## Can I file for divorce in Massachusetts? Every state has a residency requirement — a minimum amount of time you (or your spouse) have to live in the state before the courts will hear your divorce. It exists to stop people from "shopping" for the most favorable divorce state. ### The Massachusetts rule (M.G.L. ch. 208, § 5) Either spouse must have lived in Massachusetts for 1 year before filing — OR the cause of divorce must have occurred in Massachusetts AND the plaintiff must live in Massachusetts at filing. ## What counts as residency? Residency is more than just being physically in the state. Massachusetts courts look for: - Where you actually live (the home you sleep in most nights) - Your driver's license and vehicle registration - Voter registration - Where your job is - Where your kids go to school - Tax filings - Bank accounts and bills If you moved recently and the move looks like it was just to file for divorce, the court can challenge whether you really established residency. ## Special situations **Military service.** Most states treat military members stationed in the state — and the spouses of service members — as residents while on active orders. The exact rule varies, so confirm with a local attorney. **One spouse out of state.** You usually only need ONE spouse to meet the residency rule. If you live in a state that fits and your spouse lives elsewhere, you can typically still file. **Recent move.** If you just moved to the state, you may need to wait. In the meantime, some states let you file for legal separation immediately and convert to divorce later. **Marriage performed in this state.** A handful of states (including Tennessee and Wyoming) let you skip or shorten residency if you were married in the state. ## Filing in the wrong state If you file in a state where neither spouse meets residency, the court will dismiss the case — and you'll have wasted filing fees, attorney time, and (worst case) lost ground in custody negotiations. Get the residency question right before you spend money on the rest. ## What you should do If you're trying to figure out whether you can file for divorce in Massachusetts, talk to a family-law attorney. The residency rule is usually simple, but the edge cases — recent moves, military deployments, dual residences, separation periods, county-level rules — are where people get tripped up. Most family-law attorneys offer free or low-cost initial consultations. --- *This guide is general information about Massachusetts law as of early 2026 and is not legal advice. Statutes and court rules change. Talk to a licensed Massachusetts family-law attorney about your specific situation.*