INSTRUCTIONS: MASSACHUSETTS COMPLAINT FOR DIVORCE (Form CJ-D 101)

In Massachusetts, a spouse who wishes to file for an at-fault divorce should file Form CJ-D 101. This Complaint For Divorce is available on the website maintained by the state government of Massachusetts. The document discussed in this article is specifically issued by Hampshire County but is the same in content as the statewide form.

Massachusetts Complaint For Divorce CD-D 101 Step 1: Write your name next to "plaintiff" and your spouse's next to "Defendant."

Massachusetts Complaint For Divorce CD-D 101 Step 2: In section one, enter the full current address of both you and your spouse.

Massachusetts Complaint For Divorce CD-D 101 Step 3: In section two, enter the date and location of your wedding, as well as the address where you last lived together. Indicate the last date on which you lived with your spouse.

Massachusetts Complaint For Divorce CD-D 101 Step 4: In section three, enter the names and dates of birth of all children, if any.

Massachusetts Complaint For Divorce CD-D 101 Step 5: In section four, list any legal actions previously taken by you or your spouse against the other.

Massachusetts Complaint For Divorce CD-D 101 Step 6: In section five, you must describe your grounds for divorce. Valid at-fault grounds for divorce in Massachusetts are cruel and abusive behavior, desertion for a year or longer, a spouse being sentenced to five or more years in jail, drug or alcohol addiction, failure to support the marriage or gross neglect, adultery or impotence. Provide the date on which this incident occurred.

Massachusetts Complaint For Divorce CD-D 101 Step 7: In section six, indicate with a checkmark that you seek a divorce. Also indicate if you wish the court to rule on child custody, alimony, property division and any other issues.

Massachusetts Complaint For Divorce CD-D 101 Step 8: If you are completing the form yourself in a "pro se" capacity, sign it and provide your address and telephone number. If an attorney is completing this form on your behalf, they should provide their information instead.

Massachusetts Complaint For Divorce CD-D 101 Step 9: You must submit a copy of your certified marriage certificate along with your complaint to initiate the legal process.