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THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED TO YOU AS A PUBLIC SERVICE AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE. WHEN YOU SIGN A LEGAL DOCUMENT OR FILE ANY DOCUMENTS WITH THE COURT IT CAN SERIOUSLY AFFECT YOUR FUTURE. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS TRY TO GET LEGAL ADVICE BEFORE SIGNING ANY DOCUMENTS, FILING ANY DOCUMENTS WITH THE COURT OR APPEARING IN COURT.

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FILING FOR A COMPLAINT FOR CONTESTED DIVORCE

1. This is available in a downloadable form - click here!
   
   Filing Fee: $215.00 + $5.00 for each summons (Cash or money order, NO PERSONAL CHECKS) 
   
   1. Complaint for Divorce (Fault) (click here for form) OR Complaint for Divorce No-Fault or Irretrievable Breakdown (click here for form)
   2. Certified Copy of Marriage Certificate 
   3. R408 Form 
   4. Financial statement 
   5. Summons - issued by the Court 
   6. Trial Request Form
   
   You need to either mail or bring the photocopy of the Complaint for Divorce AND two (2) Domestic Relations Summons forms to the sheriff of the county where the defendant is living. The Sheriff will then serve the defendant. After the Defendant has been served, the sheriff will mail one of the summons back to you. You must wait twenty (20) days from the date the defendant was served before the case can be marked for hearing on the merits or for pre-trial conference. After the twenty (20) day waiting period is up, you need to mail the summons form along with the Request for trial form back to us at:

PROBATE AND FAMILY COURT 
HAMPSHIRE DIVISION 
33 KING STREET, SUITE 3 
NORTHAMPTON, MA 01060-3297

You will receive notification of your hearing date through the mail. If you have any questions, you may feel free to call us at 413-586-8500.

***IF CHILDREN ARE INVOLVED***

7. A State of Disclosure MUST be filed or the petition will not be accepted for filing. 
8. PACT PROGRAM: 
Both parents will be required to participate in the PACT Program (Parents and Children in Transition). There is a registration fee and once you have completed the program and your certificates are on file with the Court, your case will be scheduled for hearing. This program is mandatory even if the case is uncontested. 

*ALL ABOVE DOCUMENTS MUST BE FILED BEFORE YOUR CASE CAN BE MARKED FOR HEARING*

YOU WILL ALSO NEED TO FILE: 

9. DOR Application 
10. Child Support guidelines