On this page, you will find all the forms you need to:

• Invite your spouse to mediate
• Have all the information completed the mediator will need for the first session
• File your Divorce yourself with the Probate Court

and various resources to help provide information on laws and procedures
         Note clients proceeding without an attorney:  you will need all of the forms in this section

1. Invitation to Mediate Letter
2. Client Questionnaire
3. Checklist of Forms and Procedures to File your Divorce Yourself
4. Checklist of Common Issues for Temporary Support, Custody, Visitation
5. Checklist of Common Issues for Final Separation Agreement   
6. Agreement to Mediate (Since confidentiality arises only after a written agreement is signed, it is very important that this form be signed at the first or earliest possible mediation session)
7. Joint Petition for Divorce (This form is a "fillable" .pdf form, you can fill in the blanks before you print it out)
8. R-408 Vital Statistics Form(This form is a "fillable" .pdf form, you can fill in the blanks before you print it out)
9. Affidavit of Irretrievable Breakdown (You may complete with Microsoft Word, or print out and fill-in by hand or with a typewriter)
10. Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (New effective January 1, 2009)
    (This form is a "fillable" .pdf form)
    (Click here for Mike Tremblay's Child Support Calculator)
    (Click here for the full Child Support Guidelines for completion instructions)
11. Affidavit Disclosing Prior Care or Custody Proceedings
    (This form is a "fillable" .pdf form, you can fill in the blanks before you print it out)
12. Probate Court Financial Statement (Short Form) (less than $75,000 annual income)
    (This form is a "fillable" .pdf form, you can fill in the blanks before you print it out)
    (Must be printed on Pink paper)
    (Click here for an Excel version if you are savvy with spreadsheets)
    (Click here for instructions to help complete this form)
13. Probate Court Financial Statement (Long Form)  $75,000 annual income or more)
    (Click Here for Schedule A)if you have Self-Employment income
    (Click Here for Schedule B) if you have Rental income
    (This form is a "fillable" .pdf form, you can fill in the blanks before you print it out) Must be printed on Purple paper)
    (Click here for an Excel version if you are savvy with spreadsheets)
    (Click here for instructions to help complete this form)
14. Request for Hearing Assignment ("Mark-Up" Form) (This form is a "fillable" .pdf form, you can fill in the blanks before you print it out)
15. Parent Education Prorgams  (You must arrange on your own to attend this 5-hour course, and file your certificate of completion with the Court)

Massachusetts Probate Forms (All new, up to date, official forms at the Probate Court website - most of them fillable .pdf format)
Rule 410 - Mandatory Disclosure of Financial Information in Divorce Case
Rule 411 - Automatic Freeze on Asset transfers
Child Support Guidelines
On-line Child Support Guideline Calculator
Massachusetts Statute on Alimony and Division of Marital Property Massachusetts Statute on Child Custody
Massachusetts Statute on Mediation Confidentiality
Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation Standards of Practice
Health Care Advocates
Health Care for All
Parent Education Programs
Instructions for Completing Probate Court Financial Statement
Current Probate Court Filing Fees
"Before Going to Court" instruction pamphlet
"Before Asking for Help" pamphlet on services available at Probate Court
"Planning for Shared Parenting -- A Guide for Parents Living Apart"
How to Find the Right Courthouse
How to Contact the Registry of Probate
Where to find a public Law Library for more information

Good Sites with helpful Legal Research Capabilties and Links:

Trial Court Law Libraries Site of Useful Resources
Social Law Library
Cornell University Legal Information Institute

Specific Legal Research Resources:

Massachusetts General Laws
Massachusetts Session Laws
Massachusetts Laws and Legal Information


Disclaimer - Please note: The purpose of providing these forms and other resources is not to provide legal advice. Please consult with an attorney  to see whether they are appropriate for your particular circumstances.

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