Chicopee Dissolution of Marriage Records
Chicopee dissolution of marriage records are filed at the Hampden County Probate and Family Court in Springfield, about 3 miles from the center of Chicopee. Chicopee has roughly 55,000 residents and sits in Hampden County in western Massachusetts. All divorce cases for Chicopee go through the Springfield courthouse. The Chicopee City Clerk handles birth, marriage, and death records only and has no role in dissolution of marriage filings.
Chicopee Overview
Which Court Handles Chicopee Divorce Cases
Chicopee is in Hampden County. The Hampden County Probate and Family Court in Springfield handles all dissolution of marriage cases for Chicopee residents. The main courthouse is at 50 State Street in Springfield, about 8 to 10 minutes from Chicopee by car. This court takes new filings, schedules hearings, and holds the records for all Hampden County dissolution of marriage cases.
Satellite Office Closed: As of November 1, 2024, the Chicopee satellite office of the Hampden County Probate and Family Court is temporarily closed for renovations. All filings and in-person services must go to the main Springfield courthouse at 50 State Street until further notice.
The Register of Probate at the Springfield courthouse manages all case files for Chicopee divorce cases. Staff can search for cases by name or case number, pull files, and provide copies. If you are a Chicopee resident who previously used the satellite location, you now need to go to Springfield for all court business related to a dissolution of marriage.
| Court | Hampden County Probate and Family Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 50 State Street Springfield, MA 01102 |
| Phone | (413) 748-7730 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Distance from Chicopee | About 3 miles, 8 to 10 minutes by car |
| Satellite Office | Temporarily closed as of November 1, 2024 |
| Website | mass.gov - Hampden Probate Court |
When you drive to the Springfield courthouse, parking is available near 50 State Street. Note that the court closes at 4:00 PM, which is earlier than many other Probate and Family Court locations in Massachusetts. Plan to arrive by 3:30 PM if you need to speak with staff or drop off paperwork. Security screening happens at the entrance, so bring a valid photo ID.
How to Search Chicopee Dissolution of Marriage Records
You can search dissolution of marriage records for Chicopee cases online or in person at the Hampden County Probate and Family Court in Springfield. The online route works well for basic information. In-person visits let you see the full case file and get copies the same day.
MassCourts is the free public court records portal run by the Massachusetts Trial Court. It covers the Hampden County Probate and Family Court. You can search by the name of either spouse or by case number. The system returns case status, party names, and docket entries. Some family law records have restrictions on what the public can view online. Start your search at masscourts.org. The mass.gov court search page can also point you to the right lookup tools.
To run a search, you will need at least one of the following:
- Full name of one or both spouses as it appeared at the time of filing
- Approximate year the case was filed or the divorce was finalized
- Case number, if you already have it from prior documents
In-person searches at the Springfield courthouse give you access to the full case file. Staff at the Register of Probate can pull the file and allow you to review it or request copies. Certified copies of a dissolution of marriage record cost $20. Plain copies are cheaper. Call (413) 748-7730 before you go to confirm what documents to bring. Note the court closes at 4:00 PM, so plan accordingly if you are driving from Chicopee.
Chicopee City Clerk vs. Probate Court
The Chicopee City Clerk does not have dissolution of marriage records. This is a common source of confusion. The City Clerk keeps vital records for events that occur within the city limits of Chicopee: births, marriages, and deaths. Divorce records are created and kept by the Probate and Family Court, not the city.
If you need a birth, marriage, or death certificate for something that happened in Chicopee, contact the City Clerk. The office is at City Hall, 17 Springfield Street, Chicopee, MA 01013. Phone is (413) 594-1466. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Copies of vital records cost $10 each. The Clerk also handles dog licenses and business certificates. Visit the Clerk's page at chicopeema.gov for more details.
| Dissolution of Marriage Records | Hampden County Probate and Family Court, 50 State Street, Springfield |
|---|---|
| Birth / Marriage / Death Records | Chicopee City Clerk, 17 Springfield Street, Chicopee |
| City Clerk Phone | (413) 594-1466 |
| City Clerk Hours | Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Vital Record Copy Fee | $10 per copy (City Clerk) |
If you call the City Clerk asking for a copy of your divorce judgment or decree, they will redirect you to the Probate and Family Court in Springfield. It saves time to contact the court directly from the start. The courthouse is only about 3 miles away from Chicopee City Hall, so an in-person visit is easy to manage.
Dissolution of Marriage Fees for Chicopee Residents
The Massachusetts Trial Court sets all filing fees for dissolution of marriage. The same fee schedule applies at every Probate and Family Court location in the state, including the Hampden County court in Springfield that serves Chicopee.
A joint petition for divorce under M.G.L. c. 208, § 1A costs $215. Both spouses file together and must have a signed separation agreement covering property, support, and any children. A complaint for divorce under M.G.L. c. 208, § 1B costs $280. One spouse files alone. Additional fees include a $15 surcharge and $5 for a summons if service is needed.
Certified copies of existing dissolution of marriage records cost $20 each. The court accepts attorney's checks, money orders, and bank certified or cashier's checks made out to "Commonwealth of Massachusetts." Personal checks are not accepted. If you cannot afford the fees, you can file an Affidavit of Indigency to ask for a waiver. Submit it with your other paperwork. The judge reviews it and decides based on your financial situation.
To get copies of a dissolution of marriage record, use the PFC-18 request for copies form from mass.gov. You can submit it in person at the Springfield courthouse or by mail. The mass.gov divorce records page explains the full process.
Nisi Period: Massachusetts divorces do not become final right away. Under M.G.L. c. 208, § 21, joint petition (1A) cases wait 120 days after the judgment nisi. Contested (1B) cases wait 90 days. The dissolution of marriage is absolute only when that period ends.
Residency rules apply. Under M.G.L. c. 208, § 5, if the reason for the divorce happened outside Massachusetts, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for one year before filing. If the grounds arose in Massachusetts, no waiting period applies. Most Chicopee residents who have lived here for any length of time can file right away.
Legal Help for Chicopee Residents
Chicopee residents who need help with a dissolution of marriage case have good options in western Massachusetts. Several organizations offer free or low-cost legal services in Hampden County.
Western Massachusetts Legal Services is the primary legal aid organization for Chicopee and the Hampden County area. They help people with low income navigate family law matters including dissolution of marriage, custody, and support. Call (413) 781-7814 to ask about eligibility and available services. Staff can help you understand which forms to file, what to bring to court, and what to expect during hearings. If your income qualifies, their services are free.
MassLegalHelp at masslegalhelp.org has free step-by-step guides for every stage of the divorce process. The site explains each court form in plain language and walks you through what to file and when. All official court forms are free at mass.gov. If you need to hire a private attorney, the Massachusetts Bar Association offers a referral service at (617) 654-0400 or toll-free (866) 627-7577. The first meeting is $25 for 30 minutes. The Chicopee Public Library at 449 Front Street, phone (413) 594-1800, has public computers and self-help legal materials available during library hours.
Cases involving minor children require extra forms, including the Child Support Guidelines Worksheet. Errors on these forms can delay your case. If your case involves children, even a single appointment with a legal aid attorney can prevent costly mistakes.
Chicopee Resources
The Chicopee City Clerk at 17 Springfield Street handles vital records for births, marriages, and deaths within Chicopee. The screenshot below shows the City Clerk's official page, sourced from chicopeema.gov.
The City Clerk does not hold dissolution of marriage records. Chicopee residents must go to the Hampden County Probate and Family Court in Springfield for all divorce case records.
The Hampden County Probate and Family Court in Springfield handles all dissolution of marriage filings for Chicopee. The screenshot below is from the mass.gov Hampden Probate Court location page.
Remember that the Chicopee satellite office is closed for renovations as of November 2024. All filings go to the main courthouse at 50 State Street in Springfield until the satellite location reopens.
Nearby Cities
Chicopee is close to several other qualifying Massachusetts cities. Find dissolution of marriage information for nearby cities using the links below.
Hampden County Dissolution of Marriage Records
Chicopee is in Hampden County, and the Hampden County Probate and Family Court in Springfield handles all dissolution of marriage filings for the city. The court also serves Springfield and other communities across Hampden County. For more on filing procedures, fees, and other Hampden County resources, visit the county page.