Massachusetts State Laws
Updated for 2026
Massachusetts Divorce Laws
Your complete guide to divorce in Massachusetts. Features comprehensive alimony reform with duration limits.
Understanding Massachusetts Divorce Law
Property Division
Massachusetts follows Equitable Distribution. Courts consider all assets.
Fair DivisionGrounds for Divorce
No-Fault: Irretrievable breakdown of marriage
Fault or No-FaultChild Custody
Courts consider best interests with focus on happiness and welfare.
Best InterestsChild Support
Uses the Income Shares Model.
Income Shares ModelChild Custody Factors
1
Happiness and welfare of child
2
Present and past living conditions
3
Relationship with parents and siblings
4
Adjustment to home, school, community
5
Health of parents and child
6
Preference of mature child
Alimony Types (Reformed)
General Term Alimony
Duration based on marriage length (60-80% of marriage length)
Rehabilitative Alimony
Support for education or job training, max 5 years
Reimbursement Alimony
For contribution to spouses education/career
Transitional Alimony
For adjusting to new lifestyle, max 3 years
Key Statutes
M.G.L. c. 208 1B
No-Fault Divorce
Irretrievable breakdown
M.G.L. c. 208 34
Property Division
Equitable division factors
M.G.L. c. 208 31
Child Custody
Best interests standard
Recent Changes
2024
Child Support Updates
Massachusetts updated child support guidelines with new income considerations.
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