# Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 208, sec. 1: Causes for divorce; general provisions

> Massachusetts · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PII_TIII_C208_S1

## Section

- **Citation:** Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 208, sec. 1
- **Heading:** Causes for divorce; general provisions
- **Jurisdiction:** Massachusetts
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** MA Code / Part II / Title III / Chapter 208 / Section 1

## Text

Section 1. A divorce from the bond of matrimony may be adjudged for adultery, impotency, utter desertion continued for one year next prior to the filing of the complaint, gross and confirmed habits of intoxication caused by voluntary and excessive use of intoxicating liquor, opium, or other drugs, cruel and abusive treatment, or, if a spouse being of sufficient ability, grossly or wantonly and cruelly refuses or neglects to provide suitable support and maintenance for the other spouse, or for an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage as provided in sections one A and B; provided, however, that a divorce shall be adjudged although both parties have cause, and no defense upon recrimination shall be entertained by the court.

Section 1. A divorce from the bond of matrimony may be adjudged for adultery, impotency, utter desertion continued for one year next prior to the filing of the complaint, gross and confirmed habits of intoxication caused by voluntary and excessive use of intoxicating liquor, opium, or other drugs, cruel and abusive treatment, or, if a spouse being of sufficient ability, grossly or wantonly and cruelly refuses or neglects to provide suitable support and maintenance for the other spouse, or for an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage as provided in sections one A and B; provided, however, that a divorce shall be adjudged although both parties have cause, and no defense upon recrimination shall be entertained by the court.

## Nearby sections

- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 208, sec. 1 Causes for divorce; general provisions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PII_TIII_C208_S1.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 208, sec. 1A Causes for divorce; irretrievable breakdown of marriage; commencement of action; complaint accompanied by statement and dissolution agreement; procedure](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PII_TIII_C208_S1A.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 208, sec. 1B Causes for divorce; irretrievable breakdown of marriage; commencement of action; waiting period; unaccompanied complaint; procedure](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PII_TIII_C208_S1B.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 208, sec. 2 Causes for divorce; confinement for crime](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PII_TIII_C208_S2.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 208, sec. 3 Causes for divorce; absence; presumption of death](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PII_TIII_C208_S3.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 208, sec. 4 Causes for divorce; domicile of parties](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PII_TIII_C208_S4.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 208, sec. 5 Causes for divorce; exceptions to Sec. 4](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PII_TIII_C208_S5.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 208, sec. 6 Venue of libel](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PII_TIII_C208_S6.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 208, sec. 6B Filing of action; statistical report](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PII_TIII_C208_S6B.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 208, sec. 8 Commencement of actions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PII_TIII_C208_S8.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 208, sec. 11 Ex parte hearing; allowance or denial of motion to insert name of third person](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PII_TIII_C208_S11.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 208, sec. 12 Libels for divorce; spouse's property; attachment](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PII_TIII_C208_S12.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 208, sec. 13 Libels for divorce; attachment; manner](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PII_TIII_C208_S13.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 208, sec. 14 Libels for divorce; attachments; laws applicable](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PII_TIII_C208_S14.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PII_TIII_C208_S1. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.