What to Expect at Your 1A Uncontested Divorce  Hearing in Massachusetts: A Practical Guide

If you and your spouse have agreed on all the terms of your divorce and filed a Joint Petition for Divorce (known as a “1A divorce” or “uncontested divorce”), congratulations! You have bypassed the expense, multiple hearings and motions, delays, and adversarial nature of a contested divorce. Your final step is the uncontested divorce hearing, where the judge signs your divorce documents. While this hearing is typically brief and straightforward, there can be stumbling blocks. Reading this blogpost will help you prepare for the hearing and will prepare you mentally for possible delays in the process if the judge asks for minor changes in your paperwork.

The Option to Appear Remotely via Zoom

You may not need to attend your 1A hearing in person—but the rules vary significantly by county and judge. Some counties, such as Hampshire, conduct all uncontested divorce hearings exclusively via Zoom. Other counties offer a mix, scheduling some hearings virtually and others in person. If you prefer to appear remotely, your attorney will file an Assented to Motion for All Parties to Appear Remotely (Form CJD 424).

However, judges have broad discretion over how they conduct hearings, so your request for a Zoom appearance may be denied. You can check the current status of your upcoming hearing at masscourts.org/eservices to confirm whether it will be virtual or in person.

If your hearing is virtual, the court will send you Zoom instructions including a meeting link, ID, and password. Find a quiet location with reliable internet. Dress professionally—the dress code applies regardless of location. Have all documents accessible (the judge may ask you questions about your agreement), use headphones with a microphone for better audio, and position your camera at eye level with good lighting. During the hearing, mute yourself when not speaking and wait for the judge to call on you. The hearing is recorded and may be public; you may not record or screenshot without permission.

The questions and overall process remain the same whether you appear in person or via Zoom. Learn more about online divorce mediation if you’re still in the planning stages of your divorce.

For In-Person Hearings: What to Bring and What to Wear

Bring your hearing notice (Notice of Assignment), a government-issued photo ID, copies of all filed documents including your Separation Agreement, your most recent financial statement, and a pen. Leave unnecessary items at home since courthouses restrict what you can bring inside.

Dress in business casual attire—slacks and a collared shirt or a modest dress. Avoid jeans, shorts, tank tops, or anything too casual. Dressing professionally signals respect for the court.

Arriving at the Courthouse

Your hearing will likely be scheduled for 8:30 or 9:00 AM, and both parties must be present. Arrive by 8:15 AM to allow time for security screening. You will pass through a metal detector and have belongings scanned. Leave anything resembling a weapon at home. Phones must be turned off before entering the courtroom, and no photos or videos are permitted.

Inside the Courthouse: Checking In

Find the courtroom where your case will be heard—court officers can direct you. Check in with the clerk together with your spouse if possible. Provide your hearing notice or last name and docket number. The clerk will confirm your paperwork is complete. You may need to re-sign your financial statement and fill out two self-addressed envelopes. After approval, take a seat and wait for your case.

Courtroom Etiquette

When the judge enters, a court officer will announce “All rise” and everyone must stand. While court is in session, remain quiet and keep your phone off. No food, drinks, or gum are allowed. Cases are not heard in order of arrival—judges typically hear emergencies first, then uncontested matters like yours.

The Hearing Itself: What the Judge Will Ask

When your case is called, the clerk will announce your last name and docket number. Walk to the front of the courtroom (or unmute on Zoom) and the clerk will swear you in. Always address the judge as “Your Honor” and speak clearly since proceedings are recorded.

The hearing typically lasts only 10-15 minutes. The judge will review your Separation Agreement and ask questions such as:

• When and where were you married?
• Is there any chance of reconciliation?
• Does your financial statement accurately disclose all your income, expenses, property, and debts?
• Do you believe your spouse’s financial statement is complete and accurate?
• Have you read and understood the Separation Agreement?
• Do you believe the terms are fair to both parties?
• Did you sign the agreement freely and voluntarily, without force or duress?

The judge may also ask about specific provisions regarding alimony, life insurance, health care, and taxes—specifically whether these sections will “merge” into the judgment or “survive” as an independent contract. If provisions merge, they can be modified later if circumstances change significantly. If they survive, modification is extremely difficult.

Be Prepared to Say That You Understand the Agreement and Agree to Its Terms

If either party indicates they do not understand the agreement or do not agree with its terms, the judge will likely not approve the divorce that day. The hearing may be continued (postponed to another date) to resolve concerns, or the case may be dismissed.

Remember to resolve all issues with your spouse before you get to the hearing. If you don’t understand some of the terms of the divorce or don’t agree with some of them, schedule another meeting with your mediator or attorney before you go to a hearing. The uncontested (1A) divorce hearing is not the place to resolve disagreement or  educate you about the terms of your divorce.

A Word of Caution: Not All Hearings Go Smoothly On The First Try

Don’t be surprised if a family court judge (or their clerk) rejects and sends back your court documents on the first try. Massachusetts has approximately 50 different family court judges, each with significant discretion in how they conduct hearings and how they evaluate court paperwork. Judges have the authority to reject agreements or request changes—even when paperwork contains no errors and the exact same agreement language might be accepted by another judge.

Even though the couple understand and agree on all issues and their agreement is clearly laid out in the Separation Agreement, a judge can refuse to sign it until specific changes are made. If the judge or their clerk requires changes to the court paperwork, simply set up another Zoom meeting with your attorney to make the changes that the court requests, regardless of whether the changes make any sense or not. You then resubmit the documents that have been adjusted according to that judge’s requests.

Before your hearing, consider researching your assigned judge online. Knowing whether a judge has a reputation for being demanding or difficult can help you prepare mentally and be prepared for possible delays.