Massachusetts 1A Divorce Help
Can your divorce stay uncontested?
If you and your spouse are trying to avoid a fight in court, we can help you figure out whether you really have enough agreement for a 1A divorce. Start with the questionnaire below. It points out the pain points, explains whether the case looks contested or uncontested, and gives you a reasonable cost estimate right away, with no obligation to talk to anyone first.
What the questionnaire does
Some people only need their finished agreement written up, sometimes for as low as $750. Others are close but need help with the last terms, revisions, or negotiation. And some cases are not ready for an uncontested path yet. The questions below are designed to sort that out in plain English.
Contested or Uncontested?
Answer a few questions so we can see what kind of help fits
Question 1 of 20
Your Goal
What are you trying to do right now?
Most people start here hoping their divorce can be simple. That is a fine place to begin. The rest of the questions will help test whether it really is.
Estimated Timeline
If you started today, what could this look like?
Every court schedule is different, and the timeline depends on how quickly both spouses exchange information, review drafts, and sign paperwork. But clients usually find it helpful to see a realistic path from first contact to final divorce.
Today
Start Here
Start with the questionnaire so we can see whether this looks uncontested, close to uncontested, or likely contested.
About 1 week
Get Retained
If the case fits and you want to move forward, a realistic target is getting retained within about a week.
About 1-2 months
Draft Agreement
For many 1A matters, drafting and back-and-forth revisions take about 30 to 45 days after we start.
About 2 months
File Paperwork
After the agreement is settled, budget about 15 more days to finalize signatures, financial forms, and filing materials.
About 5 months
Court Hearing
Probate and Family Court hearing dates vary, but many uncontested 1A hearings are scheduled within about 90 days after filing. Some are held by Zoom.
About 9 months
Divorce Final
In a Massachusetts 1A divorce, the judgment nisi period is 120 days after the judgment enters. The divorce becomes final after that period.
If you started today (August 28, 2026):
Start Here
Aug 28
Get Retained
Sep 4
Draft Agreement
Oct 4 - Oct 19
File Paperwork
Oct 19 - Nov 3
Court Hearing
Jan 17 - Feb 1
Divorce Final
May 17 - Jun 1
Estimated dates vary by agreement complexity, client response time, court scheduling, and whether the judge has concerns about the paperwork.
When This Can Work
The goal is to keep a manageable divorce manageable
You are both trying to avoid a court fight
A 1A divorce works best when both spouses want the same basic outcome: finish the divorce, sign the paperwork, and avoid turning every disagreement into litigation.
You think most terms are already worked out
That usually means you have at least a rough plan for property, debt, parenting time, child support, health insurance, taxes, and whether alimony is waived or paid.
You want a lawyer to pressure-test the agreement
Even when people agree, they often miss details. The goal is to catch those issues before a judge rejects the agreement or a vague term creates a problem later.
When To Slow Down
Some cases should not be forced into a 1A box
Important terms are still unsettled
If parenting, support, alimony, real estate, retirement, vehicles, credit cards, or other debts are still disputed, the case may need negotiation before it can be filed as uncontested.
The other side is not reliable
A 1A divorce depends on both people signing the same final agreement. If one spouse keeps changing positions, refuses financial information, or will not respond, the uncontested path may break down.
There are safety or control concerns
Restraining orders, DCF involvement, criminal issues, coercion, threats, substance-use concerns, or unsafe communication may mean a simple agreement process is not the right first step.
Next Step
Start by figuring out what kind of divorce this really is
A 1A separation agreement has to cover the whole divorce: property, debt, insurance, taxes, alimony, parenting, child support, and any issue specific to your family. If the answers show the terms are mostly settled, we can talk about practical agreement options. If the answers show that the case is likely contested, we can explain that too before you spend time and money on the wrong path.