Framingham Divorce Decree Records
Divorce decree records for Framingham are filed and maintained at the Middlesex County Probate and Family Court. Framingham is one of the larger cities in Middlesex County, and residents can search for or obtain a divorce decree through the court's Marlborough satellite office or the main Cambridge location. This page covers how to find Framingham divorce records, where to file, what fees apply, and what local legal resources are available to help you through the process.
Framingham Overview
Where to File a Divorce Decree in Framingham
Framingham residents file divorce cases through the Middlesex County Probate and Family Court. The most convenient location for people in Framingham is the Marlborough satellite office at 45 Williams Street, Marlborough, MA 01752. This satellite handles cases filed by residents in that part of Middlesex County. If you prefer the main location, you can also go to the Cambridge courthouse at 208 Cambridge Street, East Cambridge, MA 02141, which can be reached at (617) 768-5800. Both locations process filings, handle hearings, and provide access to divorce decree records.
| Court | Middlesex County Probate and Family Court |
|---|---|
| Satellite Address | 45 Williams Street Marlborough, MA 01752 |
| Main Address | 208 Cambridge Street East Cambridge, MA 02141 |
| Main Phone | (617) 768-5800 |
| Website | mass.gov - Middlesex Probate Court |
Check the Middlesex Probate and Family Court page on mass.gov for the most current hours and any scheduling updates. Hours and satellite availability can change, so it is worth confirming before you make the trip from Framingham.
How to Get a Framingham Divorce Decree Copy
Getting a certified copy of a Framingham divorce decree starts with the PFC 18 form, which is the standard request form used at all Massachusetts Probate and Family Courts. You can pick up the form at the Marlborough satellite or download it from the Trial Court forms portal. Once completed, bring it to the clerk's counter along with your payment. The fee is $20 per certified copy. Plain (uncertified) copies cost less.
You do not need to be a party to the case to request a copy of a divorce decree. Most divorce records are public documents under Massachusetts law. The clerk will look up the case by name or case number, pull the file, and make the copy while you wait or ask you to return later, depending on how busy the office is that day. If you cannot visit in person, you may also be able to submit a written request by mail to the Cambridge location. Call (617) 768-5800 first to confirm the current mail-in process.
The mass.gov guide at mass.gov/how-to/get-a-copy-of-your-divorce-record has step-by-step instructions and explains what to bring. It also explains how to request records for older cases, which may be stored off-site.
Note: If you are unsure whether your case was heard at Marlborough or Cambridge, call (617) 768-5800 and ask the clerk to look it up by name before you make the trip.
Search Framingham Divorce Records Online
The free online tool for searching Middlesex County divorce records is masscourts.org. This is the official Massachusetts court case lookup system. It covers the Middlesex Probate and Family Court and lets you search by name or case number. The results show party names, docket entries, hearing dates, and case status. It does not show the full contents of documents, but it gives you enough information to confirm a case exists and identify the case number before you go in person.
To search, go to masscourts.org, select Probate and Family Court, and choose Middlesex County. Enter the last name of one of the parties. Results may include multiple people with the same name, so knowing the approximate year of filing helps narrow things down. There is no charge to use this tool. It is available 24 hours a day.
For electronic filing, Framingham residents can use eFileMA.com to submit documents and receive court notices electronically. This is not required, but it saves time and gives you a clear record of what you filed and when.
The lead-in screenshot below comes from the official Middlesex Probate Court page, which shows the court locations and contact info. Visit the Middlesex Probate Court page to see current office details before you plan a visit.
This screenshot shows the official state court page where Framingham residents can find location details and hours for the Middlesex Probate and Family Court.
Divorce Filing Process for Framingham Residents
Framingham residents file for divorce under M.G.L. Chapter 208, the same law that governs all Massachusetts divorces. The process creates a court file that becomes the public divorce decree record. There are two main paths: a joint petition under Section 1A, where both spouses agree on all terms and file together, or a complaint under Section 1B, where one spouse files alone. The 1A route costs $215 plus a $15 surcharge. The 1B route costs $280 plus the same surcharge.
Before filing, at least one spouse must meet the residency rule under Section 5. If the reason for divorce happened outside Massachusetts, one spouse must have lived in the state for at least one year. If you have been living in Framingham and want to file here, you likely meet this requirement. The clerk can confirm.
Nisi Period: Massachusetts divorces are not final right away. After the judgment nisi, joint petition (1A) cases wait 120 days. Contested (1B) cases wait 90 days. The divorce is only final after this waiting period ends.
Property division in contested cases is handled under Section 34, which gives the court broad discretion to divide marital assets. If children are involved, child support and custody become part of the case file as well. Each motion and order filed along the way adds to the permanent divorce decree record at the Middlesex court.
All standard forms for divorce in Massachusetts are free to download at mass.gov. You do not need to buy forms from any third party.
Framingham Divorce Decree Fees
Court fees for a Framingham divorce are the same as everywhere else in Massachusetts. They are set by the Trial Court and do not vary by county or city. The joint petition (1A) fee is $215. The contested complaint (1B) fee is $280. Both types also carry a $15 surcharge. Getting a certified copy of a divorce decree costs $20 per copy. Plain copies cost less.
If you cannot afford these fees, you can file an Affidavit of Indigency. The court reviews your income and decides whether to waive part or all of the costs. This is a formal process and requires documentation of your finances. Ask the clerk for the form when you arrive, or download it from the Trial Court website. The full fee schedule is at mass.gov.
This page covers how divorce records are maintained at the Middlesex County level and can help Framingham residents understand the county-wide filing system.
Legal Help for Framingham Divorce Cases
Framingham residents have access to several legal aid and referral services. Greater Boston Legal Services provides free help to people with low income throughout the region, including Middlesex County. They handle divorce, custody, and support matters. Call (617) 371-1234 to see if you qualify. Their focus is on people who cannot afford private attorneys.
The Massachusetts Bar Association runs a referral service at (617) 654-0400 or toll-free at (866) 627-7577. A first consultation with a referred attorney costs $25 for 30 minutes. This is a good way to get a quick review of your situation before deciding how to proceed. The Massachusetts Legal Resource Finder at masslrf.org can also help you find free or low-cost legal services near Framingham.
For self-help guidance, MassLegalHelp.org has step-by-step instructions for filing a pro se divorce in Massachusetts. It explains both the 1A and 1B processes, what forms to use, and what to expect at each hearing. Many Framingham residents use this resource when they decide to handle their own case without an attorney.
This resource provides background on how to look up Middlesex County court records, including divorce cases filed by Framingham residents.
Middlesex County Divorce Records
Framingham is in Middlesex County, and all divorce decrees are maintained by the Middlesex County Probate and Family Court. The county page covers the full court system, satellite locations, local forms, and other resources for Middlesex residents. If you need information beyond what applies specifically to Framingham, the county page is the right place to start.