2021 Massachusetts General Laws
Part II - Real and Personal Property and Domestic Relations
Title II - Descent and Distribution, Wills, Estates of Deceased Persons and Absentees, Guardianship, Conservatorship and Trusts
Chapter 190b - Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code
Article II - Intestacy, Wills and Donative Transfers
Section 2-802 - Effect of Divorce, Annulment, and Decree of Separation
Section 2–802. [Effect of Divorce, Annulment, and Decree of Separation.]
(a) An individual who is divorced from the decedent is not a surviving spouse unless, by virtue of a subsequent marriage, the individual is married to the decedent at the time of death. A judgment of separation that does not terminate the status of husband and wife is not a divorce for purposes of this section.
(b) For purposes of parts 1 to 4, inclusive, of this article, and of section 3–203, a surviving spouse shall not include:
(1) an individual who obtains or consents to a final decree or judgment of divorce from the decedent or an annulment of their marriage, which decree or judgment is not recognized as valid in the commonwealth, unless subsequently they participate in a marriage ceremony purporting to marry each to the other or live together as husband and wife;
(2) an individual who, following an invalid decree or judgment of divorce or annulment obtained by the decedent, participates in a marriage ceremony with a third individual; or
(3) an individual who was a party to a valid proceeding concluded by an order purporting to terminate all marital property rights.
