Access Revere Dissolution of Marriage Records
Dissolution of marriage cases for Revere residents are filed at the Suffolk County Probate and Family Court in downtown Boston, about 7 miles from Revere. Revere is a coastal city of roughly 54,000 people in Suffolk County, sitting just north of Boston and east of Chelsea. This page covers the court that handles Revere divorce filings, how to search existing records, what the fees are, and where to find legal help.
Revere Overview
Where Revere Residents File for Dissolution of Marriage
Revere residents file for dissolution of marriage at the Suffolk County Probate and Family Court in Boston. The court is in the Edward W. Brooke Courthouse at 24 New Chardon Street. From Revere, the drive is about 7 miles and takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes. The Register of Probate handles all filings, holds the official case files, and processes certified copy requests. This is the only court that accepts dissolution of marriage cases for Revere. The court also serves Boston, Chelsea, and Winthrop.
| Court | Suffolk County Probate and Family Court |
|---|---|
| Address | Edward W. Brooke Courthouse 24 New Chardon Street Boston, MA 02114 |
| Phone | (617) 788-8301 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Virtual Registry | Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM |
| Website | mass.gov - Suffolk Probate Court |
The courthouse is near Government Center in downtown Boston. From Revere, the Blue Line MBTA runs directly to Government Center station. That makes the T a fast and easy option from Revere, especially during peak traffic hours when driving downtown can be slow. Street parking and garage parking near the courthouse is limited and can be costly. Bring a government-issued photo ID to pass security screening at the courthouse entrance.
The virtual registry operates Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. For straightforward questions about an existing case or basic filing information, you may be able to handle things remotely without a trip downtown.
How to Search Revere Dissolution of Marriage Records
Revere dissolution of marriage records can be searched online for free or in person at the Suffolk County Probate and Family Court in Boston. Online searches work for basic case lookups. In-person visits let you see the full file and get certified copies.
MassCourts is the state's free online case lookup system. It covers the Suffolk County Probate and Family Court and shows party names, docket entries, hearing dates, and current case status. Visit masscourts.org to search by name or case number at no charge. Some records in family court cases are restricted from public view online under state privacy rules, but most basic case details are accessible. This is a good starting point if you just need to confirm whether a case was filed.
The state court docket search at mass.gov also covers all Trial Court departments and lets you check case status without visiting. If you need actual documents or certified copies, you must go to the court in person or mail a written request with payment.
To search Revere dissolution of marriage records, you will need:
- Full name of at least one spouse
- Approximate year the case was filed
- Case docket number if you have it
Staff at the Register of Probate can search by name and retrieve case files. Certified copies take some time to prepare. Call (617) 788-8301 ahead of your visit to ask about current turnaround and same-day service availability. For Revere residents who want to file new cases online, eFileMA handles electronic submissions and sends court notices by email.
Revere City Clerk vs. Probate and Family Court
The Revere City Clerk does not hold dissolution of marriage records. The City Clerk handles vital records only. That covers births, marriages, and deaths that happened within Revere. Divorce is a court proceeding handled by the Probate and Family Court. No divorce filings, case records, or final judgments are ever stored at Revere City Hall. Contacting the City Clerk about a dissolution of marriage record will result in a referral to the Suffolk County court in Boston.
The Revere City Clerk office is at City Hall, 281 Broadway, Revere, MA 02151. Phone: (781) 286-8160. Fax: (781) 286-8161. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:15 AM to 5:00 PM, and Friday from 8:15 AM to 12:15 PM. More information is at revere.org. If you need a certified copy of your marriage certificate as part of your dissolution of marriage case, the City Clerk can issue that document. But the case itself and all court records are at the Suffolk County Probate and Family Court in Boston.
One thing worth knowing: because Revere is in Suffolk County, it shares a court with Boston, Chelsea, and Winthrop. The Edward W. Brooke Courthouse in downtown Boston handles dissolution of marriage cases for all four communities. There is no local courthouse in Revere for these matters. All filings, hearings, and records requests go through the Boston location.
Filing Fees and Process for Revere Residents
Massachusetts law under M.G.L. Chapter 208 covers all dissolution of marriage cases. Revere residents follow the same rules and pay the same fees as everyone else in the state. The type of filing you choose determines the cost.
A joint petition under M.G.L. c. 208, § 1A applies when both spouses agree on all terms and sign a written separation agreement together. The filing fee is $215. A complaint for divorce under M.G.L. c. 208, § 1B is used when only one spouse files or when both parties disagree on the terms. That fee is $280. A $15 surcharge applies to most filings. There is also a $5 summons fee for service of process in contested cases. Certified copies of the final judgment or decree cost $20 each.
The court accepts attorney's checks, money orders, bank certified checks, and cashier's checks payable to "Commonwealth of Massachusetts." Personal checks are not accepted. Under M.G.L. c. 208, § 5, one spouse must have been a Massachusetts resident for one year before filing if the grounds arose outside the state. If the grounds arose within Massachusetts, there is no minimum residency period. Revere residents who meet the residency rule can file at the Suffolk County court immediately.
Nisi Period: A dissolution of marriage in Massachusetts is not final the day the judge signs the order. Joint petition (1A) cases carry a 120-day nisi period. Contested (1B) cases carry a 90-day wait. Under M.G.L. c. 208, § 21, the marriage does not legally end until after the nisi period closes. Neither party can remarry until the divorce becomes absolute.
The court can divide property under M.G.L. c. 208, § 34. That section gives the court wide authority to divide assets and liabilities based on each party's situation. Alimony is addressed under M.G.L. c. 208, § 37. If you cannot afford the court fees, ask about an Affidavit of Indigency at the time of filing. The court may waive fees for qualifying residents based on income and expenses.
Legal Help for Revere Residents
Several organizations provide free or low-cost legal help for Revere residents dealing with dissolution of marriage cases. Getting advice early can help you avoid mistakes that are hard to fix later in the process.
Greater Boston Legal Services is the main legal aid provider for Suffolk County. They offer free help to people who qualify based on income. They handle divorce, custody, child support, and related matters. Call (617) 371-1234 to ask about eligibility and services. If your income is within their guidelines, they may help you prepare forms, advise you on the law, and in some cases represent you at hearings. Their staff speaks multiple languages, which can be helpful in a diverse city like Revere.
MassLegalHelp at masslegalhelp.org has free step-by-step guides for dissolution of marriage cases. The site covers joint petitions, contested complaints, financial statements, and child support worksheets. All official court forms are available free at mass.gov. The Revere Public Library at 179 Beach Street, (781) 286-8380, has legal reference materials and public computers for court record searches and form downloads.
The Massachusetts Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service at (617) 654-0400. The first meeting with a referred attorney is $25 for 30 minutes. The Dial-A-Lawyer program offers free advice on the first Wednesday of each month at (617) 338-0610.
Revere and Suffolk Court Resources
The screenshot below is from the Revere City Clerk page at revere.org. The clerk handles vital records only: birth, marriage, and death certificates. Dissolution of marriage records are not kept at City Hall and must be obtained from the Suffolk County Probate and Family Court in Boston.
The City Clerk page confirms the scope of local records. For any filing or record related to a Revere dissolution of marriage case, the Suffolk County Probate and Family Court in Boston is the right place to go.
The screenshot below comes from the mass.gov Suffolk Probate and Family Court location page. It lists the court's Boston address, phone number, virtual registry hours, and directions for Revere residents making the trip downtown.
Check the mass.gov court page before your trip to confirm current hours and any service changes. The virtual registry is available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings if you want to call ahead rather than drive into Boston.
Nearby Cities
These nearby qualifying cities also have dissolution of marriage records handled through the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court system. Each city page covers the relevant court, filing steps, and local resources.
Suffolk County Dissolution of Marriage Records
Revere is in Suffolk County, and all dissolution of marriage filings go through the Suffolk County Probate and Family Court in Boston. The court handles cases for Revere, Boston, Chelsea, and Winthrop. For full details on the court, fee schedules, and county-wide resources, visit the Suffolk County page.