Find New Bedford Divorce Decree Records
New Bedford residents searching for a divorce decree or wanting to request certified copies will work through Bristol County, which has two court locations that serve the entire county. Both the Taunton and Fall River offices hold New Bedford divorce decree files. The Fall River location at 289 Rock Street is the closer option for most New Bedford residents. This page explains both court locations, how to request records, what forms you need, and what help is available locally.
New Bedford Overview
Where New Bedford Divorce Records Are Filed
New Bedford is in Bristol County, and Bristol County has two Probate and Family Court locations. Both serve all of Bristol County, which means New Bedford residents can use either one. The Fall River location at 289 Rock Street is the closer option for most people coming from New Bedford, about 15 miles away. The Taunton location at 40 Broadway is the main office and is roughly 30 miles from New Bedford. You can file papers, request certified copies, or view case files at either location.
| Fall River (Closer) | 289 Rock Street, Suite 105 Fall River, MA 02720 |
|---|---|
| Fall River Phone | (508) 672-1751 |
| Taunton (Main) | 40 Broadway, Suite 240 Taunton, MA 02780 |
| Taunton Phone | (508) 977-6040 |
| bristolprobate@jud.state.ma.us | |
| Website | mass.gov - Bristol Probate Court |
Having two court locations is a real benefit for New Bedford residents. You are not locked into one office. If one location has a longer wait or is less convenient on a given day, you can go to the other. Both can help with the same matters: new filings, certified copy requests, and case record access. Call ahead to either office to confirm their current hours and what you should bring.
Note: The Bristol County Probate Court has a same-day policy allowing you to view up to three case files per visit with a docket number. For four or more files, submit a Research Request Form in advance.
Requesting a New Bedford Divorce Decree Copy
Getting a certified copy of a New Bedford divorce decree starts with the PFC 18 form. This is the standard Massachusetts court record request form and is required at all Probate and Family Court locations. The fee is $20 per certified copy. You can submit the PFC 18 in person at either the Fall River or Taunton location, or send it by mail. For mail submissions, write to 40 Broadway, Suite 240, Taunton, MA 02780 and include your payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope. You can also email questions to bristolprobate@jud.state.ma.us before submitting a request.
This resource covers Bristol County divorce record access and explains how New Bedford residents can request copies of filed divorce decrees.
To speed up any request, have the full legal names of both spouses and the case docket number ready. You can get the docket number for free using the online lookup tool at masscourts.org before making the trip to either court location. If you are researching a case you were not a party to, you may need to provide more detail about why you need access.
Searching New Bedford Divorce Cases Online
Bristol County divorce cases, including all New Bedford filings, are searchable at no cost through masscourts.org. The state court system runs this database, and it covers the Bristol County Probate and Family Court. You search by name or docket number. Results include the case status, party names, and docket entries. You will not get the actual decree document, but you get enough information to submit a records request. The online tool is available any time of day and does not require a trip to court.
For broader research, the Bristol County Probate Court website has information about the court's services, forms, and procedures. It covers both the Taunton and Fall River locations and explains how Bristol County handles record access for cities across the county, including New Bedford.
The official Bristol County Probate and Family Court page on mass.gov shows both locations, hours, and contact information for New Bedford residents.
Bristol County operates two court locations that both serve New Bedford for divorce decree filings and record requests, with Fall River being the closer option.
Divorce Filing Process for New Bedford Residents
New Bedford residents file for divorce under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 208. This law applies statewide and sets the rules for both types of divorce, residency requirements, and how courts handle property and support. Because New Bedford is in Bristol County, all formal filings go through one of the two Bristol County Probate and Family Court locations.
The residency rule is set by M.G.L. c. 208, § 5. When the reason for divorce arose outside of Massachusetts, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for one full year before filing. If the cause happened while both parties lived in Massachusetts, you can file without any waiting period. Most New Bedford residents will have no trouble meeting this requirement.
Two types of divorce are available. A joint petition under § 1A requires both spouses to agree on all issues. Both sign a separation agreement and file together for $215 plus a $15 surcharge. A complaint under § 1B is for contested cases where only one spouse files. The fee is $280 plus surcharge. After judgment, there is a nisi period: 120 days for 1A cases and 90 days for 1B cases. The divorce does not become final until that period ends. Under § 34, courts divide property based on a broad set of factors including each spouse's contribution to the marriage and future needs.
Nisi Period: New Bedford divorces are not final at the hearing. The judgment nisi starts the clock: 120 days for 1A joint petitions and 90 days for 1B complaints before the divorce is absolute.
All official court forms for New Bedford divorce filings are free at mass.gov. Electronic filing is available through eFileMA.com. For full information on how to get a copy of a divorce record in Massachusetts, the state guide at mass.gov walks through the entire process.
New Bedford Divorce Decree Fees
Divorce filing fees for New Bedford are the same as everywhere else in Massachusetts. They are set by the Trial Court and apply at both Bristol County locations. A joint petition (1A) is $215 plus a $15 surcharge. A complaint (1B) is $280 plus surcharge. Certified copies of a divorce decree cost $20 per copy. Plain (uncertified) copies cost less. See the full schedule at mass.gov.
If you cannot afford the fees, file an Affidavit of Indigency with your paperwork. The court reviews your income and expenses. If you qualify, the fees may be reduced or waived. Public access terminals at both the Taunton and Fall River locations let you view records without charge during normal court hours.
Legal Resources for New Bedford Divorce
New Bedford residents can get help from several legal aid and referral organizations. Greater Boston Legal Services provides free legal help to low-income individuals in family law matters. Call (617) 371-1234 to check if you qualify. For people filing on their own, MassLegalHelp offers step-by-step guides on the divorce process, how to fill out court forms, and what to expect at hearings. These guides are free and written in plain language.
The Massachusetts Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. Call (617) 654-0400 or (866) 627-7577 to connect with a family law attorney in the Bristol County area. The first 30-minute consultation costs $25. The Massachusetts Legal Referral Fund helps match people with attorneys who offer reduced fees. The Probate and Family Court website covers self-help resources, what forms to use, and what the divorce process looks like from filing to final judgment for New Bedford cases in Bristol County.
The state guide at mass.gov is the official resource for anyone who needs a copy of a Massachusetts divorce decree, including those filed in Bristol County for New Bedford residents.
This official Massachusetts guide explains how residents across the state, including New Bedford, can obtain certified copies of divorce decrees from the Probate and Family Court system.
Bristol County Divorce Records
New Bedford is in Bristol County. All divorce filings for the city go through the Bristol County Probate and Family Court at either the Taunton or Fall River location. The county page covers both offices, fees, and the full range of services available to New Bedford and all other Bristol County residents.