Massachusetts Divorce Costs and Filing Fees (2026)
Massachusetts's filing fee is moderate, but the overall cost of a Massachusetts divorce is often higher than comparable states because of court scheduling delays, mandatory hearings, and the complexity of the all-property equitable distribution standard.
Core Filing Costs
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Probate and Family Court filing fee | $200–$220 |
| Certified copies of Certificate of Absolute Divorce | $10–$20 per copy |
| Service fees (1B — sheriff or constable) | $40–$80 |
County Variations
| County | Approx. Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Suffolk (Boston) | $215 |
| Middlesex | $215 |
| Norfolk | $200 |
| Worcester | $200 |
| Essex | $200 |
| Plymouth | $200 |
| Bristol | $200 |
Confirm the current fee with your county's Probate and Family Court Clerk before filing.
Ancillary Costs
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| QDRO (employer retirement plan) | $400–$1,500 per plan |
| Real estate deed preparation | $300–$600 |
| Registry of Deeds recording fee | $105–$175 per document |
| Property appraisal | $400–$800 |
| Business valuation | $2,000–$10,000 |
| Mediator | $200–$450/hour |
| Attorney for limited assistance (document review) | $400–$1,200 |
Fee Waiver (Affidavit of Indigency)
Massachusetts courts waive fees for qualifying low-income filers.
How to apply:
- Complete the Affidavit of Indigency (available at mass.gov/forms)
- File with your divorce petition
- Court reviews income and assets
- If approved: filing fees and service fees are waived
Eligibility: Income at or below 125% of federal poverty level, or active receipt of public assistance (MassHealth, SNAP, TAFDC, SSI, etc.).
Total Cost Estimates
| Scenario | Estimated Total |
|---|---|
| 1A, agreed, no real estate or retirement | $220–$500 |
| 1A, with children (agreed) | $250–$600 |
| With real estate deed and QDRO | $1,000–$3,000 |
| 1B, negotiated settlement | $2,000–$8,000 |
| 1B, fully contested trial | $20,000–$75,000+ |
Note on Registry of Deeds Fees
Massachusetts recording fees are among the higher in the country. The Registry of Deeds charges a fee per page plus a base recording fee. For a standard deed transfer in a divorce:
- Prepare the deed (Quitclaim Deed is standard)
- Record at the county Registry of Deeds where property is located
- Budget $105–$175 for recording, plus deed preparation cost
Last reviewed: March 2026 | Forms: mass.gov/divorce-forms | Registry of Deeds for real estate recording
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.