Access Taunton Divorce Decree Records
Taunton divorce decree records are filed and kept at the Bristol County Probate and Family Court, which has its main office right in Taunton. With a population of about 58,000, Taunton is the county seat of Bristol County and the home of the main Bristol County probate court. If you need to search for a Taunton divorce case, obtain a certified copy of a decree, or learn how to file for divorce, you are in the right place. The court is located at 40 Broadway in Taunton, making in-person access straightforward for local residents.
Taunton Overview
Bristol County Probate Court in Taunton
Taunton is not just a city in Bristol County, it is the location of the main Bristol County Probate and Family Court office. This means that Taunton residents do not have to travel to another city to file for divorce or access records. The main court is right downtown at 40 Broadway, Suite 240. This is where all Bristol County divorce decrees are filed and maintained, including cases for Taunton, Fall River, New Bedford, and the rest of the county.
| Court | Bristol County Probate and Family Court (Main Office) |
|---|---|
| Address | 40 Broadway, Suite 240 Taunton, MA 02780 |
| Phone | (508) 977-6040 |
| bristolprobate@jud.state.ma.us | |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Fall River Satellite | 289 Rock Street, Fall River | (508) 672-1751 |
| Website | mass.gov - Bristol Probate Court |
The Fall River satellite office at 289 Rock Street is also available for some Bristol County matters. For Taunton residents, the main office downtown is the primary location. Both offices serve Bristol County, but not all case files are available at every location. When in doubt, contact Taunton directly at (508) 977-6040 or by email at bristolprobate@jud.state.ma.us before making a trip.
The Bristol County Probate Court also maintains its own website at bristolcountyprobate.org, which has forms, contact details, and information on how the court handles divorce and other probate matters.
The image below is from the Bristol County probate official website, which covers the services and procedures available at the Taunton main office for divorce decree records.
This official site provides Taunton residents with court information, forms, and guidance on accessing divorce decree records at the Bristol County main office.
Searching for a Taunton Divorce Decree
Bristol County divorce decree records for Taunton cases can be searched online through the state's free court system or at the courthouse in person. Online searches work well for finding docket numbers and confirming case status. Public access terminals are also available at the courthouse for searching court records on site.
Start at masscourts.org. Select Bristol County from the list and search by party name or case number. The system shows docket entries, case status, and filing dates. It does not provide full document access, but it is free and gives you the information you need to request a certified copy. For older cases that may not be in the electronic system, in-person research at the Taunton courthouse is the best option.
If you need to review multiple files, the court has rules about how many you can look at in one visit. You can review up to three case files on the same day without an advance request. For four to twelve files, submit a Research Request Form by email to bristolprobate@jud.state.ma.us. Requests submitted by 3:00 PM are available starting at 8:30 AM the next business day. This is a useful rule for attorneys, researchers, or anyone reviewing several related cases.
The image below shows the Bristol County divorce records page, which provides an overview of how Taunton area records are maintained and accessed.
This resource covers the divorce record structure for Bristol County and is a helpful starting point for anyone researching a Taunton divorce decree.
Getting a Certified Copy of a Taunton Divorce Decree
A certified copy of a divorce decree is the legal version of the record that courts, banks, and other agencies accept as proof. Plain copies do not carry the court's official seal and are not valid for most legal uses. The Bristol County Probate and Family Court charges $20 per certified copy.
To request a certified copy, complete the PFC 18 form. Get the form at the courthouse in Taunton or download it from courtforms.jud.state.ma.us. Bring or mail the completed form to 40 Broadway, Suite 240, with payment made out to the Register of Probate. In-person requests are generally processed the same day. Mail requests take longer. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want the copy mailed back.
You can also email bristolprobate@jud.state.ma.us to ask about the process before you visit or mail anything in. Staff can tell you whether your case is at the Taunton main office or the Fall River satellite and what identification or information you need to bring.
Note: The state's full probate filing fee schedule, including certified copy costs, is available at mass.gov.
Filing for Divorce in Taunton
Taunton residents file for divorce under M.G.L. Chapter 208 at the Bristol County main office in Taunton. Because the court is right in the city, Taunton filers have easy access to the Register of Probate and can often handle their filing, hearing, and records request all in the same building.
The residency requirement under § 5 applies to Taunton filers. If the grounds for divorce arose outside Massachusetts, one spouse must have lived in the state for one year before filing. If the cause arose within the state, there is no waiting period. Most Taunton residents who currently live here can file right away.
A joint petition under § 1A works when both spouses agree and are ready to file together with a signed separation agreement. The fee is $215 plus a $15 surcharge. After a hearing, the court enters a judgment nisi. The divorce becomes absolute 120 days later. This is the faster path for Taunton couples who have settled all their issues.
A complaint for divorce under § 1B is used when only one spouse wants to file or when the parties cannot agree. The fee is $280 plus the $15 surcharge. The filing spouse must serve the other party through a constable or sheriff. Once the judgment enters, there is a 90-day nisi period. Property division and alimony in contested cases are handled under § 34. Court forms are free at mass.gov.
Nisi Period: Divorce decrees in Taunton are not final right away. Joint petition cases (1A) have a 120-day nisi period. Contested cases (1B) have a 90-day period. Neither divorce is absolute until the waiting period expires.
Legal Resources for Taunton Divorce Cases
Taunton residents have several local and statewide options for legal help with divorce cases. Free services are available for those who meet income requirements. The state bar runs a referral program that connects anyone with a family law attorney for a low-cost first meeting.
The Massachusetts Legal Resource Finder at masslrf.org matches you with legal aid organizations in the Bristol County area. Statewide guides, forms, and self-help information are at masslegalhelp.org. Both sites are free to use and do not require registration. If you qualify for free legal help, an organization in the finder can assist with your Taunton divorce case at no cost.
The Massachusetts Bar Association referral line at (617) 654-0400 or (866) 627-7577 connects Taunton residents with local family law attorneys. The first meeting is $25 for 30 minutes. On the first Wednesday of each month, the Dial-A-Lawyer program offers free phone consultations at (617) 338-0610. For electronic filing, eFileMA.com allows Taunton residents to submit court documents online. The state's general guidance on getting a divorce record copy is at mass.gov.
The image below shows the official Bristol County Probate Court page, which provides current information on court services for Taunton divorce decree cases.
This official court page covers all Bristol County locations, including the Taunton main office, and provides contact information and links for divorce decree record requests.
Bristol County Divorce Records
Taunton is the county seat of Bristol County and home to the Bristol County Probate and Family Court main office. The county page covers the full court system, fees, the Fall River satellite, and resources for all Bristol County communities.