Updated May 2026 Massachusetts
Massachusetts Divorce Filing Fee (2026)
All court costs for filing divorce in Massachusetts — including filing fees, service costs, and optional surcharges.
LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team
Data sourced from official government websites · Last reviewed:
$200
Base Filing Fee
$60
Sheriff Service
None
Children Surcharge
$260
Est. Total (with service)
Divorce Filing Fee Calculator
Estimate your total court costs for filing divorce paperwork in your state.
Estimated Total Court Cost
Court filing fees only — excludes attorney & mediation costs
Base Filing Fee
Children Surcharge
Service Fee
E-Filing Fee
· Filing fee: · Est. total:
How to File → Divorce Court Costs in Massachusetts
Filing for divorce in Massachusetts requires paying a base filing fee of $200 to the court. This fee opens your case and is paid by the petitioner (the spouse filing first).
Massachusetts requires a parenting class when minor children are involved. Fees typically range from $30–$75 and must be completed before the divorce is finalized.
Service of Process in Massachusetts
After filing, you must legally serve your spouse with the divorce papers:
- Sheriff / constable: $60
- Private process server: $110
Massachusetts Probate and Family Court fees are set statewide. Some courts add minor surcharges for additional motions in contested cases.
Uncontested divorce saves thousands
If both spouses agree on property division, custody, and support, an uncontested divorce avoids attorney fees entirely. Court costs are typically the only expense — often under $500 total.Fee waiver available
If you can't afford the $200 filing fee, ask the clerk for an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) application. Most Massachusetts courts waive fees for filers below 125–200% of the federal poverty level.Frequently Asked Questions — Massachusetts Divorce
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Massachusetts?
Filing for divorce in Massachusetts costs $200 for the base court filing fee. Add $60 for sheriff service of process, bringing the estimated court total to $260. This is the court cost only — attorney fees are additional and vary widely.
What is the divorce filing fee in Massachusetts?
The Massachusetts divorce filing fee is $200. This is a one-time fee paid to the court clerk when the petitioner files the initial divorce petition. The fee must be paid before the court will process your case.
How can I get the divorce filing fee waived in Massachusetts?
To get the divorce filing fee waived in Massachusetts, file an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) application with the court at the same time as your divorce petition. You must demonstrate that your household income falls below 125–200% of the federal poverty level. If you receive public benefits like Medicaid, SNAP, or SSI, you likely qualify automatically. A judge — not the clerk — must approve the waiver.
Does Massachusetts require a parenting class for divorce?
Yes — Massachusetts requires divorcing parents with minor children to complete a court-approved parenting class before the divorce is finalized. The class covers the impact of divorce on children and co-parenting strategies. Fees typically range from $30–$75 and must be paid directly to the approved provider.
How long does a divorce take in Massachusetts?
An uncontested divorce in Massachusetts where both spouses agree on all terms can be finalized in as little as 1–3 months, depending on the court's schedule and any mandatory waiting periods. A contested divorce — involving disputes over property, custody, or support — typically takes 6–18 months or longer. After filing, most states require a mandatory waiting period before a judge can sign the final decree.
Can I file for divorce online in Massachusetts?
Many Massachusetts courts allow you to download and print divorce forms from their websites, but in-person filing at the courthouse is still required. For uncontested divorces, online services can prepare all the paperwork you then file locally.
Also See for Massachusetts
Most popular
File Your Massachusetts Divorce Online
LegalZoom prepares every form for an uncontested Massachusetts divorce, reviewed by attorneys — no court visits required for paperwork. Starting from $499.
★★★★☆41M+ customers
Start My Divorce Online →
from $499