Massachusetts Form CJD 305 is the Financial Statement (Short Form) that every party in a Probate and Family Court case must file when their gross yearly income is less than $75,000, under Supplemental Probate and Family Court Rule 401. The form gives the judge a sworn snapshot of your income, expenses, assets, and debts so the court can decide alimony, child support, attorney’s fees, and asset division.
Filing the wrong version, leaving boxes blank, or fudging numbers can stall your case for weeks and expose you to a contempt finding. The Massachusetts Probate and Family Court processed roughly 18,000 divorce filings in 2024, and clerks report that more than 1 in 4 short-form financial statements come back for correction the first time they hit the docket, according to court self-help data published by the Massachusetts Trial Court.
Here is what this guide gives you:
- 📋 A line-by-line walkthrough of every box, schedule, and signature line on CJD 305.
- 💵 Three real-life filer scenarios showing exactly what to write.
- ⚖️ The legal rules, deadlines, and penalties tied to Rule 401.
- 🧾 A pre-filing checklist of every document you need before you start.
- ❓ Field-specific FAQs that answer the questions clerks hear most.
What the Form Is and Who Must File It
Form CJD 305 is the short-form Financial Statement used in the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court. It is sworn under the pains and penalties of perjury and becomes part of your permanent court file. The form’s current revision date is printed in the lower-left footer, and you should always pull the live PDF from the Mass.gov forms library to make sure you have the newest version before filing.
You must file CJD 305 if your gross annual income is under $75,000 and you are a party in a divorce, separate support, paternity, custody, contempt, or modification case. If you earn $75,000 or more, you must instead file the Financial Statement (Long Form) CJD 301. Both spouses or parties file separately. You cannot file a joint financial statement, even in an uncontested divorce.
The form also applies in modification cases where one party asks the court to change an existing alimony or child support order. Grandparents seeking visitation, third-party custody petitioners, and putative fathers in paternity cases must file too. The court uses your numbers alongside the Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines to set support, so accuracy matters more than speed.
If you skip the form or file it late, the judge can dismiss your motion, strike your pleadings, or hold you in contempt. Judges routinely refuse to hear contested motions when a current financial statement is missing from the file. The form is the spine of every financial decision the court makes in your case.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Pull these documents before you open the PDF. Filling the form from memory is the fastest way to make a mistake that costs you a hearing date.
- Your last three pay stubs from every job, because the court needs your average gross weekly pay and missing stubs trigger a Rule 401 violation.
- Your most recent federal income tax return with all schedules, since the court compares your reported income to your IRS filing.
- All W-2s and 1099s from the prior calendar year, because mismatches between forms and your statement raise a red flag for fraud.
- Your most recent bank statements for every checking, savings, and money-market account, because you must list balances as of the filing date.
- The most recent statement for every retirement account, brokerage account, 401(k), IRA, and pension, since these are marital assets even if titled in one name.
- A mortgage statement and deed for any real estate, because you must list fair market value and the unpaid balance separately.
- The declarations page for every car, life, health, and disability insurance policy, because premiums and coverage feed multiple lines on the form.
- A list of every debt including credit cards, student loans, medical bills, and personal loans, because the court treats undisclosed debts as nonexistent.
- Your employer’s health insurance cost breakdown, because you must split the family premium from the self-only premium.
- Childcare receipts or invoices, since work-related childcare is a separate deductible expense under the Child Support Guidelines.
- A calculator and a calendar, because every dollar figure on the form must be expressed as a weekly number even if you are paid monthly.
If any document is missing, request a duplicate now. Banks and employers can take 7 to 10 business days to produce records, and the court will not accept “I am still waiting on paperwork” as an excuse for a blank line.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
The official PDF lives on the Massachusetts Trial Court website. Download it directly from the CJD 305 Short Form page and avoid third-party copies, because outdated versions circulate online and clerks reject them on sight. The form is a fillable PDF, so you can type entries directly into the boxes using Adobe Acrobat Reader or any modern browser.
You can also pick up a paper copy at the Registry of Probate in any county courthouse. Each county has its own clerk’s office, and a directory is posted on the Probate and Family Court locations page. Court service centers in Boston, Brockton, Greenfield, Lawrence, Springfield, and Worcester also stock the form and can answer general questions, though staff cannot give legal advice.
If you need help reading or completing the form, free help is available through the Massachusetts Court Service Centers and through legal aid organizations such as MassLegalHelp. Both resources walk through the form in plain English and offer translation services in Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Vietnamese, Khmer, and Mandarin.
The form is identical statewide. There are no county-specific versions of CJD 305. However, some counties require an extra cover sheet or a self-addressed stamped envelope when filing by mail, so call the local Registry of Probate before you mail anything in.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out Form CJD 305 Line by Line
The form is six pages long with a header block, four numbered sections, and two optional schedules. Work top to bottom and left to right. Do not skip a box, even if the answer is zero. Write “0” or “N/A” rather than leaving a line blank, because clerks read empty boxes as incomplete.
Court Department, Division, and Docket Number
The header block sits at the very top of page 1 and identifies your case. The form asks for the court department (Probate and Family Court), the division (the county where your case is filed), and the docket number assigned when the case opened. Write the county name in all caps, such as MIDDLESEX, and copy the docket number exactly as it appears on your complaint or summons, for example 25D1234DR.
If you do not have a docket number yet because you are filing the financial statement with a brand-new complaint, leave the docket line blank and let the clerk stamp it in. A common nuance is that the docket number format changed in 2018, and older numbers without the letter codes are still valid in modification cases. The most common mistake is writing the county in the division line as a town name, which forces the clerk to reroute the file. Many filers also believe the docket number is optional on a first filing, but the clerk will write it in for you only if you leave the line truly blank.
Plaintiff and Defendant Names
Below the docket block, the form asks for the full names of the plaintiff and defendant. The plaintiff is the party who filed the case first, and the defendant is the responding party. Write each name in the format Last Name, First Name Middle Name, exactly as it appears on the underlying complaint, for example Lopez, Maria Elena.
If you changed your name during the marriage but the case caption uses your married name, keep the caption name and do not “correct” it on the financial statement. The boxes must match the rest of the case file. A common mistake is using a nickname like Mike instead of Michael, which can cause the financial statement to be filed under the wrong case. Some filers also believe the plaintiff is always the wife, but in Massachusetts either spouse can be the plaintiff and the labels carry no legal advantage.
Section 1: Personal Information
This section covers your identifying information, employer, and health insurance. Each subfield matters, and the data here flows into child support and alimony calculations.
1(a) Your Name, Address, Date of Birth, Social Security Number, and Phone
You write your full legal name, residential address, date of birth, last four digits of your Social Security number, and a daytime phone number. Use the format MM/DD/YYYY for the date of birth, for example 03/14/1985 for Maria Lopez. Massachusetts redacts full Social Security numbers under Trial Court Rule VIII, so write only the last four digits.
If you live at a P.O. Box because you are fleeing domestic violence, you may use the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Address Confidentiality Program substitute address instead of your real one. The most common mistake is writing the full nine-digit Social Security number, which forces the clerk to reject the filing for a privacy violation. A frequent misconception is that the address on this line must match your driver’s license, but the court only needs your current mailing address.
1(b) Employer Name, Address, and Occupation
The form asks where you work, the employer’s address, and your job title. Write the legal name of the employer, not a brand or store number, for example Stop & Shop Supermarket Company LLC rather than Stop & Shop #142. Your occupation should be specific, such as Registered Nurse or Self-Employed Handyman, not generic words like worker.
If you have more than one job, list the primary employer here and add the second job in Section 2 under “other income.” If you are unemployed, write Unemployed and the date you last worked. The most common mistake is writing only a job title without the employer’s address, which leaves the court unable to issue a wage assignment. A misconception is that gig work like Uber or DoorDash does not count as employment, but the court treats those platforms as self-employers and asks for Schedule A.
1(c) Number of Children Living With You
Enter the number of dependent children who live in your household more than 50% of the time. The number is a single digit in most cases, such as 2 for Maria Lopez’s household. Children include biological, adopted, and stepchildren you support.
If you share custody on a true 50/50 schedule, write the number of children plus a footnote that says shared physical custody. The most common mistake is listing children who live primarily with the other parent, which inflates your housing and food expenses and triggers an audit during a contempt motion. A misconception is that adult children in college do not count, but children under age 23 who are principally dependent on you for support still count under G.L. c. 208 § 28.
1(d) Health Insurance Coverage
Check whether you have health insurance, who provides it, and the weekly cost. The form distinguishes between coverage for yourself only, family coverage, and no coverage. Write the carrier’s name, such as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, and the weekly premium you pay out of pocket.
If your employer pays the full premium, write 0 for cost and check the box that you have coverage. The most common mistake is listing the total family premium when only a portion is deducted from your paycheck, which can wrongly inflate your child support deduction. A misconception is that MassHealth coverage does not need to be reported, but every form of coverage including MassHealth must be disclosed.
Section 2: Gross Weekly Income From All Sources
Section 2 is where most filers stumble. Every figure must be expressed as a weekly number. If you are paid every two weeks, divide by 2. If monthly, multiply by 12 and divide by 52. The form lists 13 income categories.
2(a) Base Pay From Salary, Wages
Enter your gross weekly pay before any deductions. Gross means the number on the top of your pay stub, not the take-home amount. Maria Lopez, who earns $19 per hour and works 40 hours per week, writes $760.00.
If your hours fluctuate, average your last three pay stubs and use that figure. The most common mistake is writing net pay instead of gross, which makes you look poorer than you are and can shrink your alimony or trigger a recalculation. A misconception is that overtime should be excluded because it is “not guaranteed,” but Massachusetts treats consistent overtime as part of gross income under the Child Support Guidelines.
2(b) Overtime
List overtime separately on this line. Write the average weekly overtime amount over the past 12 months, not just the last paycheck. James Carter averages $85.00 per week in overtime as a delivery driver.
If overtime is truly seasonal, attach a one-page note explaining the pattern. The most common mistake is rolling overtime into base pay, which masks income variability the judge needs to see. A misconception is that overtime stops being income if you “do not want it” — judges count overtime you regularly accept, even if you would prefer to refuse it.
2(c) Part-Time Job
Enter gross weekly pay from any second job. Write 0 if you have only one job. Aisha Thompson, a salaried nurse with a weekend tutoring job earning $120 per week, writes $120.00.
If your second job is gig work like Lyft, you must also complete Schedule A. The most common mistake is forgetting cash side jobs, which the court treats as fraud when uncovered through bank deposits. A misconception is that under-the-table work is invisible, but discovery and subpoenas frequently surface unreported income.
2(d) Self-Employment (Attach Schedule A)
Enter your net weekly self-employment income from Schedule A. James Carter, the self-employed handyman, lists $420.00 per week here after Schedule A subtracts business expenses from gross receipts.
If you have a side business that lost money, write the negative number in parentheses, such as ($45.00). The most common mistake is reporting gross receipts instead of net income, which inflates your child support obligation. A misconception is that you can deduct personal expenses like your home internet bill in full, but only the business-use portion counts under IRS rules that the court mirrors.
2(e) Tips
Report all reported and unreported tips averaged weekly. A server who averages $200 per week in tips writes $200.00. Tips must be reported even when paid in cash.
If your tips are reported on your W-2, you can copy the total and divide by 52. The most common mistake is reporting only credit-card tips and skipping cash tips, which is income tax fraud and contempt of court. A misconception is that “tip-out” to bussers reduces tip income on this line, but you list gross tips and explain tip-out in Schedule A or a separate note.
2(f) Commissions, Bonuses
Enter the average weekly value of commissions and bonuses received in the past 12 months. A salesperson who earned a $5,200 bonus last year writes $100.00.
If bonuses are highly irregular, average over the past 24 or 36 months for accuracy. The most common mistake is excluding bonuses because they are “not guaranteed,” but Massachusetts case law including Cavanagh v. Cavanagh treats predictable bonuses as income. A misconception is that signing bonuses are excluded — they count if received in the relevant lookback period.
2(g) Dividends and Interest
Enter weekly dividends from stocks and interest from bank accounts. Divide annual investment income by 52. Aisha Thompson with $1,040 in annual interest writes $20.00.
If your dividends are automatically reinvested, they still count as income. The most common mistake is omitting reinvested dividends because no cash hits your account, which understates income. A misconception is that interest below $10 does not need to be reported because the IRS does not require a 1099-INT, but the court wants every dollar.
2(h) Trusts or Annuities
List any weekly income from trusts, annuities, or structured settlements. Write 0 if none apply. A beneficiary receiving $1,300 monthly writes $300.00 per week.
If you are a discretionary beneficiary who has not yet received distributions, disclose the trust’s existence in Section 4 even if income is 0. The most common mistake is hiding trust income because “the trustee decides,” which courts have repeatedly ruled is still attributable income. A misconception is that irrevocable trusts are off-limits, but G.L. c. 208 § 34 lets judges consider all sources.
2(i) Pensions and Retirement Funds
Enter weekly income you currently receive from pensions, IRAs, or 401(k) distributions. A retiree drawing $2,600 per month from a pension writes $600.00.
If you are not yet drawing the pension, write 0 and list the asset in Section 4. The most common mistake is reporting the future value of the pension instead of current income, which double-counts the asset. A misconception is that Roth IRA distributions are excluded because they are tax-free, but the court counts every dollar that hits your bank account.
2(j) Social Security
Enter weekly Social Security retirement, survivor, or disability benefits. SSI is reported on a different line. A recipient of $1,800 per month writes $415.38.
If you receive both retirement and SSDI, list the total. The most common mistake is leaving this line blank because Social Security is “not taxable income,” but the court counts it for child support. A misconception is that derivative benefits paid for a child are the parent’s income — they are credited against the obligor’s child support obligation, not stacked on top.
2(k) Disability, Unemployment, Workers’ Compensation
Enter weekly benefits from short-term disability, long-term disability, unemployment insurance, or workers’ compensation. Marcus Reed, who receives $585 weekly in unemployment, writes $585.00.
If your benefits are about to end, attach the award letter showing the end date. The most common mistake is using the taxable portion only, but you must report gross. A misconception is that workers’ compensation lump-sum settlements are excluded — the weekly equivalent of a structured settlement still counts.
2(l) Public Assistance (TAFDC, EAEDC, SNAP)
Enter weekly transitional aid, emergency aid, and food benefits. SNAP (food stamps) is included on this line. A recipient of $300 monthly TAFDC writes $69.23.
If you receive multiple programs, sum them. The most common mistake is omitting SNAP because it is not cash, but the court counts the value. A misconception is that public benefits are protected from disclosure — they are not, though they are protected from garnishment under federal law.
2(m) Child Support and Alimony Received
Enter weekly child support or alimony you receive from another case or another person. Janet Pierce, who receives $200 weekly child support from a prior marriage, writes $200.00.
If the order is in arrears and you receive irregular payments, average over the last 12 months. The most common mistake is listing the ordered amount when the payor is behind — list what you actually receive. A misconception is that child support received is your income for guideline purposes, but it is excluded from the recipient’s available income for the new case under the 2021 Guidelines.
Total Gross Weekly Income
Add lines 2(a) through 2(m) and write the total. Double-check the math on a calculator. Maria Lopez’s total is $760.00 with no other income.
If the total looks wildly different from your tax return, attach a brief explanation. The most common mistake is a math error that snowballs into wrong child support. A misconception is that small rounding errors are harmless, but a $5 weekly error compounds to $260 per year and can shift the support amount.
Section 3: Itemized Weekly Expenses
Section 3 captures your regular weekly costs of living. Use averages, not last week’s numbers. The court compares your expenses to your income to identify hidden cash flow.
3(a) Rent or Mortgage (Principal, Interest, Taxes, Insurance)
Enter your weekly housing cost. If your monthly mortgage including escrow is $1,800, write $415.38. Renters write the weekly rent.
If you live with a relative rent-free, write 0 and add a note. The most common mistake is listing the full monthly mortgage, which quadruples your apparent expenses and triggers a clerk’s correction notice. A misconception is that a roommate’s share of rent reduces this line — list your portion only.
3(b) Homeowners or Tenants Insurance
Enter weekly insurance cost if not already escrowed in line 3(a). A $600 annual policy is $11.54 per week.
If escrowed, write included in 3(a). The most common mistake is double-counting escrowed insurance. A misconception is that umbrella policies belong here — they go in 3(o) “other.”
3(c) Maintenance and Repair
Enter average weekly home upkeep cost. Average over the last 12 months. $25 per week is reasonable for most single-family homes.
If you rent, write 0. The most common mistake is inflating this line with one-time repairs like a new roof, which the court will discount. A misconception is that lawn care belongs here — that goes under 3(o).
3(d) Heat
Enter weekly heating cost averaged over 12 months. Oil, gas, electric heat, and pellet stove fuel all qualify. Maria writes $45.00 for natural gas heat.
If heat is included in your rent, write 0. The most common mistake is using only winter bills, which doubles the real average. A misconception is that wood you cut yourself has no value — the court accepts 0 but expects honesty.
3(e) Electricity and Gas (Non-Heating)
Enter weekly cost of non-heating utilities. Average all 12 monthly bills.
If gas heats your home and is on the same bill, allocate roughly 70% to heat and 30% to other use. The most common mistake is double-counting the heating portion. A misconception is that solar panels eliminate this line — list any remaining grid charges.
3(f) Telephone
Enter weekly cost of landline, cell phone, and internet phone service. A $100 monthly cell bill is $23.08 weekly.
If your employer pays for your phone, write 0. The most common mistake is bundling internet and TV here — those go on separate lines. A misconception is that prepaid phones do not need to be reported.
3(g) Water and Sewer
Enter weekly cost of municipal water and sewer. Quarterly bills are common in Massachusetts; divide annual cost by 52.
If included in rent, write 0. The most common mistake is listing the full quarterly bill as a weekly amount. A misconception is that well water is free — list any maintenance and electricity for the pump under 3(o).
3(h) Food
Enter weekly grocery cost for your household. Use bank or credit card statements to verify. Maria feeds three people on $200.00 per week.
If you receive SNAP, list only your out-of-pocket food costs. The most common mistake is including restaurant meals here — those go under 3(o) “entertainment.” A misconception is that pet food belongs here — it does not.
3(i) Household Supplies
Enter weekly cost of cleaning products, paper goods, and toiletries. $30 per week is typical for a family of three.
If you buy supplies in bulk, divide by the months they last. The most common mistake is overlapping with food on this line — keep them separate. A misconception is that diapers go here — they go under 3(j) clothing or 3(o) other.
3(j) Laundry and Cleaning
Enter weekly cost of laundromat, dry cleaning, or housekeeping. Renters in apartments without in-unit laundry often write $15.00.
If you do laundry at home, list only detergent and energy share. The most common mistake is forgetting dry cleaning for work clothes. A misconception is that this line covers carpet cleaning — that goes under 3(c) maintenance.
3(k) Clothing
Enter weekly clothing cost averaged over 12 months. Children’s clothing changes seasonally — average across the year.
If you buy second-hand only, list the actual cost. The most common mistake is reporting only “new” purchases and skipping shoes and underwear. A misconception is that work uniforms belong here — uniforms paid for out of pocket can go here, but employer-provided uniforms do not.
3(l) Medical (Not Covered by Insurance)
Enter weekly out-of-pocket medical, dental, and vision costs. Copays, deductibles, and prescriptions count.
If you have an HSA, list pre-tax contributions in Section 2 deductions. The most common mistake is listing insurance premiums here — premiums go under 3(p). A misconception is that orthodontics is not medical — braces qualify.
3(m) Motor Vehicle Expenses
Enter weekly fuel, registration, inspection, and routine maintenance. Insurance is on a separate line. A typical commuter writes $75.00.
If you have a car loan, the loan payment is in Section 5 liabilities, not here. The most common mistake is including the auto loan in this line. A misconception is that EV charging at home is free — list the marginal electricity cost.
3(n) Motor Vehicle Insurance
Enter weekly cost of auto insurance. A $1,560 annual premium is $30.00 per week.
If you carry insurance for a teen driver, list the full premium. The most common mistake is using the six-month premium as the annual figure. A misconception is that liability-only policies do not need to be reported — every premium counts.
3(o) Other (Specify)
Enter weekly cost of recurring items not listed elsewhere, with a label. Examples include streaming services $8, gym $12, pet care $15.
If you have several “other” items, attach a list. The most common mistake is dumping every miscellaneous expense here without labels, which the court strikes. A misconception is that vacation savings belong here — savings is not an expense.
3(p) Health Insurance Premium
Enter the weekly premium you pay for health, dental, and vision insurance. Pull this from your pay stub deductions. Aisha writes $65.00.
If your employer pays the full premium, write 0. The most common mistake is listing the full family premium when only the employee share comes out of your check. A misconception is that this duplicates Section 1(d) — Section 1(d) shows coverage, while 3(p) shows the cost.
Total Weekly Expenses
Add lines 3(a) through 3(p) and write the total. Compare to your weekly income to make sure the math reflects reality. Maria’s total is $715.42.
If expenses exceed income, attach a one-paragraph explanation of how you cover the gap. The most common mistake is leaving the total blank, which the clerk treats as an unsigned form. A misconception is that the totals self-calculate in the PDF — only some versions do.
Section 4: Assets
List the current fair market value of every asset, even if titled in one name. Use the value as of the filing date.
4(a) Real Estate
Enter the address, fair market value, mortgage balance, and net equity for each property. Use a recent appraisal, Zillow estimate, or town assessment.
If you own jointly, list 100% of value and 100% of mortgage. The most common mistake is listing only your share, which understates marital assets. A misconception is that an underwater mortgage means you skip the line — list the negative equity.
4(b) Motor Vehicles
List year, make, model, fair market value, loan balance, and net equity for each vehicle. Pull values from Kelley Blue Book private-party value.
If a vehicle is leased, write Leased — no equity. The most common mistake is using purchase price instead of current value. A misconception is that a vehicle titled to a parent who lets you drive it counts — only vehicles you own count.
4(c) Bank Accounts
List the name of each bank, account type, and current balance. Joint accounts list both names and full balance.
If you closed an account in the past 12 months, attach a note. The most common mistake is rounding balances to the nearest hundred. A misconception is that money in transit between accounts can be omitted — disclose every account.
4(d) Stocks, Bonds, Mutual Funds
List each holding, number of shares, and current market value. Group by account.
If holdings are inside a retirement account, list them under 4(e) instead. The most common mistake is double-listing. A misconception is that employer stock in an ESPP is excluded — it is a marital asset.
4(e) Pension, Profit-Sharing, IRA, 401(k)
List plan name, account number, and current balance. The pension’s present value may require an actuary in long marriages.
If you are unvested, list the vested portion. The most common mistake is listing the future projected value. A misconception is that you can hide a 401(k) by claiming penalties make it valueless — the gross balance is what matters.
4(f) Other Assets
List anything else of value over $500 — jewelry, collectibles, business interests, intellectual property, crypto. Crypto must be listed at current market value.
If you own a small business, attach Schedule A and a balance sheet. The most common mistake is forgetting frequent flyer miles, season tickets, and timeshares. A misconception is that personal items like furniture do not count — items over $500 do.
Section 5: Liabilities
List every debt, the creditor, the unpaid balance, the weekly payment, and the date of last payment.
If a debt is in collections, list it anyway. The most common mistake is omitting credit cards with a $0 current balance but an open line of credit. A misconception is that medical debt is “informal” — list every collection.
Section 6: Weekly Support Paid for Other Children
Enter weekly child support or alimony you pay under a court order from another case. Attach a copy of the order if requested.
If you pay informal support, write 0 but disclose in Section 2(m) of the other party’s perspective. The most common mistake is listing voluntary payments as court-ordered. A misconception is that paying directly to a school counts — only orders count for guideline credit.
Schedule A: Self-Employment Income
Schedule A captures gross receipts, ordinary and necessary business expenses, and net income for self-employed filers. Each business gets its own Schedule A.
If you operate as an LLC, attach the Schedule C from your tax return. The most common mistake is deducting personal expenses, which the judge strikes. A misconception is that depreciation reduces income for child support — Massachusetts adds back accelerated depreciation.
Schedule B: Rental Property Income
Schedule B lists rental income, expenses, and net income for each property. Cover mortgage interest, taxes, insurance, repairs, and depreciation.
If a tenant is behind on rent, list collected income, not contract rent. The most common mistake is using gross rent instead of net. A misconception is that rental losses fully offset W-2 income — passive loss rules limit the offset.
Signature, Date, and Certification
Sign and date the form on page 6. The signature is under the pains and penalties of perjury under G.L. c. 268 § 1A. Print your name and write the date in MM/DD/YYYY format.
If your attorney prepares the form, the attorney also signs the Statement by Attorney certifying review under Rule 11. The most common mistake is filing an unsigned form, which the clerk rejects on sight. A misconception is that an electronic typed name counts — most counties require a wet signature unless filed through the e-file portal.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
Scenario 1: Maria Lopez, Part-Time Retail Worker Filing for Divorce
Maria is 41, earns $19 per hour at Stop & Shop, and has two children living with her full time after a 12-year marriage.
| Form Section | What Maria Enters |
|---|---|
| Court division | MIDDLESEX |
| Section 1(a) name and DOB | Lopez, Maria Elena — 03/14/1985 |
| Section 1(b) employer | Stop & Shop Supermarket Company LLC, cashier |
| Section 1(c) children | 2 |
| Section 2(a) base pay | $760.00 weekly |
| Section 2 total income | $760.00 |
| Section 3(a) mortgage | $415.38 |
| Section 3 total expenses | $715.42 |
| Section 4(a) real estate | 45 Elm St, Lowell — $385,000 FMV, $245,000 mortgage, $140,000 equity |
| Section 5 liabilities | Capital One Visa $4,200, $35 weekly |
| Signature | Maria E. Lopez — 05/15/2026 |
Scenario 2: James Carter, Self-Employed Handyman in a Modification Case
James is 47, runs a one-person handyman business, and is asking the court to lower his child support after losing his largest contract.
| Form Section | What James Enters |
|---|---|
| Court division | WORCESTER |
| Section 1(a) name and DOB | Carter, James Robert — 09/22/1978 |
| Section 1(b) employer | Self-Employed — Carter Home Services |
| Section 1(c) children | 0 (children live with mother) |
| Section 2(d) self-employment | $420.00 (from Schedule A) |
| Section 2(b) overtime | $0 |
| Section 2 total income | $420.00 |
| Section 3 total expenses | $510.00 |
| Section 4(b) vehicle | 2018 Ford Transit — $18,000 FMV, $7,500 loan, $10,500 equity |
| Section 6 support paid | $165.00 weekly to former spouse |
| Schedule A net income | $1,820 monthly net after $1,400 expenses |
| Signature | James R. Carter — 05/18/2026 |
Scenario 3: Aisha Thompson, Salaried Nurse Filing for Separate Support
Aisha is 35, a registered nurse earning $72,000 per year, with one child and a tutoring side job.
| Form Section | What Aisha Enters |
|---|---|
| Court division | SUFFOLK |
| Section 1(a) name and DOB | Thompson, Aisha Marie — 07/03/1990 |
| Section 1(b) employer | Boston Medical Center, Registered Nurse |
| Section 1(c) children | 1 |
| Section 1(d) health insurance | Blue Cross Blue Shield — family coverage — $65 weekly |
| Section 2(a) base pay | $1,384.62 weekly |
| Section 2(c) part-time | $120.00 weekly tutoring |
| Section 2(g) interest | $20.00 weekly |
| Section 2 total income | $1,524.62 |
| Section 3 total expenses | $1,310.50 |
| Section 4(e) retirement | Fidelity 403(b) $48,500 |
| Signature | Aisha M. Thompson — 05/20/2026 |
How to File the Completed Form
You can file CJD 305 in person at the Registry of Probate, by mail, or electronically through the Massachusetts e-Filing Portal powered by Tyler Odyssey. Each channel has different fees, processing times, and proof-of-filing rules.
In person. Bring the original and two copies to the Registry of Probate in the county where your case is filed. The clerk stamps all copies and returns two stamped copies to you. There is no fee for filing the financial statement itself, although the underlying complaint or motion may carry a filing fee of $215 for divorce. Keep one stamped copy and serve the other on the opposing party.
By mail. Send the original plus a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Registry of Probate. Use certified mail with return receipt for proof. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days. The clerk mails back a stamped copy as your proof of filing.
Electronically. Register an account on the e-Filing portal, select your case, and upload the PDF. The portal accepts credit card and ACH for any underlying fees. Confirmation emails arrive within minutes and serve as proof of filing.
You must serve the other party with a copy under Mass. R. Dom. Rel. P. 5. Keep the green certified-mail card or your e-file confirmation in your case folder.
What Happens After You File
Once filed, the financial statement is impounded under Trial Court Rule VIII § 7. Only the parties, counsel of record, and the judge may view it. Members of the public cannot access your numbers.
The judge reviews the form before any contested hearing involving money. If alimony or child support is on the table, the judge plugs your numbers into the Child Support Guidelines Worksheet to calculate a presumptive order. The opposing party can challenge your figures through discovery, depositions, and subpoenas.
You must update CJD 305 if your income or expenses change materially before the next hearing. Filing a stale statement at a contested hearing is grounds for continuance and can shift attorney’s fees against you. Most judges expect a fresh form within 60 days of any merits hearing.
If your numbers do not match your tax return, your bank statements, or your pay stubs, expect cross-examination. Inconsistent statements can result in adverse credibility findings, sanctions under Mass. R. Civ. P. 11, or contempt.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
- Filing the wrong form version: using CJD 305 when you earn more than $75,000 means the judge strikes the form and reschedules the hearing.
- Reporting net income instead of gross: this lowballs your income and can lead to a sanction or recalculation.
- Listing monthly figures instead of weekly: this multiplies expenses by roughly 4.33 and signals carelessness to the judge.
- Forgetting cash side income: undisclosed income surfaces in discovery and damages your credibility for the rest of the case.
- Skipping Schedule A for self-employment: a missing schedule means the judge imputes income at gross receipts.
- Listing the full Social Security number: this violates privacy rules and forces the clerk to reject the filing.
- Leaving boxes blank: blanks read as incomplete and the form gets bounced back for correction.
- Using the purchase price of a car or home instead of fair market value: this misstates the marital estate.
- Forgetting retirement accounts: omitted accounts can lead to a contempt finding and a clawback order.
- Signing without dating the form: an undated signature is treated as no signature at all.
- Using a nickname instead of your legal name: the form may be filed under the wrong case.
- Filing without serving the other party: unfiled service violates Rule 5 and can void the filing.
- Forgetting to attach the last three pay stubs and most recent tax return as required by Rule 401: your form is treated as incomplete.
Dos and Don’ts
- Do average income and expenses over the last 12 months, because one-month snapshots distort the picture.
- Do keep every supporting document for three years, since post-judgment modifications can reach back.
- Do file electronically when possible, because timestamps are precise and confirmations are instant.
- Do double-check math with a calculator, because a $5 weekly error becomes $260 per year.
- Do disclose every account, every asset, and every debt, because hiding them is contempt.
- Do update the form before every contested hearing, because stale numbers cost continuances.
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Do keep a copy of the stamped form in your case folder, because the court file can take days to update.
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Don’t sign blank pages, because the form becomes a perjury exposure.
- Don’t pad expenses to look poorer, because judges spot patterns quickly.
- Don’t wait until the day before the hearing, because filing deadlines under Rule 401 require service at least two business days before any hearing on financial issues.
- Don’t mix weekly and monthly figures on the same form.
- Don’t use white-out or correction tape — start over with a fresh PDF.
- Don’t rely on memory for any number that appears on a paystub, statement, or bill.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
| Pro Se Filing | With Attorney Help |
|---|---|
| No legal fees | Attorney catches errors before filing |
| Full control over disclosures | Attorney signs Rule 11 certification |
| Faster turnaround on simple cases | Better positioning under Guidelines |
| Direct learning experience | Strategic asset and income framing |
| Free help at Court Service Centers | Skilled cross-exam preparation |
| Pros of Filing Pro Se | Cons of Filing Pro Se |
|---|---|
| Saves $250 to $500 per hour in legal fees | Higher rejection rate at the clerk’s window |
| You know your finances best | Easy to miss legal nuances like add-backs |
| You build comfort with the court process | No one to defend errors at the hearing |
| Court Service Centers offer free help | Pro se filers often misclassify income |
| Online forms are fillable and free | Risk of contempt for inadvertent omissions |
Comparing CJD 305 vs. CJD 301
| Feature | CJD 305 (Short Form) | CJD 301 (Long Form) |
|---|---|---|
| Income threshold | Under $75,000 gross annually | $75,000 or more gross annually |
| Length | 6 pages | 10+ pages |
| Schedules | A and B optional | A and B required if applicable |
| Detail level | Summary categories | Granular line items |
| Typical filer | Hourly worker, retiree | High earner, executive |
Filing Channels Side by Side
| Channel | Fee | Processing Time | Proof of Filing |
|---|---|---|---|
| In person at Registry | $0 for form | Same day | Stamped copy |
| Mail (certified) | Postage | 5–10 business days | Green card and stamped copy |
| e-File (Tyler Odyssey) | $0 for form | Minutes | Email confirmation |
FAQs
Do I file CJD 305 or CJD 301 if I earn exactly $75,000?
No. File CJD 301, the Long Form. The $75,000 threshold under Rule 401 is less than, so any gross annual income at $75,000 or more requires the Long Form.
Do I write my maiden name or married name in the name box?
No preference of yours controls. Use the name that appears on the case caption of the underlying complaint, even if you have legally changed it since filing.
Do I count my spouse’s income on my financial statement?
No. CJD 305 reports only your income, expenses, assets, and debts. Your spouse files a separate financial statement.
Do I list jointly owned assets at full value or my half?
Yes, list the full fair market value of jointly owned assets and the full liability. The judge divides the marital estate later.
Do I report cash tips that I never declared on my taxes?
Yes. Every dollar of income must be disclosed on the form, regardless of tax treatment. Failing to do so is perjury.
Do I include my child’s Social Security survivor benefits as my income?
No. Survivor benefits paid for the child are the child’s, not the parent’s. Disclose them as a footnote, not in Section 2.
Do I have to file CJD 305 in an uncontested divorce?
Yes. Both parties must file financial statements in every divorce, including uncontested 1A joint petitions, under Rule 401.
Do I list my new partner’s income if we live together?
No. Only your income goes on the form. Disclose your partner’s contribution to housing as a household resource note if asked.
Do I round numbers to the nearest dollar?
Yes, rounding to the nearest dollar is acceptable for most lines. Pay stubs and account balances should be exact when readily available.
Do I need to attach my tax return to the form?
Yes. Rule 401 requires your most recent federal tax return, last three pay stubs, and any W-2s and 1099s when you file the financial statement.
Do I check the health insurance box if I have MassHealth?
Yes. MassHealth is health insurance and must be disclosed in Section 1(d), with $0 listed as the weekly cost in Section 3(p).
Do I list a 401(k) loan as an asset or a liability?
Yes to both. The full 401(k) balance is the asset under Section 4(e), and the outstanding loan balance is a liability under Section 5.
Do I have to update the form every time my pay changes?
No, only material changes require an update. A material change is generally a 10% or greater shift in income or a major asset or debt change.
Do I sign in front of a notary?
No. CJD 305 is signed under the pains and penalties of perjury, not before a notary. Your unnotarized signature is sufficient under Rule 401.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out Massachusetts Form CJD 301S (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Massachusetts Form CJD 301T (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Massachusetts Form CJD 401 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Massachusetts Form CJD 444 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Massachusetts Form MPC 170 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Massachusetts Form MPC 401 (w/Examples) + FAQs