Divorce Records In Mass are legal documents issued by the Massachusetts Judicial Branch through probate and family courts. These records confirm the final judgment of a divorce and include key details like custody arrangements, property division, and spousal support. To get a certified copy, you must contact the court where the case was closed, provide the docket number, show a valid photo ID, and pay a small fee. Most requests take 7–10 business days, but same-day service is available for an extra charge. Only people with a lawful interest—such as the divorced parties, their lawyers, or authorized family members—can receive these documents.
Where Are Divorce Records Stored in Massachusetts?
Every divorce finalized in Massachusetts is handled by a county probate and family court. Once the judge signs the final decree, the case file is archived at that court. There is no single statewide database for all divorce records. Instead, each county maintains its own files. This means you must know which court processed the divorce to request the record. If you’re unsure, the Registry of Vital Records can help identify the correct court and docket number using the names of the parties and the year the divorce was filed.
Digital vs. Paper Records
Most divorces filed after the 1990s are stored electronically and can be accessed online through the MassCourt portal. Older cases may exist only as paper files kept in physical court archives. For divorces before 1887, records were managed by the Supreme Judicial Court and are now housed at the Massachusetts Archives in Boston. These historic files require an in-person visit or a formal written request.
How to Request a Certified Divorce Decree
To obtain a certified copy of a divorce decree, start by contacting the probate and family court in the county where the divorce was granted. You’ll need the docket number, which acts like a case ID. If you don’t have it, call the court clerk with the full names of both parties and the approximate year the divorce was finalized. The clerk can look up the number for you.
Required Documents and Fees
When submitting your request, include a photocopy of your government-issued photo ID. The standard fee for a certified copy is $5, though some courts charge up to $10. Payment is accepted in cash, check, or credit card—call ahead to confirm options. If you need the document urgently, many courts offer same-day service for an additional $15.
Who Can Request a Divorce Record?
Massachusetts law restricts access to divorce records to protect privacy. Only individuals with a lawful interest may obtain a certified copy. This includes:
- The two people named in the divorce
- Their attorneys, with written authorization
- Direct descendants (like adult children) with documented permission
- Legal representatives acting on behalf of an estate
Third-party researchers or background check companies cannot access full records without proper authorization.
Using the MassCourt Online Portal
The Massachusetts Judicial Branch offers an online system called MassCourt for searching and requesting court documents. To use it, visit the official portal and enter the docket number or party names. You can view basic case information for free, but downloading a certified copy requires identity verification and payment.
Step-by-Step Online Request
- Go to the MassCourt website and select “Search Public Records.”
- Enter the docket number or both parties’ full names.
- Locate the correct case and click “Request Document.”
- Upload a scanned copy of your photo ID.
- Pay the $5 fee using a credit card.
- Receive the certified copy by mail or email within 7–10 days.
Note: Not all courts participate in the online system. If your case isn’t listed, you must submit a written request by mail or in person.
Historic Divorce Records Before 1887
Divorces finalized before 1887 were handled differently. At that time, only the Supreme Judicial Court could grant divorces in Massachusetts. These records are no longer kept by local courts. Instead, they’re preserved at the Massachusetts Archives located at Columbia Street in Boston.
How to Access Pre-1887 Records
To view these older files, you must visit the archives in person during reading room hours (9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday). Submit a written request with the petitioner’s full name, the year of the decree, and your reason for accessing the record. There’s a $10 processing fee, plus $0.25 per page if you want photocopies. Staff will retrieve the file from storage, which may take several days.
Third-Party Retrieval Services
If you can’t visit Boston, some private companies offer to retrieve historic divorce records for a fee. These services charge a markup but handle all communication with the archives. Always verify the company’s legitimacy before paying.
Working with the Registry of Vital Records
The Registry of Vital Records and Statistics does not store divorce decrees. However, it plays a key role in helping people locate them. If you don’t know which court handled the divorce, call the Registry at (617) 740-2600. Provide the full names of both parties and the year the divorce was finalized. Within 3–5 business days, they’ll confirm the issuing court and docket number.
Contact Information
Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
150 Mount Vernon Street, 1st Floor
Dorchester, MA 02125
Phone: (617) 740-2600
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Common Reasons People Need Divorce Records
There are many valid reasons to request a divorce decree. Some of the most common include:
- Remarrying and needing proof of previous marriage dissolution
- Applying for government benefits or Social Security
- Updating property titles after asset division
- Legal proceedings involving child support or alimony
- Genealogical research or family history projects
Always explain your purpose when making a request. Courts may ask for additional documentation if your reason involves legal or financial matters.
Fees, Processing Times, and Expedited Options
Most Massachusetts probate courts charge between $5 and $10 for a certified divorce decree. Processing typically takes 7–10 business days. If you need the document faster, ask about same-day service. This option costs an extra $15 and is available at many courthouses if you visit in person.
Payment Methods
Courts accept cash, personal checks, money orders, and major credit cards. Some locations also allow online payments through the MassCourt portal. Always call ahead to confirm accepted forms of payment.
What’s Included in a Divorce Decree?
A certified divorce decree contains several important sections. These include:
- The date the divorce became final
- Names of both parties
- Child custody and visitation schedules (if applicable)
- Child support payment amounts and schedules
- Spousal support (alimony) terms
- Division of marital property and debts
- Name change authorization (if requested)
This document is legally binding and should be kept in a safe place. Make copies for your records and provide originals when required by banks, employers, or government agencies.
Filing for Divorce in Massachusetts: Key Facts
To file for divorce in Massachusetts, you must meet residency requirements. Either you or your spouse must have lived in the state for at least one year before filing. Alternatively, if the reason for the divorce (like adultery or abandonment) happened in Massachusetts while you lived here as a couple, you may file even with less residency time.
No-Fault vs. Fault-Based Divorce
Massachusetts allows both no-fault and fault-based divorces. The most common ground is “irretrievable breakdown of the marriage,” which doesn’t require proof of wrongdoing. Fault-based grounds include adultery, cruelty, abandonment for over a year, or imprisonment. Choosing fault-based divorce may affect alimony or property division but usually lengthens the process.
Filing Fees and Required Forms
The current filing fee for a divorce complaint is $275. You’ll need to submit forms such as the Complaint for Divorce (FD-101), financial statements, and parenting plans (if children are involved). All forms are available on Mass.gov and must be filed in the correct probate court based on your county of residence.
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Divorce Records
While certified copies require a fee, some basic information is free. The County Office website offers a searchable index of public divorce records at no cost. You can view case numbers, filing dates, and party names without paying. However, you still need to contact the court directly for full documents.
Nonprofit and Legal Aid Options
If you cannot afford the fees, some legal aid organizations in Massachusetts may assist low-income individuals. Contact the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation or your local bar association for referrals. They can help with fee waivers or pro bono representation in certain cases.
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce Records In Mass
Many people have similar questions when trying to access divorce records. Below are answers to the most common inquiries based on current Massachusetts law and court procedures.
Can I get a divorce record if I don’t know the docket number?
Yes. Call the probate court in the county where the divorce likely occurred. Give the clerk the full names of both parties and the approximate year the divorce was finalized. The clerk can search their system and provide the docket number. If you’re unsure of the county, the Registry of Vital Records can help identify it.
Are divorce records public in Massachusetts?
Divorce decrees are generally considered public records, but access is restricted to protect privacy. Only individuals with a lawful interest—such as the parties, their attorneys, or authorized family members—can obtain certified copies. Basic case information (like docket numbers and filing dates) may be viewed by anyone, but full documents require verification.
How long does it take to receive a divorce record?
Standard processing takes 7–10 business days after the court receives your request. Same-day service is available at many courthouses for an additional $15 fee if you visit in person. Online requests through MassCourt follow the same timeline unless expedited service is selected.
Can I request a divorce record by mail?
Yes. Send a written request to the probate court that handled the case. Include the docket number, both parties’ full names, a copy of your photo ID, and a check or money order for the fee. Address the envelope to the court clerk’s office. Processing times apply from the date the court receives your letter.
What if my divorce was finalized in another state?
Massachusetts courts only maintain records for divorces granted within the state. If your divorce occurred elsewhere, contact the vital records office or court in that state. Each state has its own rules and fees for obtaining certified decrees.
Do I need a lawyer to request a divorce record?
No. Anyone with a lawful interest can request a divorce record without legal representation. However, if the record is needed for a legal proceeding (like modifying child support), consult an attorney to ensure proper use and submission.
Can I change my name using a divorce decree?
Yes, if the judge approved a name change as part of the divorce. The decree will state the new legal name. Use this document to update your driver’s license, Social Security card, and bank accounts. If the name change wasn’t included, you’ll need to file a separate petition with the court.
Official Resources and Contact Information
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to official Massachusetts government sources. Below are key contacts and links:
- Mass.gov Divorce Records Portal: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/get-a-copy-of-your-divorce-record
- Registry of Vital Records: (617) 740-2600 | 150 Mount Vernon St, Dorchester, MA 02125
- MassCourt Online System: https://www.masscourts.org
- Massachusetts Archives (pre-1887 records): Columbia Street, Boston | Open Mon–Fri, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Related Search Terms and Additional Help
If you’re researching legal history or verifying personal details, these related topics may also be useful:
- Massachusetts marriage license lookup
- Child support enforcement in MA
- Probate court locations by county
- How to amend a birth certificate in Massachusetts
- Public records search best practices
Always verify critical information with official court staff or government websites. Third-party sites may contain outdated or incomplete data. When in doubt, call the clerk’s office directly for guidance.