Massachusetts Family Court Forms and Filing Resources
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Massachusetts publishes its own official family law forms, filing instructions, and self-help materials, but they are spread across several government sites. This page organizes the official Massachusetts sources in one place so you can go straight to the right court page for forms, e-filing, rules, and locations.
Massachusetts's core family statutes live in the Massachusetts General Laws Part II, Title III - Domestic Relations. Only certain family case types are open for e-filing, such as custody, support, and parenting time complaints. Anything not on the approved list still goes in by mail or in person.
How the Massachusetts court system handles family cases
Family cases in Massachusetts are heard in the Probate and Family Court. Massachusetts has a dedicated Probate and Family Court department for divorce, custody, and support.
The Probate and Family Court sits in each county.
Appeals from a family case generally go first to the Massachusetts Appeals Court, and the state's highest court is the Supreme Judicial Court.
Besides the judge, a Magistrate / Commissioner may handle parts of a family case. Besides the judge, a magistrate, commissioner, or referee may hear temporary orders, child support, and uncontested matters - usually subject to a judge's review.
Official Massachusetts resources
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Massachusetts state courts website (Massachusetts judicial branch): The official home of the Massachusetts court system, with statewide news, rules, and links to every court. https://www.mass.gov/orgs/trial-court
Massachusetts family law forms (Massachusetts judicial branch): The official statewide collection of family law forms published for Massachusetts cases. Start here when you need the current version of a form. https://www.mass.gov/lists/probate-and-family-court-forms
Massachusetts self-help resources (Massachusetts courts self-help): Official self-help information for people handling their own Massachusetts family case, including instructions and plain-language guides. https://www.mass.gov/topics/family-law
eFileMA (Tyler Technologies): eFileMA is live in every Probate and Family Court division, 24 hours a day. E-filing is required for attorneys but optional for people without a lawyer, so you can always paper file instead. https://www.efilema.com/
Massachusetts courthouse locator (Massachusetts judicial branch): Find the courthouse or clerk that serves your county, with locations and contact details. https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-court-system/locations
Massachusetts rules of procedure (Massachusetts judicial branch): The court rules that control deadlines, service, and how family cases move in Massachusetts. https://www.mass.gov/rules-of-the-probate-and-family-court
Massachusetts mediation and dispute resolution (Massachusetts judicial branch): Official information on mediation and alternative dispute resolution options for Massachusetts family cases. https://www.mass.gov/service-details/find-a-mediator
Massachusetts financial affidavit and disclosure forms (mass.gov): The official source for the financial disclosure paperwork most Massachusetts family cases ask for. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/financial-statement-forms-probate-and-family-court
Massachusetts child support guideline resources (mass.gov): Official Massachusetts child support guideline materials, worksheets, or calculators. https://www.mass.gov/child-support-guidelines
Massachusetts eAccess (MassCourts) (Massachusetts courts): Look up existing case records. Access is listed as free and the system is organized statewide. https://www.masscourts.org/eservices/home.page
Frequently used official Massachusetts forms
These links open official Massachusetts government form documents directly. Courts revise forms, so if a direct link stops working, use the statewide forms collection above to find the current version.
Financial Statement (Short Form) (CJD-301S), form CJD-301S (Financial Disclosure), official document: https://www.mass.gov/doc/courts-dwnld-financial-statement-short-form-cjd-301s/download
Financial Statement (Long Form) (CJD-301L), form CJD-301L (Financial Disclosure), official document: https://www.mass.gov/doc/courts-dwnld-financial-statement-long-form-cjd-301l/download
Complaint for Divorce (G.L. c. 208 s. 1B) (CJD 101B), form CJD 101B (Divorce / Dissolution), official document: https://www.mass.gov/doc/courts-dwnld-complaint-for-divorce-under-gl-c-208-ss-1b-cjd-101b/download
Complaint for Support / Custody / Parenting Time (G.L. c. 209C) (CJD 109), form CJD 109 (Paternity), official document: https://www.mass.gov/doc/courts-dwnld-complaint-for-support-custody-pursuant-to-gl-c-209c-cjd-109/download
Motion (Probate and Family Court) (CJD 400), form CJD 400 (Modification), official document: https://www.mass.gov/doc/courts-dwnld-motion-cjd-400/download
Filing fees: Divorce filing fee: ~$200-$215.
E-filing link data for Massachusetts was last verified June 2026. Report anything outdated through our contact page and we will re-check the official source.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find official Massachusetts family court forms?
The official statewide source is the Massachusetts judicial branch forms collection linked on this page. Always download forms from the official site so you have the current version, and check whether your county adds local forms or cover sheets.
Can I e-file my own family case in Massachusetts?
eFileMA is live in every Probate and Family Court division, 24 hours a day. E-filing is required for attorneys but optional for people without a lawyer, so you can always paper file instead. Only certain family case types are open for e-filing, such as custody, support, and parenting time complaints. Anything not on the approved list still goes in by mail or in person.
How much does it cost to file a family case in Massachusetts?
Divorce filing fee: ~$200-$215. If you cannot afford the fee, ask the clerk about a fee waiver or indigency application; every state has a process for requesting one.
Which court hears family cases in Massachusetts?
Family cases in Massachusetts are heard in the Probate and Family Court. Massachusetts has a dedicated Probate and Family Court department for divorce, custody, and support.