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
Written by the SoLongSoulmate.com Editorial Team
Researched using official state court websites, state statutes, and legal aid resources. All filing fees and procedures verified March 2026. This is general legal information — not legal advice.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.