Massachusetts § 33 - Separate support or maintenance; attachment of defendant's property and trustee process

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 33 — Separate support or maintenance; attachment of defendant's property and trustee process, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 33. Separate support or maintenance; attachment of defendant's property and trustee process

Section 33. In an action for separate support or maintenance, an attachment of the defendant's property may be made as upon an action for divorce; and sections seventeen, thirty-three, thirty-five, and thirty-eight of chapter two hundred and eight shall apply to proceedings upon such complaint and to all subsidiary proceedings arising thereunder, so far as appropriate. Trustee process of an obligor's disposable earnings may likewise be made by the filing of a complaint under the provisions of section thirty-six A of chapter two hundred and eight. All procedures under said section thirty-six A of said chapter two hundred and eight shall apply following the filing of said complaint.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 33

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 33 cover?

Section 33 ("Separate support or maintenance; attachment of defendant's property and trustee process") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Massachusetts § 33?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 33" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

How does Massachusetts § 33 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.