Real numbers for Massachusetts — filing fees, attorney rates, contested vs. uncontested costs, county breakdowns, and what you can do to reduce your total.
✓ Filing fee and waiting period verified against current state statutes · Updated August 2026
Forms and local rules differ, but the path through a Massachusetts divorce is fairly consistent:
Consider this a general orientation rather than Massachusetts-specific legal advice — your county self-help center or a licensed local attorney can confirm the current procedure for your situation.
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Calculate My Massachusetts Divorce Cost →The cost of divorce in Massachusetts ranges from roughly $3,900 for a simple uncontested case to $48,000 or more for a contested divorce that goes to trial. The single biggest factor is not the state — it is how much you and your spouse disagree.
Massachusetts has some of the highest attorney rates outside NYC and SF. A 90-day waiting period applies after filing.
| Divorce Type | Low Estimate | Typical | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested, no children | $215 | $1,175 | $6,500 |
| Uncontested with children | $3,900 | $6,500 | $9,750 |
| Contested, no trial | $16,500 | $30,000 | $48,000 |
| Contested, goes to trial | $48,000 | $57,000 | $50,000+ |
| Savings going uncontested | Up to $23,500 per spouse | ||
The court filing fee in Massachusetts is paid when you submit your divorce petition to the court. This is a fixed, unavoidable cost regardless of whether your divorce is contested or uncontested.
Filing fee note: $215 base statutory fee, $230 with summons surcharge (some courts add further local surcharges)
| $215–$230 across all Probate & Family Court divisions |
Divorce attorney hourly rates in Massachusetts average $380 per hour.
A Boston-area couple with no children going through a 1A uncontested divorce (joint petition) would spend $220 in filing fees and $2,500–$5,000 in attorney costs — roughly $2,800–$5,300 total. A contested custody case in Middlesex or Norfolk County can easily reach $40,000–$80,000 per party.
How much does a divorce cost in Massachusetts?
An uncontested divorce in Massachusetts typically costs $6,500–$9,750 including a $215–$230 filing fee. A contested divorce averages $30,000–$48,000 per spouse depending on attorney hours and complexity.
What is the difference between a 1A and 1B divorce in Massachusetts?
A 1A divorce is a joint no-fault petition filed by both spouses together — it requires full agreement on all terms and is the fastest, cheapest option. A 1B divorce is filed by one spouse and can be contested.
How long does a Massachusetts divorce take?
A 1A divorce typically takes 3–5 months (there is a 90-day waiting period after the hearing). A contested 1B divorce can take 1–3 years.
How much do divorce attorneys cost in Boston?
Boston attorneys at established family law firms charge $375–$600+/hr. Expect retainers of $5,000–$15,000. Attorneys in central and western Massachusetts charge $250–$375/hr.
Can I divorce in Massachusetts without a lawyer?
Yes, for uncontested 1A divorces. The Probate and Family Court has self-help centers, and there are online resources for simple cases.
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Open Massachusetts Calculator →Filing fees based on Massachusetts court records as of July 2026. This is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.