Brockton Divorce Decree Records
Divorce decree records for Brockton are handled through Plymouth County, and the Plymouth County Probate and Family Court maintains all official case files. Brockton residents looking to search for or obtain a divorce decree can access records in person at the Brockton session office or at the main Plymouth courthouse. This page explains where to go, what to bring, how to request certified copies, and what resources are available to help you through the process.
Brockton Overview
Where to File for Divorce in Brockton
Brockton is in Plymouth County, so all divorce cases fall under the Plymouth County Probate and Family Court. There are two locations you need to know about. The Brockton session office at 215 Main Street assists residents with records and provides a Self-Help Center. However, all formal papers must be filed at the main Plymouth office. If you are starting a new divorce case or need to file any official documents, you go to Plymouth. If you just need help finding a case or getting copies, Brockton can often assist.
| Court | Plymouth County Probate and Family Court (Brockton Session) |
|---|---|
| Brockton Address | 215 Main Street Brockton, MA 02301 |
| Brockton Phone | (508) 897-5400 |
| Plymouth Main Office | 52 Obery Street Plymouth, MA 02360 |
| Plymouth Phone | (508) 747-6204 |
| Website | mass.gov - Plymouth Probate Court |
The Brockton session office is a satellite of the main Plymouth court. It does not store all the original case files, but staff there can help you access records and fill out request forms. For any matter that needs a judge or requires formal filing, you will need to go to Plymouth. Plan for travel time if your case requires the main office.
Note: The Brockton session at 215 Main Street offers a Self-Help Center where staff can walk you through the forms and process for divorce filings in Plymouth County.
How to Get a Divorce Decree in Brockton
Getting a certified copy of a divorce decree in Brockton means working through the Plymouth County court system. You start by completing the PFC 18 form, which is the standard request form for court records. The fee is $20 per certified copy. You can submit this form in person at either the Brockton or Plymouth office. Mail requests go to the Plymouth address at 52 Obery Street.
Before you visit, the Plymouth County Probate Court records page lays out the exact steps for requesting divorce record copies. It covers what information you need to provide, what forms to use, and how much to pay. Reading that page first can save you a trip. If you know your case docket number, the process goes much faster. You can look up basic case information for free at masscourts.org before you visit the court in person.
To request a copy, you will generally need the full names of both spouses, the year the divorce was filed, and the case number if you have it. Staff can search by name if you don't have the docket number, but having it speeds things up considerably.
The official Plymouth County Probate Court records page shows the full request process for Brockton divorce decree copies, including what to include with a mail request.
This records page is the primary reference for how Plymouth County handles divorce decree requests for all cities in the county, including Brockton.
Searching Brockton Divorce Records Online
The free online case lookup tool for Brockton divorce records is masscourts.org. This state-run system covers all Massachusetts Probate and Family Court locations, including Plymouth County. You can search by party name or docket number. Results show basic case details like filing dates, party names, and current case status. The system does not give you the full divorce decree document, but it confirms whether a case exists and provides the docket number you need for a certified copy request.
For electronic filing, Brockton residents can use eFileMA.com to submit papers and receive court notices online without making a trip to the courthouse.
The Plymouth County Probate Court location page on mass.gov shows court hours, contact details, and any updates to services.
The Plymouth County Probate and Family Court serves Brockton for all divorce decree filings and record requests.
Divorce Filing Process for Brockton Residents
Brockton residents file under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 208. This is the main state law that governs all divorces in the state, including those filed in Plymouth County. The law sets out the two types of divorce, the residency rules, and how the court handles property and support. Every Brockton divorce case follows these rules.
The residency requirement is in M.G.L. c. 208, § 5. If the reason for the divorce happened outside of Massachusetts, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for one full year. If the grounds arose in Massachusetts, there is no minimum residency wait. Most Brockton residents who have lived here for any length of time will meet this requirement without any issue.
You choose between two divorce types. A joint petition under § 1A costs $215 plus a $15 surcharge and requires both spouses to agree on all terms. A complaint under § 1B costs $280 plus surcharge and can be filed by one spouse alone. After judgment, 1A cases wait 120 days (the nisi period) before the divorce is final. The 1B nisi period is 90 days. Property division follows § 34, which gives the court wide discretion to divide assets fairly.
Nisi Period: No Massachusetts divorce is final at the hearing. After a judgment nisi is entered, 1A joint petition cases wait 120 days and 1B contested cases wait 90 days before the divorce becomes absolute.
All court forms for divorce are available free at mass.gov. The full fee schedule is at mass.gov filing fees. Forms can also be picked up at the Brockton session office.
Plymouth County divorce records research tools are shown here for reference.
These court record resources cover Plymouth County cases and help Brockton residents locate filed divorce decrees and case information.
Brockton Divorce Decree Fees
Filing fees for divorce in Brockton match the statewide schedule set by the Massachusetts Trial Court. The joint petition (1A) fee is $215. The complaint for divorce (1B) costs $280. Both types carry a $15 surcharge. Getting a certified copy of a divorce decree costs $20 per copy regardless of which court location you use.
If you cannot afford the fees, you can file an Affidavit of Indigency. Submit it with your divorce papers at the Plymouth office. The court reviews your income and expenses to decide if you qualify for a waiver. The full fee schedule for all Probate and Family Court actions is posted at mass.gov. Call Plymouth at (508) 747-6204 or Brockton at (508) 897-5400 if you have questions about specific costs.
Legal Help for Divorce in Brockton
Several resources exist for Brockton residents who need help with a divorce case. Greater Boston Legal Services provides free legal aid to people who qualify based on income. They cover family law matters including divorce and custody. Call (617) 371-1234 to ask about eligibility. Their services extend to Plymouth County residents in some cases, so it is worth a call even if you are outside the Boston metro area.
The Massachusetts Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. You can reach them at (617) 654-0400 or toll-free at (866) 627-7577. The first 30-minute consultation costs $25. For general divorce guidance, MassLegalHelp has plain-language guides that walk you through forms and court procedures. The Massachusetts Legal Referral Fund helps connect people with reduced-fee attorneys. The Brockton session office Self-Help Center can also point you to local resources and explain what forms you need to fill out before going to Plymouth.
Plymouth County Divorce Records
Brockton is in Plymouth County, and all divorce filings go through the Plymouth County Probate and Family Court. The county page covers the full court system, fee schedules, and resources available to all Plymouth County residents.