Find Dissolution Of Marriage Records in Springfield
Springfield dissolution of marriage records are on file at the Hampden County Probate and Family Court, not at Springfield City Hall. If you need to look up a divorce case, get a certified copy of a divorce decree, or find out the status of a pending divorce filing in Springfield, the Hampden County Probate and Family Court is where you go. Springfield is the largest city in western Massachusetts and the county seat of Hampden County, with about 154,000 residents.
Springfield Overview
Which Court Handles Springfield Dissolution Of Marriage
All dissolution of marriage cases for Springfield go through the Hampden County Probate and Family Court. The courthouse is at 50 State Street, 1st Floor, just 0.4 miles from Springfield City Hall -- about an eight-minute walk heading east on Court Street toward State Street. Springfield is the county seat of Hampden County, so the court is centrally located downtown and easy to reach by foot or bus.
The Register of Probate manages all divorce case files at this location. Staff can look up cases by name or docket number, pull physical case folders, and process copy requests. Call ahead at (413) 748-7730 to confirm hours and find out what to bring for your visit. Bring photo ID. The court does not allow large bags through security.
| Court | Hampden County Probate and Family Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 50 State Street, 1st Floor Springfield, MA 01102 |
| Phone | (413) 748-7730 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Distance | 0.4 miles from Springfield City Hall (8-minute walk) |
| Website | mass.gov - Hampden Probate Court |
The court is in the heart of downtown Springfield near the intersection of State Street and Court Street. The PVTA bus system serves the area, and several lines stop near the courthouse. Street parking and garages are available on nearby blocks. The court does not have its own lot, so check local parking options before you go.
Searching Springfield Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Springfield divorce records are accessible two ways: online through MassCourts, or in person at the Hampden County Probate and Family Court. Online works well for checking if a case exists and getting basic docket details. An in-person visit is needed if you want to see the actual case file or get certified copies of divorce filings.
MassCourts is the Massachusetts Trial Court's free public records search tool. It covers the Hampden County Probate and Family Court and lets you search divorce cases by name or docket number. Results include party names, case numbers, hearing dates, and docket activity. Keep in mind that financial statements filed in divorce cases are automatically impounded under Supplemental Probate Court Rule 401 and do not appear in public searches. Visit masscourts.org to run your search. The state's docket lookup tool at mass.gov is also useful if you're not sure where a case was filed.
When searching, try to have one or more of the following:
- Full name of one or both spouses
- Approximate year the divorce was filed
- Case docket number (if known)
- The county where the divorce was filed
For in-person searches, go to the Register of Probate on the 1st floor at 50 State Street. Staff can search by name or case number. You can review files on-site and ask for copies. If you need to file new papers, the court accepts electronic submissions through the Tyler eFiling system at massachusetts.tylerhost.net. Learn more about eFiling at mass.gov.
Springfield City Clerk vs. Probate Court
People sometimes contact Springfield City Hall looking for divorce records. The Springfield City Clerk does not have dissolution of marriage records. The City Clerk's office issues birth, marriage, and death certificates -- these are vital records. Divorce is a court record, not a vital record, and it stays with the Probate and Family Court, not City Hall.
Important: Do not contact Springfield City Hall for divorce records. The City Clerk has no dissolution of marriage filings, decrees, or case information. All divorce records for Springfield are at the Hampden County Probate and Family Court, 50 State Street.
The City Clerk is the right place to go if you need a certified marriage certificate to attach to a divorce petition, or a birth certificate for a child named in a custody arrangement. The office is in Room 123 at Springfield City Hall, 36 Court Street. Hours vary by day, so check before you go.
| Office | Springfield City Clerk (vital records only) |
|---|---|
| Address | 36 Court Street, Room 123 Springfield, MA 01103 |
| Phone | (413) 787-6094 or (413) 736-3111 |
| Hours | Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM; Thu: 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Records | Birth, marriage, and death certificates; dog licenses; business certificates |
| Copy Fee | $20 per copy |
Copy Fees and Filing Costs in Springfield
The Massachusetts Trial Court sets filing fees for all Probate and Family Courts statewide. The fees are the same in Springfield as everywhere else in Massachusetts.
A joint petition for divorce under M.G.L. c. 208, § 1A costs $215 to file. Both spouses file together with a written separation agreement. After the hearing, a 120-day nisi period runs before the divorce becomes final. Under M.G.L. c. 208, § 1B, one spouse files a complaint for $280. Contested cases go through a 90-day nisi period. Both types also carry a $15 surcharge. If you file a complaint, add $5 for the summons.
Certified copies of divorce decrees cost $20 each. Plain copies are less. To request copies by mail, download the Probate and Family Court copy request form at mass.gov. For general guidance on getting a certified copy of your divorce record, see mass.gov.
Payment: The Hampden County Probate and Family Court does not accept personal checks. Pay by attorney's check, money order, bank-certified check, or cashier's check. Make payable to "Commonwealth of Massachusetts."
If fees are a hardship, ask the clerk for an Affidavit of Indigency form. Submit it with your case papers. The court will decide if you qualify for a fee waiver based on your income and household size.
Legal Help for Springfield Dissolution Of Marriage
Springfield has legal aid resources for residents who need help with divorce cases. Free help is available to those who meet income guidelines. Self-help tools are open to everyone.
Western Massachusetts Legal Services is the main legal aid group serving Springfield and the rest of Hampden County. They provide free legal help to income-eligible residents in family law matters, including dissolution of marriage, child custody, and support. Call (413) 781-7814 to ask about services and eligibility. They can help with paperwork, court forms, and hearings at the Hampden County Probate and Family Court.
MassLegalHelp at masslegalhelp.org is a free resource for people handling their own cases. The site has step-by-step guides for filing a joint petition or a complaint. It covers the residency requirement under M.G.L. c. 208, § 5, explains how property is divided under M.G.L. c. 208, § 34, and walks through the alimony rules under M.G.L. c. 208, § 37. All official divorce forms are free at mass.gov.
The Trial Court Help Line at 1-833-912-6878 is open to anyone with questions about court procedures. Staff do not give legal advice, but they can help you understand the filing process and point you to the right forms. Springfield City Library at 220 State Street also has legal reference materials and public computers if you need to research your case.
The state court system's location page for the Hampden County Probate and Family Court, with directions and contact info, is at mass.gov.
The Hampden County Probate and Family Court at 50 State Street handles all Springfield dissolution of marriage cases. The City Clerk office at City Hall handles birth, marriage, and death records only.
Nearby Cities
Other qualifying cities near Springfield with Probate and Family Court dissolution of marriage records:
Hampden County Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Springfield is the county seat of Hampden County. All dissolution of marriage filings for Springfield residents go through the Hampden County Probate and Family Court. The county serves Springfield and the surrounding cities and towns in the Pioneer Valley. For more about the county court, fee schedules, and other local resources, see the Hampden County page.