Somerville Divorce Decree Lookup
Somerville divorce decree records are filed with the Middlesex County Probate and Family Court, and the Cambridge session at 208 Cambridge Street is the closest court location for Somerville residents. Whether you need to search for an existing divorce decree, get a certified copy of a final judgment, or find out how to start a divorce case in Somerville, this page covers the courthouse details, the online search tools available, what it costs, and the legal help resources that serve the Somerville area.
Somerville Overview
Where Somerville Divorce Decree Cases Are Filed
Somerville sits in Middlesex County. All divorce cases for Somerville residents go through the Middlesex County Probate and Family Court. The Cambridge session at 208 Cambridge Street in East Cambridge is the closest location to Somerville. The court is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. You can file new cases, attend hearings, and request divorce decree copies at this location. For more details, the official court page is at mass.gov for Middlesex Probate Court.
| Cambridge Session | 208 Cambridge Street, East Cambridge, MA 02141 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (617) 768-5800 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Woburn Session | 10-U Commerce Way, Woburn, MA 01801 |
| Phone (Woburn) | (781) 865-4000 |
Both sessions serve the entire county, so Somerville residents can use either location. The Cambridge office is generally the most convenient given its proximity to Somerville. Call ahead before visiting to confirm that the records you need are on file and to ask what payment methods are accepted.
Searching Somerville Divorce Decree Records
The state's free online case search at masscourts.org lets Somerville residents look up divorce decree cases at no cost. Choose Middlesex County from the court list, then search by name or case number. You can see party names, filing dates, and docket history. The online system does not show the full decree document, but it gives you the case number you need to request a certified copy from the Cambridge or Woburn courthouse.
The Middlesex Probate Court official page provides Somerville residents with direct access to court services and case resources.
This page lists the Cambridge and Woburn session locations, their contact information, and guidance for Somerville residents on how to access Middlesex County divorce decree records in person or by mail.
Somerville residents can use this resource to understand what records are available, how to submit a records request, and what documents to expect when searching for a Middlesex County divorce decree.
This search tool can help Somerville residents confirm case details and locate older Middlesex County divorce decrees that may not be fully indexed in the primary court database.
How to File for Divorce in Somerville
Somerville residents file under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 208. The residency rule in M.G.L. c. 208, § 5 applies to all Somerville cases. If the grounds for divorce arose outside Massachusetts, one spouse must have lived in the state for at least one year. If the reason arose here, living in Somerville now is enough to file at the Cambridge session of Middlesex County Probate Court.
Somerville residents can file a joint petition under M.G.L. c. 208, § 1A if both spouses agree. Both sign and file together. The fee is $215 plus a $15 surcharge. If only one spouse wants a divorce, that person files a complaint under M.G.L. c. 208, § 1B for $280 plus the $15 surcharge. The filing spouse then serves the other through a constable or sheriff. All required forms are available free at mass.gov.
Nisi Period: Somerville divorce decrees are not final right away. A joint petition (1A) has a 120-day nisi period after judgment. A contested (1B) case has a 90-day wait. The decree is absolute only when the nisi period ends.
The division of property in Somerville divorce cases follows M.G.L. c. 208, § 34. The judge considers income, length of the marriage, and each spouse's contributions to the home. The final Somerville divorce decree will set out all terms including property, debt, support, and custody if children are involved.
Getting Certified Copies of a Somerville Divorce Decree
Certified copies of a Somerville divorce decree cost $20 per copy. Fill out the PFC 18 form, which is available at the state's court forms portal or in person at the Cambridge courthouse. Bring the form with payment to the clerk's window. Staff can process same-day requests when you visit in person at 208 Cambridge Street. The full Middlesex County fee schedule is at mass.gov filing fees.
To get a Somerville divorce decree by mail, send the PFC 18, a check or money order for $20 per copy, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Cambridge or Woburn courthouse. Make the check payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. If you cannot pay, ask for an Affidavit of Indigency at the clerk's window to apply for a fee waiver.
Legal Help for Somerville Divorce Cases
Several free and low-cost legal services are available to Somerville residents dealing with divorce. Greater Boston Legal Services covers Middlesex County and offers free help to people who qualify based on income. Call (617) 371-1234 to ask about eligibility for divorce and family law services. The MassLegalHelp website has step-by-step guides for people filing on their own and explains each form required for a Somerville divorce decree case.
The Massachusetts Bar Association runs a lawyer referral program. Call (617) 654-0400 or (866) 627-7577 to get matched with a Middlesex County family law attorney for a reduced-cost first meeting. The Dial-A-Lawyer program is free and runs on the first Wednesday of every month at (617) 338-0610. The Massachusetts Legal Reform Foundation connects Somerville residents with pro bono attorneys for family law matters.
For online filing, Somerville residents can submit papers and receive court notices through eFileMA.com without making a courthouse trip. The state's official guide to requesting divorce records is at mass.gov and applies to all Middlesex County cases including those from Somerville.
Middlesex County Divorce Decree Records
Somerville is in Middlesex County. All Somerville divorce decree filings go through the Middlesex County Probate and Family Court. The county page covers both the Cambridge and Woburn sessions, the complete fee schedule, and resources for all Middlesex communities including Somerville.