Fall River Dissolution of Marriage Records
Fall River residents searching for dissolution of marriage records can go directly to the Bristol County Probate and Family Court session at 289 Rock Street, less than a mile from the city center. This page explains how to search Fall River dissolution of marriage case files, how to get certified copies of judgments, what fees to expect, and where to find free legal help in the area. Bristol County handles all divorce and dissolution filings for Fall River residents.
Fall River Overview
Where to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Fall River
Fall River is in Bristol County. All dissolution of marriage cases for Fall River residents go to the Bristol County Probate and Family Court. Fall River has its own local court session at 289 Rock Street, about a three-minute drive from downtown. This location handles hearings, filings, and records requests for the Fall River area. You do not need to travel to another city to file or attend court.
Bristol County has two court sessions. The Fall River session at 289 Rock Street covers the southern part of the county near Fall River. The main filing office is in Taunton at 40 Broadway, Suite 240. Some administrative matters and copy requests may go to the Taunton office. If you are not sure which location handles your specific need, call the Fall River number first. Staff will direct you to the right place.
| Court (Fall River session) | Bristol County Probate and Family Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 289 Rock Street Fall River, MA 02720 |
| Phone | (508) 672-1751 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| bristolprobate@jud.state.ma.us | |
| Main Office (Taunton) | 40 Broadway Suite 240, Taunton, MA 02780 |
| Taunton Phone | (508) 977-6040 |
| Website | mass.gov - Bristol Probate Court |
The court offers a Virtual Registry by video on weekdays. Morning hours run from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and afternoon from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. You can join at zoomgov.com/j/1612606196. This lets you handle routine questions about your case, ask about copy requests, or get guidance on forms without traveling to the courthouse. It is a useful option if you work during the day and cannot easily get to court.
How to Search Fall River Dissolution of Marriage Records
You can search dissolution of marriage records for Fall River cases two ways: online through the MassCourts system or in person at the Rock Street courthouse. Online searches work well when you need basic information fast. In-person visits are better when you need to read the actual documents or get a certified copy of a judgment. Both give you access to official Bristol County Probate and Family Court records.
MassCourts is the free statewide court records search system. Go to masscourts.org and choose the Bristol County Probate and Family Court from the list. Search by name or case number. The system shows party names, docket entries, hearing dates, and case status. Some family court record fields may be restricted from public online view. You can also reach the same system through the mass.gov docket search page. Both entry points search the same database.
For in-person searches, go to 289 Rock Street during regular business hours. No appointment is needed to search the public index. You will need the full legal name of at least one spouse and the approximate year the dissolution of marriage was filed. Staff can look up the case and pull the file. If you want to take documents home, ask about copy fees before you start. Certified copies cost $20 each. Plain copies cost less.
If you cannot come in person, you can send a written request by mail. Address it to the Bristol County Probate and Family Court at either Fall River or Taunton. Include both spouses' full names, the approximate year of the filing, and a money order or bank-certified check made out to "Commonwealth of Massachusetts." Personal checks are not accepted. Use the official PFC-18 copy request form from mass.gov to ensure your request is complete. Staff will process it and mail the copy back to you.
City Clerk vs. Probate and Family Court
Do not contact the Fall River City Clerk looking for dissolution of marriage records. The City Clerk does not hold them. In Massachusetts, divorce and dissolution records are created and kept by the Probate and Family Court. The city clerk is a separate office that handles a different set of public records.
The Fall River City Clerk is at Government Center, One Government Center, Room 227, Fall River, MA 02722. Phone: (508) 324-2220. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The City Clerk handles vital records, which means birth certificates, marriage licenses, and death records. The office also processes dog licenses, business certificates, and genealogy requests. Their website is at fallriverma.gov/departments/city_clerk. If you need any of those records, that is the right place to call.
Quick Rule: Birth, marriage, and death certificates go to the Fall River City Clerk at Government Center. Dissolution of marriage records go to the Bristol County Probate and Family Court at 289 Rock Street.
Calling the wrong office costs you time. City Clerk staff cannot access court records and will refer you to the courthouse anyway. Go directly to the Bristol County Probate and Family Court at 289 Rock Street or contact them by email at bristolprobate@jud.state.ma.us when you need dissolution of marriage records.
Filing Fees and Copy Costs in Fall River
Massachusetts sets uniform fees for all Probate and Family Court locations. Fall River residents pay the same rates as anyone else in the state. The fee depends on the type of dissolution of marriage case you file and what documents you need after the case is complete.
Main fees for Fall River dissolution of marriage cases:
- Joint petition for dissolution of marriage (1A): $215
- Complaint for dissolution of marriage (1B): $280
- Certified copy of record: $20
- Surcharge: $15
- Summons: $5
- Citation: $15
The court will not accept personal checks. Bring a money order, attorney's check, or bank-certified cashier's check made out to "Commonwealth of Massachusetts." Call (508) 672-1751 ahead of time to confirm what payment methods the Fall River session accepts at the window. If you cannot pay the filing fee due to financial hardship, you can submit an Affidavit of Indigency along with your initial paperwork. A judge reviews the affidavit and may reduce or waive the fee. Include proof of income or public benefits when you file the affidavit. The full fee schedule for Massachusetts Probate and Family Courts is available at mass.gov.
How Dissolution of Marriage Works in Fall River
Massachusetts law under M.G.L. Chapter 208 governs all dissolution of marriage cases. Fall River residents follow the same process as everyone else in the state. From the first filing to the final judgment, every step creates a record at the Bristol County Probate and Family Court on Rock Street.
The first requirement is residency. Under M.G.L. c. 208, § 5, if the cause for divorce happened outside Massachusetts, one spouse must have lived in the state for at least one year. If the cause arose in Massachusetts, no waiting period applies. Most Fall River residents easily meet this standard.
If both spouses agree on all terms, they can file a joint petition under M.G.L. c. 208, § 1A for $215. Both spouses sign the petition and a written separation agreement covering all issues before filing. If only one spouse wants the divorce or they disagree on major issues, one spouse files a complaint under M.G.L. c. 208, § 1B for $280. The filing spouse then has the other spouse served by a constable or sheriff. Contested cases move more slowly and often require multiple hearings before the court reaches a decision.
Nisi Period: A Massachusetts dissolution of marriage does not become final at the hearing. After the judgment, a nisi period begins. Joint petition (1A) cases wait 120 days. Contested (1B) cases wait 90 days. The divorce is only absolute when this period ends without either party filing an objection.
The court divides property under M.G.L. c. 208, § 34, which requires a fair but not necessarily equal split. Factors include the length of the marriage, each spouse's income and earning capacity, and contributions each made to the household. Spousal support is governed by M.G.L. c. 208, § 37. Cases involving children require a Child Support Guidelines Worksheet. The court sets support based on both parents' income and time with the child.
Court and Clerk Resources
The Fall River City Clerk department page at fallriverma.gov/departments/city_clerk shows what records the City Clerk holds, office hours, and contact details. As noted above, the City Clerk handles birth, marriage, and death records only, not dissolution of marriage cases.
Reviewing the City Clerk page helps clarify the difference between vital records and court records, so you know exactly which office to contact for what you need.
The mass.gov page for the Bristol County Probate and Family Court at mass.gov/locations/bristol-probate-and-family-court lists current hours, addresses for both the Fall River and Taunton sessions, phone numbers, and links to forms and resources.
Check this page before making the trip to the courthouse. It is kept up to date by the Massachusetts Trial Court and will show any changes to hours or contact information.
Legal Help for Fall River Residents
Several resources are available to Fall River residents who need help with a dissolution of marriage case. Free legal aid is available to those who qualify by income. Even if you are not sure you qualify, it is worth making a call. Getting good advice at the start of a case can save money and problems down the road.
Southeastern Massachusetts Legal Services serves Bristol County residents facing family law issues including dissolution of marriage, custody, and support. Call (508) 584-4543 to ask about eligibility and what services are available. They can help you understand your rights, fill out forms, and in some cases, represent you in court at no cost. Income limits apply, so have basic financial information ready when you call.
MassLegalHelp at masslegalhelp.org is a free website with guides for people handling their own dissolution of marriage cases. It has step-by-step instructions, form explanations, and plain-language summaries of Massachusetts family law. All official court forms are available free at mass.gov. The Fall River Public Library at 104 North Main Street, phone (508) 324-2700, holds legal reference materials you can use for research. Library staff can help you find the right books and guides, though they do not give legal advice. The Fall River Historical Society at 451 Rock Street may also have genealogical records that are sometimes useful in long-ago divorce cases where records are hard to trace.
Nearby Cities
Looking for dissolution of marriage records in a city near Fall River? These qualifying cities have their own records pages.
Bristol County Dissolution of Marriage Records
Fall River is in Bristol County. All dissolution of marriage cases for Fall River residents go through the Bristol County Probate and Family Court. The county page covers both court locations, the full fee schedule, cities served, and additional resources for dissolution of marriage records in Bristol County.