Suffolk County Divorce Records
Suffolk County divorce records are kept at the Probate and Family Court in Boston. This county includes Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop. All divorce filings for Suffolk County residents go through this one court.
Suffolk County Overview
Suffolk County Probate and Family Court
The Probate and Family Court keeps all divorce records in Suffolk County. This court handles divorce filings, stores case files, and gives out copies of judgments. Staff can help you find old cases and new ones. The court is in the Edward W. Brooke Courthouse in downtown Boston.
Suffolk County is one of the busiest courts in the state. It covers Boston (the largest city in Massachusetts), Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop. If you or your spouse lives in any of these places, you file for divorce here. The Register of Probate runs the clerk side of the court and manages all records.
| Court | Suffolk County Probate and Family Court |
|---|---|
| Address |
Edward W. Brooke Courthouse 24 New Chardon Street Boston, MA 02114 |
| Phone | (617) 788-8300 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | mass.gov - Suffolk Probate Court |
How to Search Suffolk County Divorce Records
You can search for divorce records in Suffolk County online or in person. Online searches work well for basic case info. In-person visits let you see the full file and get certified copies right away. Both methods give you access to divorce records going back many years.
MassCourts is the state's free online case lookup system. It covers the Suffolk County Probate and Family Court. You can search by name or case number. The system shows party names, docket entries, and case status. Some Probate and Family Court records have limits on what shows up online. Visit masscourts.org to start your search.
To search divorce records in Suffolk County, you need:
- Full name of one or both spouses
- Year the divorce was filed
- Case number if you have it
You can also search in person at the courthouse. Go to 24 New Chardon Street in Boston. Staff can look up cases and make copies. Bring your ID with you. The Register of Probate can search by name or case number. Certified copies cost more than plain ones. You can also file for divorce online through eFileMA.com.
Suffolk County Divorce Fees
Suffolk County uses the statewide fee schedule set by the Trial Court. Fees are the same at all Probate and Family Court locations across Massachusetts. The cost to file depends on the type of divorce case you have.
The main fees for divorce in Suffolk County are:
- Joint petition for divorce (1A): $215.00
- Complaint for divorce (1B): $280.00
- Surcharge: $15.00
- Summons: $5.00
- Citation: $15.00
Service by constable or sheriff costs about $50 to $75 on top of these fees. If you file online through eFileMA, there is a $22 case fee plus small processing charges. Fee waivers are available for people with low income. You file an Affidavit of Indigency with the court. The judge reviews your request and decides if you qualify. Check the full fee list at mass.gov.
Divorce Filing Process in Suffolk County
Filing for divorce in Suffolk County follows Massachusetts state law under M.G.L. Chapter 208. Each step creates records that become part of your case file. The Register of Probate keeps all these documents at the courthouse.
First, you need to meet the residency rule. Under M.G.L. c. 208, § 5, if the cause for divorce happened outside Massachusetts, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for one year before filing. If the grounds arose here, there is no minimum wait. You file at the Suffolk County court if you or your spouse lives in Suffolk County.
There are two paths for a no-fault divorce. Under § 1A, both spouses file a joint petition with a signed separation agreement. Under § 1B, one spouse files alone. Most cases use one of these no-fault options.
Nisi Period: A Massachusetts divorce is not final right away. After the judge enters the judgment nisi, joint petition (1A) cases wait 120 days and contested (1B) cases wait 90 days before the divorce becomes absolute.
The court may issue temporary orders for custody, support, or use of the home while the case is pending. These stay in effect until the divorce is final.
Joint petition divorces in Suffolk County can be finalized in about 4 to 5 months from filing, including the 120-day nisi period.
What Suffolk County Divorce Records Contain
Divorce records in Suffolk County include many types of papers. The complaint or joint petition is the first document filed. It states the grounds for divorce and what the person filing wants. The separation agreement shows what the parties agreed to on property, kids, and support. Financial statements show each spouse's income and assets. All of these are part of the court file.
The judgment of divorce nisi is the main document most people need. This is the court order that ends the marriage after the nisi period expires. It includes all the terms: who gets what property, who has custody, the visitation schedule, and any support amounts. Certified copies of the judgment are needed for things like changing your name or proving your divorce. You get these from the Register of Probate.
A divorce record in Suffolk County typically shows:
- Names and addresses of both parties
- Date of marriage and separation
- Grounds for divorce
- Property and debt division terms
- Child custody and visitation orders
- Child support amounts
- Alimony if ordered
Most divorce records at the Probate and Family Court are public. You do not have to be a party to the case to request copies. Some financial details and info about children may have restricted access. Under M.G.L. c. 208, § 34, the court considers 15 factors when dividing property, and these details show up in the records.
Legal Help for Divorce in Suffolk County
Several groups offer help with divorce cases in Suffolk County. Some give free legal help to people who qualify based on income. Others charge a reduced fee for the first meeting. These resources can help you understand the law, fill out forms, or find a lawyer.
Greater Boston Legal Services has its main office in Boston and serves Suffolk County. They give free legal help to people with low income. They handle family law cases including divorce, custody, and support. Call (617) 371-1234 to ask about help. Their website at gbls.org has more info on the services they offer.
The Massachusetts Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. Call (617) 654-0400 or toll-free at (866) 627-7577 to get matched with a family law attorney. The first meeting costs $25 for 30 minutes. They also run a Dial-A-Lawyer program on the first Wednesday of every month at (617) 338-0610. MassLegalHelp at masslegalhelp.org has step-by-step guides and forms for people filing without a lawyer. All official court forms are free at mass.gov.
Cities in Suffolk County
Suffolk County has four cities and towns. All of them file divorce cases at the Suffolk County Probate and Family Court in Boston.
Other communities in Suffolk County include Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop. All of these file divorce cases at the Suffolk County Probate and Family Court.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Suffolk County. If you are not sure which county handles your divorce case, check the address where you live. You must file in the right county for the court to have jurisdiction.