Boston Divorce Records
Boston divorce records are filed at the Suffolk County Probate and Family Court. Boston is the state capital and the largest city in Massachusetts with about 673,000 residents. All divorce cases for Boston go through this one court in downtown Boston.
Boston Overview
Where to File for Divorce in Boston
Boston residents file for divorce at the Suffolk County Probate and Family Court. The court is in the Edward W. Brooke Courthouse at 24 New Chardon Street in downtown Boston. The Register of Probate manages all case files and handles records requests. This is where you file new cases and get copies of divorce judgments.
| Court | Suffolk County Probate and Family Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 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 |
The courthouse is near the Government Center MBTA station. Both the Green and Blue lines stop there. Parking in downtown Boston is limited and expensive. The T is the easiest way to get to court. Security checks all visitors at the entrance, so bring a valid photo ID and leave large bags at home.
How to Search Boston Divorce Records
You can search for divorce records in Boston online or in person at the courthouse. Online searches work well when you just need basic case info like dates and party names. In-person visits let you see the full case file and get certified copies the same day. Both ways give you access to divorce records going back many years.
MassCourts is the state's free online court records 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 family court records have limits on what shows up online. Go to masscourts.org to start your search.
To search divorce records in Boston, you need:
- Full name of at least one spouse
- Year the divorce was filed
- Case number if you know it
You can also visit the Register of Probate in person to search divorce records. Staff can look up cases by name or case number and make copies from the file. Certified copies cost more than plain ones. Call ahead at (617) 788-8300 to ask what you need to bring. For electronic filing, Boston residents can use eFileMA.com to submit papers and get notices online.
Divorce Filing Process in Boston
Boston residents follow Massachusetts state law when filing for divorce under M.G.L. Chapter 208. Since Boston is in Suffolk County, you file at the Suffolk County Probate and Family Court. Each step creates records that become part of your case file.
First, you must 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. If the grounds arose in Massachusetts, there is no minimum wait. If you live in Boston now, you can file here.
You can file a joint petition (1A) if both spouses agree, or a complaint (1B) if only one spouse wants the divorce. Under § 1A, both spouses file together with a signed separation agreement. The filing fee is $215. Under § 1B, one spouse files alone for $280. You must then serve the other spouse through a constable or sheriff.
Nisi Period: A Massachusetts divorce is not final right away. Joint petition (1A) cases wait 120 days after the judgment nisi. Contested (1B) cases wait 90 days. The divorce becomes absolute only after this wait ends.
The court can issue temporary orders for custody, support, or use of the home while the case is pending. If both parties agree on all terms, a joint petition hearing can be scheduled fairly quickly. Contested cases cannot have a hearing until at least 6 months after filing.
Joint petition divorces in Boston often take about 4 to 5 months from filing to final judgment, including the 120-day nisi period.
Boston Divorce Fees
Fees for divorce in Boston are set by the Massachusetts Trial Court and apply at all Probate and Family Court locations statewide. The cost depends on the type of divorce you file.
The main fees for divorce in Boston are:
- Joint petition for divorce (1A): $215.00
- Complaint for divorce (1B): $280.00
- Surcharge: $15.00
- Summons: $5.00
- Citation: $15.00
If you have low income, you may ask for a fee waiver. You file an Affidavit of Indigency with the court. You must show proof that you cannot pay the fees. The judge reviews your request and decides if you qualify. Getting copies of existing divorce records has its own fees. Plain copies cost less than certified ones. Call the Register of Probate at (617) 788-8300 to ask about current copy costs. Check the full fee schedule at mass.gov.
Legal Help for Divorce in Boston
Several groups offer help with divorce cases in Boston. Some give free legal aid to people with low income. Others offer a first meeting at a reduced cost. These resources can help you understand the law, fill out court forms, or find a family law attorney.
Greater Boston Legal Services is the main legal aid group in the area. They serve all of Suffolk County and give free help to people who qualify based on income. They handle divorce, custody, and support cases. Call (617) 371-1234 to ask about services. Their website at gbls.org has details on what 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 run a free Dial-A-Lawyer program on the first Wednesday of every month. Call (617) 338-0610 for that. MassLegalHelp at masslegalhelp.org has guides and forms for people filing on their own. All court forms are free at mass.gov.
Filing Without a Lawyer in Boston
Some Boston residents file for divorce on their own without a lawyer. This is called a pro se divorce. It works best when both spouses agree on all terms and there are no complex issues with property or children. The court does not give legal advice, but several resources can help you handle your own case.
All official court forms for divorce are available free at mass.gov. The site has joint petition forms, complaint forms, financial statements, and all other papers the court requires. MassLegalHelp at masslegalhelp.org has step-by-step guides that walk you through each form and explain what to fill in.
The Suffolk County Law Library in the courthouse can also help. Staff can point you to the right forms and legal resources. They cannot give legal advice, but they can help you find what you need. If children are part of your case, you need extra forms for child support. The Child Support Guidelines Worksheet is required and calculates support based on both parents' income.
Suffolk County Divorce Records
Boston is in Suffolk County, and all divorce filings go through the Suffolk County Probate and Family Court. The county court handles cases for Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop. For more on the county court system, full fee lists, and other resources, visit the Suffolk County divorce records page.