Massachusetts: divorce rules by state
How long you must live in a state before filing for divorce, how long you wait after filing, and any separation the state requires.
| Residency requirement | 1 year if the grounds arose outside Massachusetts; none if inside |
|---|---|
| Residency law | M.G.L. c. 208 § 5 |
| Waiting period after filing | Joint petition: 120 days after approval. Contested no-fault: 6 months before hearing, then 90 days. |
| Separation required (no-fault divorce) | None |
General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply. Confirm with the state agency, the court or a licensed professional in Massachusetts.
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How we checked this
Residency rules come from a statute-cited 50-state chart and were compared with two other 50-state tables. Disputed states were checked on the state's own code. Last checked: November 12, 2026. Laws change; confirm with the state agency or a licensed professional before acting.
Cross-checked sources agree Checked on official source confirmed on a government, court or legislature site From a statute-cited table one detailed source Under review sources disagree; read the note and the law.