A divorce is a legal action that dissolves a legal relationship. Because of this, the courts must be involved. For a Massachusetts divorce to be granted, certain final divorce papers must be filed with the court. A judge must accept and approve these documents to enter a divorce judgment. Until a divorce judgment is entered and your divorce is finalized, you are still legally married.

If you are mediating your divorce, you may have less paperwork than if you took your divorce to court. Nevertheless, you will need to submit some final papers along with your signed and notarized separation agreement. If you have mediated your divorce and have a signed separation agreement with your spouse, you must file the following final divorce papers:

  • Joint Petition
  • Joint Affidavit of Irretrievable Breakdown
  • Certified copy of your marriage certificate
  • Notarized Separation Agreement
  • Certificate of Absolute Divorce, and
  • Financial Statements

You will complete your Separation Agreement during mediation and may complete the other forms as well. An experienced mediator can help you complete the forms on your own. These forms represent the bare minimum you will need to file. You may have to file additional forms in your specific case. For example, if you have children under 18, you will need to submit forms pertaining to the care and custody of your child along with child support worksheets and proof of completion of a parenting education seminar.

These documents are legal forms that must adhere to certain standards. They may not be accepted if they are not filled out properly. You can fill these forms out on your own, but the court recommends you have an attorney review them before you submit them. Consult with an experienced Massachusetts divorce mediator if you have concerns about completing the forms. A skilled mediator can help you and your spouse work out agreements on the terms and conditions of your divorce so you can complete the forms. A mediator can also provide you with the information and guidance needed to fill your final divorce papers out correctly.

Do you have questions about filing for divorce in Massachusetts? Mediation Advantage Services is here to help. Law Office of Polly Tatum is highly experienced in Massachusetts family law and can help you and your spouse divorce efficiently and amicably. Based in historic Worcester with a satellite office in Northboro, MA, our firm serves all cities and towns throughout Massachusetts and Worcester County including, Auburn, Paxton, Leicester, Sutton, Grafton, Shrewsbury, Westboro, Northboro, Southboro, Holden, Sterling, Princeton, Worcester, Charlton, Millbury, Dudley, Spencer, Brookfield, Sudbury, Natick, Framingham, Hopkinton, Milford, Blackstone, Leominster, Fitchburg, Acton, Jefferson, Barre, Oakham, Cambridge, Newton, Marlboro, Lancaster, Bolton, and Hudson. Call our office at (508) 466-4734, fill out our online form, today to schedule your Complimentary Mediation Success Planning Session. You can also sign up for our eNewsletter or download our free e-book for more information regarding divorce in Massachusetts.