Massachusetts consistently ranks among the states with the lowest divorce rates in the country. The crude divorce rate, measured per 1,000 residents, typically falls between 1.4 and 1.8. This is well below the national average, indicating that marriages there are generally more stable. The state is often recognized as having the single lowest divorce rate in the U.S. So, if you tie the knot in Massachusetts, apparently happily ever after isn’t just a fairy tale.
In Massachusetts, the median length of marriage is about 20 years. This includes both ongoing marriages and those that have ended in divorce. So, apparently, couples here are in it for the long haul – twenty years of bliss or… something like it.
| Age Group | U.S. Divorce Rate per 1,000 Married Women (2021) | Key National Trend Observations | Massachusetts Overall Crude Divorce Rate (Recent Estimates) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15-24 | 19.7 | Highest Rate. Young age at marriage is a major risk factor nationally. | 1.0 to 1.4 per 1,000 total population. |
| 25-34 | 16.3 | High, but rates are dropping significantly for Millennial/Gen Z age groups. | (Consistently one of the lowest in the U.S.) |
| 35-44 | 14.9 | Rate continues to decline with age. | |
| 45-54 | 14.1 | Stable rate, slightly lower than the younger groups. | |
| 55-64 | 11.8 | Part of the “Gray Divorce” trend; this age group’s rate has increased significantly since 1990. | |
| 65 and older | 5.5 | The “Gray Divorce” phenomenon means the rate for this oldest group is the fastest-growing since 1990. |
Divorce Rate in Massachusetts in 2025
- One of the Lowest Divorce Rates Nationally. Massachusetts consistently ranks among the states with the lowest divorce rates, around 1.4 per 1,000 residents, well below the national average.
- Factors for Low Rate. High education levels and household income contribute to marital stability. Apparently, smart and rich people just can’t break up – who knew?
- Mixed Divorce System
- Both no-fault (irretrievable breakdown) and fault-based divorces are allowed.
- Fault grounds include adultery, cruel treatment, or desertion for at least one year.
- Unique 18-Month Separation Rule. Couples seeking an uncontested no-fault divorce via separation must live apart for 18 continuous months. Because patience is apparently a prerequisite for marriage dissolution.
- “Judgment Nisi” Waiting Period
- Mandatory post-judgment waiting period while still legally married.
- Uncontested divorce: 120 days
- Contested divorce: 90 days
- No Formal Legal Separation. Couples can live apart and create a Separation Agreement but must file for divorce or support separately. Legal separation? Nope, just call it “divorce lite.”
- Equitable Distribution of Property. Property and debts are divided fairly, not automatically 50/50, based on factors like marriage length, age, health, and contributions.
- Residency Requirement. At least one spouse must have lived in Massachusetts for 1 year before filing.
Divorce Rate in Massachusetts in 2024
- Among the Lowest Divorce Rates Nationally. Massachusetts consistently ranks low, with a crude divorce rate of 1.4 per 1,000 residents, well below the national average of 2.5.
- Strong Socioeconomic Factors
- High Education: Many residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- Economic Stability: Median household income exceeds the national average.
- Delayed Marriage: Residents tend to marry older, increasing marital stability. Apparently, being smart, rich, and patient makes you impervious to divorce – who would’ve guessed?
- Hybrid Grounds for Divorce
- No-fault: “Irretrievable breakdown” is most common.
- Fault-based: Adultery, cruel treatment, or desertion are still legally recognized.
- Two Paths to No-Fault Divorce
- Joint Petition: Both spouses agree on all terms.
- Complaint: One spouse initiates; terms negotiated or litigated. Because agreeing or arguing about everything is just too easy.
- Unique Property Division. Massachusetts follows Equitable Distribution, including discretion to divide pre-marital assets, gifts, and inheritances to achieve fairness.
- Mandatory “Nisi” Period. After judgment, there is a 90-day waiting period before the divorce is legally final. Can’t rush perfection – even divorce needs a cooldown.
Divorce Rate in Massachusetts in 2023
- Among the Lowest Divorce Rates Nationally. Massachusetts maintained a crude divorce rate of 1.4 per 1,000 residents, far below the national average of 2.5.
- Contributing Factors (Education & Economics). High education levels and a strong economy with a high median household income help reduce financial stress, supporting marital stability. Apparently, being smart and rich makes divorce nearly obsolete.
- The “Gray Divorce” Trend. Divorce among couples over 50–60 is rising, driven by longer life expectancy and greater financial independence, especially among women.
- Primary No-Fault Ground
Most divorces cite irretrievable breakdown, filed via:- Joint Petition (1A): Spouses agree on all terms
- Complaint (1B): One spouse initiates, terms may be litigated. Because nothing says “amicable” like filing a complaint against your spouse.
- Mandatory 90-Day Nisi Period. After judgment, there is a 90-day waiting period before the divorce is absolute. Minimum uncontested timeline is roughly 4–6 months.
- Fault Considered for Property & Alimony. While no-fault is standard, judges can consider fault or misconduct when dividing property or awarding spousal support. Yes, they really care who misbehaved – because that always makes splitting stuff fun.
- Equitable Distribution Standard. Marital property is divided fairly, not automatically 50/50, based on factors like marriage length, conduct, and contributions.
- Residency Requirement. One spouse must generally have lived in Massachusetts for at least one year before filing, unless the marriage ended in-state and one spouse still resides there.