Massachusetts Divorce Cost Calculator
Estimate the real cost of divorce in Massachusetts — filing fees, attorney costs, and totals by path. Updated for 2026.
Last reviewed July 2026 · Free · Nothing you enter is stored
Property, support, and custody if you have children.
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estimated total cost range
Estimate based on Massachusetts filing fees and surveyed attorney costs. Complex assets, custody disputes, and trial can push costs well beyond these ranges.
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What drives divorce costs in Massachusetts
The single biggest variable is conflict. An uncontested divorce — where you agree on property, support, and parenting — costs a small fraction of a contested one, because attorney hours, discovery, and court appearances are where the money goes. At Massachusetts's average family-law rate of ~$335/hour, every disputed issue adds hours quickly. Note that Massachusetts has a mandatory waiting period of 90-120 day nisi period before a divorce can be finalized.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Massachusetts?
The court filing fee in Massachusetts is typically around $215 (Judgment is 'nisi' and only becomes absolute 90 days after approval (120 for 1A joint petitions).). Fee waivers are generally available for filers who can't afford it.
How much does a divorce lawyer cost in Massachusetts?
Family-law attorneys in Massachusetts average around $335/hour. Uncontested divorces typically run $1,500–$4,700 total; contested divorces $12,200–$27,800 or more.
How long do I have to live in Massachusetts before filing?
Massachusetts requires 1 year (none if grounds arose in-state) of residency before filing for divorce.
What's the cheapest way to get divorced in Massachusetts?
An uncontested DIY filing: agree on everything, use the court's forms (many Massachusetts courts provide self-help packets), and pay only the filing fee (~$215). Mediation is the next cheapest path when you need help reaching agreement — typically a fraction of the cost of two attorneys litigating.
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