A divorce decree is a legal document signed by the judge that officially terminates the marriage. The divorce decree typically includes the judge’s ruling on all matters related to the marriage and any minor children—including division of marital or community property, payment of marital or community debts, spousal support, child custody, child visitation, child support, any obligation to provide health insurance for minor children, and the payment of extracurricular expenses for minor children.

These determinations or rulings set forth in the divorce decree become legally enforceable obligations when the judge signs the divorce decree—and may be enforced by further legal action in the court if one or both of the former spouses fail to comply with the terms of the divorce decree.

In Massachusetts, a divorce decree is the final judgment that legally ends a marriage. It is issued by a judge after the resolution of all matters pertaining to the divorce, which may include the division of marital property and debts, alimony (also known as spousal support), and if applicable, child custody, visitation rights, child support, health insurance provisions for minor children, and the payment of children's extracurricular expenses. The terms outlined in the divorce decree are legally binding and enforceable. Should either party fail to comply with the terms, the other party may seek enforcement through the court. This could involve filing a Complaint for Contempt, which asks the court to enforce the decree and potentially punish the non-compliant party. The Massachusetts Probate and Family Court typically handles these matters, and the specific procedures and remedies are governed by Massachusetts state statutes and case law.