Where do I file for divorce?

If you are looking to file for divorce in Massachusetts, you will want to start by filing a Complaint for Divorce with your local court. The specific court you should file with depends on a few factors, including the county of residence of either party, the length of residence, and the grounds for the divorce. Once you have determined which court to file with, you should go to the court’s website and get the necessary forms and instructions for filing. The documents you will need to file are the Complaint for Divorce form, an Affidavit of Residency, and a Summons. The Complaint for Divorce form will explain the grounds for the divorce, the Affidavit of Residency will show the court that either you or your spouse has resided in the state for at least one year prior to filing, and the Summons will instruct your spouse as to the details of the divorce. Once these documents have been completed, they should be filed with the proper court. Fees for filing vary depending on the court, but the filing fee is usually around $210. After the documents have been filed, you will need to have your spouse served with the divorce papers. If your spouse agrees to the divorce, he or she may sign a waiver allowing you to avoid service. Once all the paperwork has been filed and your spouse served, the court will hold a hearing to determine the terms of the divorce. This hearing may include issues such as division of marital property, spousal support, and child custody. After the court has ruled on these matters, the divorce will be finalized.

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