Revere Divorce Decree Records
Revere divorce decree records are filed at the Suffolk County Probate and Family Court in downtown Boston. Revere is a coastal city of about 53,000 residents in Suffolk County, and like Boston, Chelsea, and Winthrop, it uses the same Suffolk court for all divorce filings. Whether you are searching for an existing case or need a certified copy of a divorce decree, this page explains how the process works for Revere residents and where to go for help.
Revere Overview
Revere Divorce Records Court Location
Revere is in Suffolk County. All divorce cases for Revere residents are handled by the Suffolk County Probate and Family Court in Boston. This is the same court that serves Boston, Chelsea, and Winthrop. The courthouse is the Edward W. Brooke Courthouse at 24 New Chardon Street in downtown Boston, a short MBTA ride from Revere.
| Court | Suffolk County Probate and Family Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 24 New Chardon Street Boston, MA 02114 |
| Phone | (617) 788-8301 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Virtual Registry Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Website | mass.gov - Suffolk Probate Court |
Getting to the courthouse from Revere is straightforward by MBTA. The Blue Line runs directly from Revere Beach and Wonderland stations into downtown Boston. The Haymarket, Bowdoin, and North Station stops are all close to the courthouse. There is no public parking at 24 New Chardon Street, so the T is the best way to get there. Security screening is required at the entrance. Bring a valid photo ID.
The Suffolk Probate Court also operates a Virtual Registry, which allows some records requests and assistance remotely. The Virtual Registry is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Details are on the Virtual Registry page at mass.gov.
The image below is from the official Suffolk County Probate and Family Court page, which provides location and contact details relevant to Revere residents seeking divorce decree records.
This page confirms the court's address, hours, and contact information for Revere residents who need to access divorce decree records at the Suffolk County court.
How to Search Revere Divorce Decree Records
You can search Revere divorce decree records online for free or in person at the Suffolk County courthouse in Boston. Online searches give you basic case details quickly. In-person visits let you view the full file and get certified copies. The Virtual Registry option is useful if you cannot make it to Boston in person.
The state's court records portal at masscourts.org covers Suffolk County cases. Search by party name or docket number and select Suffolk County from the court list. The system returns docket entries, case status, filing dates, and party names. It does not show full documents. This is a good first step to confirm a case exists and get the docket number before making a certified copy request. If you have a name but not a year, try a broader search and sort by date.
The image below shows the Suffolk County court records page, which covers the cases handled by the same court that serves Revere.
This portal provides an indexed view of Suffolk County court data and can help narrow down a docket number for a Revere divorce decree case.
Suffolk Virtual Registry for Revere Records Requests
The Suffolk Probate and Family Court offers a Virtual Registry service that allows residents to get help with records and filings without visiting in person. For Revere residents who find the trip to downtown Boston inconvenient, this is a useful option. The Virtual Registry handles questions, records requests, and certain filing tasks remotely.
You can reach the Virtual Registry during its hours of 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Details on how to connect and what services are available are at mass.gov. Not all requests can be handled remotely. Certified copy requests that require payment and physical issuance still need to go through the court directly, but staff can guide you through the process.
To get a certified copy of a Revere divorce decree, you need the PFC 18 form. Download it from courtforms.jud.state.ma.us. Fill it out with the case number, names of both parties, and the type of record you want. The fee is $20 per certified copy. You can bring the form in person to 24 New Chardon Street or mail it with a check or money order made out to the Register of Probate. Include a return envelope with your mailing address.
The image below shows the Suffolk Probate Court Virtual Registry page, which explains the remote assistance options available to Revere residents needing divorce decree records.
The Virtual Registry provides an alternative to in-person visits for Revere residents and covers a range of court services including guidance on divorce decree record requests.
Filing for Divorce in Revere
Revere residents file for divorce under M.G.L. Chapter 208 at the Suffolk County court in Boston. The type of case you file, joint or contested, shapes the fees, timeline, and what documents the court needs. Each filing creates a record that becomes the basis for the final divorce decree.
The residency rule under § 5 applies to Revere filers the same as elsewhere in the state. If the grounds for divorce arose outside Massachusetts, one spouse must have lived here for a full year. If the cause arose within the state, you can file as soon as you are ready. Revere residents who have lived here and whose grounds arose in Massachusetts face no wait period.
Under § 1A, a joint petition lets both spouses file together when they agree on all terms. The fee is $215 plus a $15 surcharge. After a hearing, the court enters a judgment nisi that becomes absolute after 120 days. Under § 1B, a contested divorce costs $280 plus the surcharge. The nisi period is 90 days, but contested cases take longer overall. Property and alimony issues in contested cases are resolved under § 34.
Nisi Period: Revere divorces follow the same state rule. Joint petition (1A) cases wait 120 days after judgment nisi before the divorce is final. Contested (1B) cases wait 90 days.
Court forms are free at mass.gov. Filing fees and a full schedule are at mass.gov. If you cannot afford the fees, file an Affidavit of Indigency and ask the court to waive them.
Legal Help for Revere Divorce Cases
Several organizations help Revere residents with divorce cases. Free legal services are available to those who qualify by income. Referral programs connect everyone else with a local family law attorney at a set first-visit rate.
Greater Boston Legal Services covers Revere as part of Suffolk County. They provide free civil legal help for divorce, custody, and support cases to qualifying residents. Call (617) 371-1234 to ask about services. The Massachusetts Legal Resource Finder at masslrf.org can also match you with the right local organization. For step-by-step guides on filing without a lawyer, visit masslegalhelp.org.
The Massachusetts Bar Association referral line at (617) 654-0400 or (866) 627-7577 connects you with a family law attorney. The first meeting is $25 for 30 minutes. The Dial-A-Lawyer program runs on the first Wednesday of each month at (617) 338-0610 and is free. Electronic filing through eFileMA.com is available for Revere residents who want to submit court documents online instead of going in person to the courthouse.
Suffolk County Divorce Records
Revere is in Suffolk County, and all divorce filings for Revere go through the Suffolk County Probate and Family Court. The county page covers the full court system, fees, and resources for all Suffolk County communities including Revere, Boston, Chelsea, and Winthrop.