# Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 208, sec. 5: Causes for divorce; exceptions to Sec. 4

> Massachusetts · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PII_TIII_C208_S5

## Section

- **Citation:** Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 208, sec. 5
- **Heading:** Causes for divorce; exceptions to Sec. 4
- **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 5

## Text

Section 5. If the plaintiff has lived in this commonwealth for one year last preceding the commencement of the action if the cause occurred without the commonwealth, or if the plaintiff is domiciled within the commonwealth at the time of the commencement of the action and the cause occurred within the commonwealth, a divorce may be adjudged for any cause allowed by law, unless it appears that the plaintiff has removed into this commonwealth for the purpose of obtaining a divorce.

Section 5. If the plaintiff has lived in this commonwealth for one year last preceding the commencement of the action if the cause occurred without the commonwealth, or if the plaintiff is domiciled within the commonwealth at the time of the commencement of the action and the cause occurred within the commonwealth, a divorce may be adjudged for any cause allowed by law, unless it appears that the plaintiff has removed into this commonwealth for the purpose of obtaining a divorce.

## 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_S5. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.