Find Dissolution of Marriage Records in New Bedford
New Bedford residents can access dissolution of marriage records at the Bristol County Probate and Family Court, which holds a session right in the city at 505 Pleasant Street, less than half a mile from downtown. This page covers how to search New Bedford dissolution of marriage case files, how to request certified copies, what fees apply, and where to get help if you need it. Bristol County handles all divorce filings for New Bedford residents.
New Bedford Overview
Where to File for Dissolution of Marriage in New Bedford
New Bedford is in Bristol County. Dissolution of marriage cases for New Bedford residents go to the Bristol County Probate and Family Court. Unlike many Massachusetts cities where residents must drive to a county seat, New Bedford has a local court session right in the city at 505 Pleasant Street. That is about a six-minute walk from downtown. This convenience makes it easier to file, attend hearings, and pick up copies without a long trip.
Bristol County has two probate court locations. The New Bedford session at 505 Pleasant Street handles cases for the southern part of the county. The main filing office and registry is in Taunton at 40 Broadway, Suite 240. For some administrative matters and document requests, you may need to contact the Taunton office. When in doubt, call the New Bedford number first and they will direct you to the right location.
| Court (New Bedford session) | Bristol County Probate and Family Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 505 Pleasant Street New Bedford, MA 02740 |
| Phone | (508) 999-5249 |
| 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 also offers a Virtual Registry by video on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and again from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. You can join the Virtual Registry session at zoomgov.com/j/1612606196. This is useful for questions about your case, copy requests, and simple administrative matters without needing to come in person.
How to Search New Bedford Dissolution of Marriage Records
You can search dissolution of marriage records for New Bedford cases online or in person at the courthouse. Online is faster for basic details. In person is better when you need to read the actual case file or get certified copies. Both options are available to the public, and both start with the same court: the Bristol County Probate and Family Court.
MassCourts is the free statewide online portal for court records. It covers the Bristol County Probate and Family Court. Go to masscourts.org and select the Bristol County Probate and Family Court from the location menu. You can search by name or case number. The system shows party names, docket entries, hearing dates, and case status. Some records in family court cases may be restricted online. The mass.gov docket search is another entry point for the same system.
For in-person searches, visit the New Bedford session at 505 Pleasant Street during business hours. You do not need an appointment to search the public index. Bring the full legal name of at least one spouse and the approximate year of the filing. Staff can pull the file for you to review. If you want copies, ask the clerk about the fee and payment method at that time.
Certified copies of dissolution of marriage records cost $20 each. The court will not take personal checks. Use a money order, attorney's check, or bank-certified cashier's check made out to "Commonwealth of Massachusetts." You can also mail a written request to either the New Bedford or Taunton office. Include both spouses' names, the approximate year, and your payment. Staff will mail the copy back to you once processed. Download the official copy request form, PFC-18, from mass.gov before you mail your request.
City Clerk vs. Probate and Family Court
The New Bedford City Clerk does not have dissolution of marriage records. This is a common point of confusion. In Massachusetts, divorce records are filed and held at the Probate and Family Court, not at the city or town clerk. The two offices are separate and handle different types of records.
The New Bedford City Clerk office is at City Hall, 133 William Street, Room 118, New Bedford, MA 02740. Phone: (508) 979-1450. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The City Clerk holds vital records, which means birth certificates, marriage licenses, and death certificates. The office also handles dog licenses, business certificates, and genealogy research requests. If you need any of those records, the City Clerk is the right place. For dissolution of marriage, go to the Probate and Family Court at 505 Pleasant Street instead.
Quick Rule: Birth, marriage, and death records go to the New Bedford City Clerk at 133 William Street. Dissolution of marriage records go to the Bristol County Probate and Family Court at 505 Pleasant Street.
Knowing this distinction saves time. The City Clerk staff cannot help you with a divorce record search and will refer you to the court. Go directly to the Probate and Family Court when you need dissolution of marriage records. You can also email the court at bristolprobate@jud.state.ma.us with basic questions before your visit.
Filing Fees and Copy Costs in New Bedford
Massachusetts sets uniform fees for all Probate and Family Court locations. What you pay in New Bedford is the same as what anyone pays anywhere else in the state. The fee depends on which type of dissolution of marriage case you file and what documents you need after the case closes.
Here are the main fees that apply to New Bedford 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
Personal checks are not accepted at any Massachusetts Probate and Family Court. Bring a money order, attorney's check, or bank-certified cashier's check made payable to "Commonwealth of Massachusetts." If you cannot afford filing fees, ask about an Affidavit of Indigency when you file. A judge will review your financial situation and may reduce or waive the fee. This process is not automatic, so include the affidavit with your initial paperwork and provide supporting documents showing your income. The PFC-18 copy request form is available at mass.gov - PFC-18.
How Dissolution of Marriage Works in New Bedford
Massachusetts law governs all dissolution of marriage cases under M.G.L. Chapter 208. New Bedford residents follow the same rules as everyone else in the state. Every step you take creates a record at the Bristol County Probate and Family Court, from the initial filing to the final judgment.
Residency is the first thing to check. Under M.G.L. c. 208, § 5, if the reason for the divorce happened outside Massachusetts, one spouse must have lived in the state for at least one year. If the cause arose in Massachusetts, no minimum wait applies. Most New Bedford residents have no problem meeting this requirement.
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 separation agreement. If only one spouse wants the divorce or they disagree on terms, one files a complaint under M.G.L. c. 208, § 1B for $280. The other spouse then gets served through a constable or sheriff.
Nisi Period: A Massachusetts dissolution of marriage does not become final right away. After the judgment, a nisi period begins. For joint petitions (1A), it is 120 days. For contested cases (1B), it is 90 days. The divorce only becomes absolute when that period ends.
Property is divided under M.G.L. c. 208, § 34. The court looks at the length of the marriage, both spouses' income, contributions to the household, and other factors to reach a fair outcome. Spousal support rules fall under M.G.L. c. 208, § 37. If children are involved, the court applies the Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines to set support amounts.
Court and Clerk Resources
The New Bedford City Clerk office page at newbedford-ma.gov/city-clerk shows what vital records the clerk holds, hours, and contact details. Remember that the City Clerk does not hold dissolution of marriage records. This resource is useful for birth, marriage, and death records only.
The City Clerk page is helpful for understanding what records they hold, which makes it easier to know when to contact the court instead.
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 New Bedford and Taunton sessions, phone numbers, and links to court forms.
Bookmark this page before visiting the court. Hours and staffing can change, and the mass.gov listing is kept current by the Trial Court.
Legal Help for New Bedford Residents
If you are facing a dissolution of marriage in New Bedford and cannot afford a private attorney, free and low-cost help is available. Local legal aid programs serve Bristol County residents and can assist with forms, legal advice, and in some cases, court representation. Getting help early matters, especially if children or property are part of the case.
Southeastern Massachusetts Legal Services handles family law cases in Bristol County. Call (508) 999-1010 to ask about eligibility and available services. Help is based on income, so call even if you are not sure you qualify. They assist with divorce petitions, custody matters, and support cases. Staff can help you understand what forms to file and how to complete them correctly.
MassLegalHelp at masslegalhelp.org is a free online resource. It has step-by-step guides for divorce and dissolution of marriage cases in Massachusetts, downloadable forms, and plain-language explanations of your rights. All official court forms are available free at mass.gov. The New Bedford Free Public Library at 613 Pleasant Street, phone (508) 991-6278, holds legal reference books and can help you find guides on court procedure. Library staff cannot give legal advice, but they can help you find the right resources.
Nearby Cities
Need dissolution of marriage records for a nearby city? These qualifying cities are close to New Bedford and each has its own records page.
Bristol County Dissolution of Marriage Records
New Bedford is in Bristol County. All dissolution of marriage filings for New Bedford residents go through the Bristol County Probate and Family Court. The county page has full details on both court locations, fee schedules, a list of cities served, and other resources for dissolution of marriage records in the county.