1A" Joint Petition

Massachusetts Probate and Family Courts are strict about the difference between a "1A" (Joint) and "1B" (Contested) divorce. Our kit provides the specific Joint Petition (CJD-101A), Separation Agreement, and mandatory Financial Statements you need to file together and skip the fight.

Includes Joint Petition, Affidavit of Irretrievable Breakdown & Nisi Guide.

One-time download • $129 Flat Fee

Download Our MA Divorce Kit

Secure checkout · Instant PDF Access · Valid in Suffolk, Middlesex & all Counties

Is This Kit Right for You?

This kit is exclusively for "Section 1A" divorces. Check below to see if you qualify.

Use this kit if:

✓ You agree the marriage has an "Irretrievable Breakdown."
✓ Both spouses are willing to sign the Joint Petition (CJD-101A).
✓ You have a written, notarized Separation Agreement ready (or will create one with our kit).
✓ You are willing to exchange Financial Statements (Short or Long Form).

Talk to a lawyer if:

✕ You want to file a "1B Divorce" (Complaint) because your spouse won't sign.
✕ You are filing based on "Fault" (Adultery, Desertion, etc.).
✕ You disagree on the Child Support Guidelines Worksheet.
✕ You have lived in Massachusetts for less than 1 year (unless the cause occurred here).

Why Choose a DIY Kit?

Massachusetts has some of the strictest paperwork requirements in the country. A missing Affidavit of Care and Custody or an incorrect R-408 Certificate can get your case rejected. We provide the complete packet organized for the 1A process.

Save Thousands

Massachusetts lawyers typically charge $3,000+ for a 1A divorce. Our kit is a one-time fee of $129.

Avoid the "Nisi" Confusion

We explain exactly when your divorce becomes final (Judgment Absolute) so you don't accidentally remarry during the Nisi Period.

The Cost of Divorce in MA

Avg. Lawyer Fee

$3,000+

PlainDivorce Kit Best Value

$129

That's money in your pocket for your fresh start.

What's Included: Official Probate Court Forms

We provide the standard forms approved by the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court.

Step-by-Step Roadmap

A detailed roadmap explaining how to file your Joint Petition, attend the hearing, and understand the 90-day Nisi Period.

Core Legal Documents

Includes the correct packet for your situation:

Joint Petition (CJD-101A)

Separation Agreement

Affidavit of Irretrievable Breakdown

Financial & Vital Stats

Includes the mandatory Financial Statement (Short Form CJD-301S / Long Form CJD-301L) and the R-408 Certificate of Absolute Divorce.

Valid for filing in all Massachusetts Probate and Family Courts, including Middlesex, Suffolk, Worcester, and Essex counties.

How It Works

A simple roadmap to get your Judgment Absolute in Massachusetts.

File Joint Petition

Download the kit. Fill out the Joint Petition (CJD-101A) and Financial Statements. File them with the Register of Probate.

Hearing

Attend the brief uncontested hearing. The judge will review your Separation Agreement to ensure it's fair and reasonable.

Nisi Period

After the hearing, a Judgment Nisi is entered. 90 days later, it automatically becomes Absolute, and you are officially divorced.

Simple Pricing vs. Lawyer Fees

Feature	PlainDivorce Kit	Typical Lawyer
Total Cost	$129	$3,000+
Process Control	You set the pace (DIY)	Lawyer schedule
Includes Forms?	Yes (Joint Petition 1A)	Yes

Get the Massachusetts Divorce Kit Now

Secure One-Time Payment · No Subscriptions

What Our Clients Say

Real stories from people who successfully completed their divorce with PlainDivorce.

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“The instructions were crystal clear. I never felt lost or confused.”

Eric D.

Boston

“PlainDivorce made everything so simple. I filled out the forms in one evening, and everything was clear and ready to file.”

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Lowell

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Andrew C.

Cambridge

Frequently Asked Questions

“What is a '1A' Divorce?”

A "1A" divorce refers to Section 1A of Chapter 208 of the Massachusetts General Laws. It is for couples who agree that the marriage has irretrievably broken down and have a written agreement resolving all issues. It allows you to file a Joint Petition.

Learn more about Section 1A.

“What is the Nisi Period?”

After your hearing, the court issues a "Judgment of Divorce Nisi." This is a temporary judgment. The divorce does not become "Absolute" (final) until 90 days after the Nisi judgment is entered. You cannot remarry during this time.

“Which Financial Statement do I use?”

If your annual income is less than $75,000, use the Short Form (CJD-301S). If it is $75,000 or more, use the Long Form (CJD-301L). Our kit includes guidance for both.

“What is the R-408 Certificate?”

The R-408 Certificate of Absolute Divorce is a vital statistics form used to record your divorce with the Registry of Vital Records. It is mandatory for finalizing your case.

Important Legal Disclaimer

PlainDivorce is not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice or represent you in court. The Massachusetts Uncontested Divorce Kit is a self-help information product.

Court rules and filing fees (approx. $215 + surcharges) vary. You are responsible for verifying local requirements with your Register of Probate.