Find Divorce Decree Records in Haverhill
If you are searching for a divorce decree in Haverhill, Massachusetts, the records are held at the Essex County Probate and Family Court in Salem. Haverhill is one of the larger cities in Essex County, and all divorce cases filed by Haverhill residents go through that single court. This page explains where to go, how to request a divorce decree copy, what to expect from the process, and what legal resources are available to residents of Haverhill.
Haverhill Overview
Where Haverhill Divorce Decree Records Are Kept
All divorce decree records for Haverhill are at the Essex County Probate and Family Court in Salem. The address is 36 Federal Street, Salem, MA 01970. The phone number is (978) 744-1020. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. This is the only location in Essex County where divorce cases are filed and where certified copies of divorce decrees can be obtained.
Note: The Haverhill District Court at 45 Ginty Boulevard handles criminal and civil matters only. Divorce records are not kept there. You must go to Salem for any divorce decree.
| Court | Essex County Probate and Family Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 36 Federal Street Salem, MA 01970 |
| Phone | (978) 744-1020 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | mass.gov - Essex Probate Court |
If you live in Haverhill, the drive to Salem takes about 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. Parking is available near the courthouse. Bring photo ID and your PFC 18 form, and have your $20 payment ready for a certified copy of a divorce decree.
Getting a Haverhill Divorce Decree Copy
To get a certified copy of a Haverhill divorce decree, you fill out the PFC 18 form and bring it to the clerk at 36 Federal Street in Salem. The form asks for the names of both parties and the approximate year the case was filed. You can download the form from the Trial Court forms portal before you go, which saves time at the counter. The fee for a certified copy is $20 per copy. Plain copies cost less. The clerk will verify your case in the system, pull the file, and issue the copy.
Divorce records in Massachusetts are generally public. You do not have to be a party to the case to request a copy. That said, if the case involved minor children, some documents in the file may be restricted. The clerk can tell you what is available when you request it. The state's guide at mass.gov/how-to/get-a-copy-of-your-divorce-record explains the full process and what to expect.
You may also submit a written mail request to the court. Call (978) 744-1020 to confirm the current procedure for mail-in requests before sending anything. Some courts require payment by money order. Getting this right before you mail avoids delays.
The screenshot below is from the official Essex Probate Court page on mass.gov. Visit the Essex Probate Court page for current contact details and any recent updates to hours or procedures.
This official page shows the location and contact information for the court that holds all Haverhill divorce decree records in Essex County.
Search Haverhill Divorce Records Online
The best free tool for searching Haverhill divorce records online is masscourts.org. This is the official statewide court case lookup system. It covers the Essex County Probate and Family Court. You can search by name or by case number. Results include party names, docket events, and case status. The site does not display the full text of documents, but it confirms whether a case exists and provides the case number you need to request a copy in person.
To use it, go to masscourts.org, select Probate and Family Court, then choose Essex County. Enter the last name of one of the parties and review the results. If you know roughly when the divorce was filed, that helps narrow down the list. The system is free and available any time.
This resource covers general information about Essex County court records and is useful for Haverhill residents who need background on the filing system.
For those who prefer to file electronically, eFileMA.com allows Haverhill residents to submit court papers and receive notices online. This system works alongside the regular court process and provides a convenient way to manage case documents without traveling to Salem every time something needs to be filed.
Filing for Divorce in Haverhill
Haverhill residents file for divorce under M.G.L. Chapter 208. You bring your paperwork to the Essex Probate and Family Court in Salem. Under Section 1A, both spouses can file together if they have a signed separation agreement. The fee is $215 plus a $15 surcharge. Under Section 1B, one spouse files alone, and the fee rises to $280 plus the surcharge. Service on the other party must follow court rules, typically through a constable or sheriff.
The residency rule under Section 5 applies before you can file in Massachusetts. If the reason for the divorce happened outside the state, one spouse must have lived here for at least a year. If you have been living in Haverhill and the grounds arose here, you can file right away.
Nisi Period: After the court issues a judgment nisi, there is a waiting period before the divorce becomes final. Joint petition (1A) divorces wait 120 days. Contested (1B) divorces wait 90 days. Both spouses remain legally married during this period.
When property needs to be divided, the court applies Section 34, which allows the judge to weigh many factors, including the length of the marriage, contributions of each party, and financial circumstances. All orders and agreements become part of the divorce decree and are part of the permanent file at the Essex court in Salem. Official forms are free at mass.gov.
Haverhill Divorce Decree Fees
Filing fees for divorce in Haverhill are the same statewide fees set by the Massachusetts Trial Court. A joint petition (1A) costs $215 plus a $15 surcharge. A contested complaint (1B) costs $280 plus the surcharge. Certified copies of the divorce decree are $20 each. See the full fee list at mass.gov.
People who cannot pay these fees may file an Affidavit of Indigency with the court. The court reviews your income and may waive all or part of the fees. You need to show documentation. Ask the clerk at (978) 744-1020 about what proof is needed before you come in. Low-income Haverhill residents may also qualify for free legal help, which is covered in the section below.
Legal Resources for Haverhill Residents
Haverhill residents looking for legal help with a divorce have several options. Greater Boston Legal Services at (617) 371-1234 serves low-income residents across the region, including those in Essex County. They can provide free assistance with divorce, custody, and support matters if you meet the income guidelines. Their services cover filing, hearings, and negotiations with opposing parties.
The Massachusetts Bar Association referral service at (617) 654-0400 or toll-free (866) 627-7577 connects you with private family law attorneys in your area. An initial 30-minute consultation costs $25. This is a good way to understand your options before you commit to a full legal engagement. The Massachusetts Legal Resource Finder at masslrf.org helps you find low-cost legal services near Haverhill.
For self-represented filers, MassLegalHelp.org has plain-language guides for both 1A and 1B divorce cases. The site walks you through each form, explains what to bring to your hearing, and covers what happens after the judgment nisi is issued.
This case finder resource provides an additional way to locate Essex County divorce cases, including those filed by Haverhill residents at the Salem court.
Essex County Divorce Records
Haverhill is part of Essex County, and all divorce decrees for the city are on file at the Essex County Probate and Family Court in Salem. The county page covers the full court system, resources, and record access options for all of Essex County. If you need more detail on how the county handles divorce filings, start there.