INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE MASSACHUSETTS DIVORCE COMPLAINT FORM
The standard form for complaint for divorce in the Commonwealth includes much important information. The Official Divorce Complaint form is mandatory for use. The first portion of the form includes information such as the court location, docket number, and the names of the Plaintiff and Defendant.
The complaint must allege that the Plaintiff (the Plaintiff’s address is included on the form) was lawfully married to the Defendant (if the parties were never lawfully or legally married to each other, there is no “subject matter jurisdiction” for a divorce and the court cannot hear the case). The complaint must allege the last date in which the parties lived together.
The parties’ minor children are listed on the complaint, along with their dates of birth.
The complaint must allege the grounds for divorce. Generally, it is advisable to be specific in the conduct that the Defendant has done to cause the termination of the marriage.
There are different complaint forms for “uncontested” divorces (under Section 1A), “contested” divorces based on irreconcilable differences (under Section 1B), and “contested” divorces based on cause (under Section 1).
Finally, the complaint provides for the relief requested by the Plaintiff, which may include a plea for divorce, a prohibition on the Defendant from restricting the Plaintiff’s personal liberty, grant custody of a child or children, order support, order the conveyance of real estate, restore the maiden name of the Plaintiff, if applicable, and any other relief.
Our lawyers have drafted countless divorce complaints. We offer a free, initial consultation where we can explain the divorce process to you in a simple and straightforward manner. Call or email us today.
Also note that our office offers mediation services which can be handled anywhere across the state.
Our firm serves all courts in Suffolk, Middlesex, and Bristol County, including the Boston, New Bedford, Fall River and Taunton courthouses. We also serve all courts in Plymouth County, including the cities of Marshfield and Brockton. We can handle most cases virtually, and have offices in Needham, Boston, Hingham, and New Bedford for your convenience.