Taunton Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Dissolution of marriage records for Taunton are filed and maintained at the Bristol County Probate and Family Court, which is located right in the city at 40 Broadway. Taunton is the county seat of Bristol County, which means residents do not have to travel to another city to handle their divorce case. This guide covers how to find, file, and get copies of dissolution of marriage records in Taunton, including what to expect at the courthouse and where to turn for legal help.
Taunton Overview
Which Court Handles Taunton Dissolution Cases
The Bristol County Probate and Family Court in Taunton handles all dissolution of marriage cases for residents of the city. This is the main office for Bristol County, located at 40 Broadway, Suite 240, just a short walk from Taunton City Hall. The Register of Probate keeps all case files here and handles requests for copies and records searches. Because Taunton is the county seat, you do not need to go anywhere else to deal with your dissolution of marriage case.
| Court | Bristol County Probate and Family Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 40 Broadway, Suite 240 Taunton, MA 02780 |
| Phone | (508) 977-6040 / (508) 824-4004 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Virtual Registry | Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM |
| Zoom | Virtual Registry Meeting Room |
| bristolprobate@jud.state.ma.us | |
| Website | mass.gov - Bristol Probate Court |
The court is about 0.3 miles from Taunton City Hall, roughly a six-minute walk. Street parking is available near Broadway. The courthouse is open to the public during normal business hours. Bring a valid photo ID when you visit. Security checks all people who enter. If you have questions before your visit, call or email the court first.
The Virtual Registry option is useful for quick questions and some filing tasks. You can connect by Zoom on weekdays during the posted hours. This can save a trip to the courthouse when you just need information or a status update on your case.
How to Search Taunton Dissolution of Marriage Records
You can search for dissolution of marriage records in Taunton using the state's free online system or by visiting the courthouse in person. The online option works well for finding basic case details. An in-person visit lets you review the full file and get certified copies on the spot. Both methods cover cases going back many years.
MassCourts is the state's public case search tool. It includes the Bristol County Probate and Family Court. Go to masscourts.org and select the Probate and Family Court. Search by one spouse's name or by case number. Results show the names of the parties, docket entries, and case status. Some records have viewing restrictions under state law, but most dissolution of marriage cases are accessible to the public.
To search effectively, have these items ready:
- Full name of at least one spouse
- Approximate year the case was filed
- Case number, if you already have it
- Maiden name or alternate names, if applicable
If the online search does not give you what you need, go to the courthouse and ask the Register of Probate staff for help. They can run a name search and pull the physical file. You can review the file at the counter or request copies. Call ahead to confirm hours and what to bring. The state also has a records request form you can use. The PFC-18 form is available on the mass.gov website and covers copy requests for probate and family court cases statewide.
For general case lookup and docket information, the state also maintains a search tool at mass.gov court dockets. This resource covers multiple court types and can help you confirm which court holds a specific case when you are not sure.
City Clerk vs. Probate Court: What Each Office Has
People often confuse the Taunton City Clerk with the Probate and Family Court. These are two different offices with different records. Knowing which one to contact saves time.
The Taunton City Clerk, located at City Hall, 15 Summer Street, does not have dissolution of marriage records. The City Clerk keeps birth certificates, marriage licenses, and death records going back to 1639. They also handle dog licenses and business certificates. If you need a marriage certificate or a birth record, the City Clerk is the right office. Their phone is (508) 821-1024 and their hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM; Tuesday 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM; and Friday 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. You can learn more at taunton-ma.gov. Copies from the City Clerk cost $10 each and are cash only.
Dissolution of marriage records are held exclusively by the Bristol County Probate and Family Court at 40 Broadway. The Probate Court is where all divorce filings go, all judgments are entered, and all certified copies of dissolution records are issued. If someone tells you to call the City Clerk for divorce records, that is incorrect. The Probate Court is your only option for dissolution of marriage paperwork.
Need a marriage license (before the divorce) or a birth certificate? That is the City Clerk. Need the actual dissolution of marriage judgment or case file? That is the Probate and Family Court.
Dissolution of Marriage Fees and Filing in Taunton
Fees for dissolution of marriage in Taunton are set by the Massachusetts Trial Court and are the same at all Probate and Family Court locations. The cost depends on how you file.
Massachusetts law under M.G.L. Chapter 208 gives you two ways to file. A joint petition under § 1A is for couples who agree on everything. Both spouses sign and file together with a separation agreement attached. The filing fee is $215. A complaint under § 1B is for cases where one spouse files alone. That fee is $280. After filing a complaint, you must serve the other spouse through a sheriff or constable.
To file, you must meet the residency rule under § 5. If the cause of the dissolution happened outside Massachusetts, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for one full year. If the grounds arose here in Massachusetts, there is no minimum residency wait. Taunton residents who live here now can file at the Bristol County court.
Payment Note: The Bristol County Probate and Family Court does not accept personal checks. Pay by attorney's check, money order, or a bank certified or cashier's check made out to "Commonwealth of Massachusetts."
Certified copies of dissolution of marriage records cost $20 each. Plain (uncertified) copies cost less. If you need several copies for legal or financial purposes, order them all at once to avoid making multiple trips. The court issues copies the same day when you visit in person.
The nisi period controls when your dissolution becomes final. Under § 21, a joint petition case must wait 120 days after the judgment nisi before the dissolution is absolute. A contested case waits 90 days. During the nisi period, neither spouse can remarry. The dissolution is not complete until this waiting period ends.
If you cannot afford the filing fees, you can ask the court for a waiver. File an Affidavit of Indigency and show proof of income. The judge reviews your request. If approved, the fees are waived. Ask the Register of Probate staff for the indigency form when you arrive at the courthouse.
Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Taunton
Legal help is available in Taunton and the surrounding area for people going through a dissolution of marriage. Some organizations offer free services based on income. Others charge a reduced fee for a first meeting. Getting help early can prevent mistakes that slow down your case.
South Coastal Counties Legal Services is the main legal aid group for Taunton and the Bristol County area. They provide free civil legal help to people who qualify based on income. Divorce, custody, and support cases are among the family law matters they handle. Call (508) 584-4543 to find out if you qualify and to schedule an intake appointment. Free legal aid can make a real difference when you cannot afford a private attorney.
The Massachusetts Bar Association runs a lawyer referral program if you want to hire a private attorney. Call (617) 654-0400 or toll-free at (866) 627-7577. The first consultation costs $25 for 30 minutes. They also run a free Dial-A-Lawyer program on the first Wednesday of every month at (617) 338-0610. This is useful when you have a quick legal question and just need direction.
MassLegalHelp at masslegalhelp.org has written guides and fillable forms for people who handle their own dissolution case. The site walks you through each step and explains what forms to use. The Taunton Public Library at 12 Pleasant Street, phone (508) 821-1410, also has legal research resources and can help you find self-help materials. All official court forms for dissolution of marriage are free at mass.gov.
Filing on your own, called pro se, works best when both spouses agree on all terms and the case is not complicated. If children are involved or there are property and debt issues to divide, getting at least one consultation with a lawyer is worth the cost. Family law is complex, and even small mistakes in forms or service can delay your case.
Taunton Court and Clerk Resources
The screenshot below shows the Taunton City Clerk page at taunton-ma.gov, which handles birth, marriage, and death records for the city. This is not the office for dissolution of marriage records, but it is useful for related vital records.
The City Clerk page is helpful when you need marriage certificates or birth records connected to a family law case. For dissolution records themselves, the Probate and Family Court at 40 Broadway is the only place to go.
The image below is from the mass.gov page for the Bristol County Probate and Family Court, available at mass.gov. It shows contact details, hours, and location information for the Taunton court.
Use this page to confirm current hours and phone numbers before visiting the Bristol County Probate and Family Court in Taunton. Hours and contact details can change, so it is worth checking mass.gov before you go.
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
If you are looking for dissolution of marriage records in nearby cities, each has its own court and resources. The links below go to qualifying cities near Taunton.
Bristol County Dissolution of Marriage Records
Taunton is in Bristol County, and all dissolution of marriage filings for the city go through the Bristol County Probate and Family Court. The county page has more on the court system, fee schedules, and other Bristol County resources related to dissolution cases.