Dukes County Divorce Decree Records
Dukes County divorce decree records are kept at the Probate and Family Court in Edgartown, Massachusetts, on Martha's Vineyard. The court stores all divorce filings and final judgments for the county's seven towns. If you need to search for a divorce decree, obtain a certified copy, or file a new divorce case in Dukes County, this page covers the court details, request process, and key information about how divorce records are handled on the island.
Dukes County Overview
Dukes County Probate and Family Court
The Dukes County Probate and Family Court is the official keeper of divorce records for Martha's Vineyard and the Elizabeth Islands. The courthouse is at 81 Main Street in Edgartown and also houses the Superior Court and District Court. All three departments share the building, which means most county court business happens in one location. The court is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The main contact number is (508) 627-4703.
The mass.gov Dukes Probate Court page has current hours, staff contact information, and guidance on services available at the court. The Register of Probate for Dukes County is Daphne Devries. The First Justice is Hon. Susan Jacobs. For accessibility needs or ADA accommodations, contact Ryan Searle at ryan.searle@jud.state.ma.us or (508) 627-4703.
The Massachusetts official page for Dukes County Probate Court shows location information and contacts for accessing divorce decree records on the island.
Reviewing this page before your visit confirms office hours and helps you prepare the right documentation for your records request.
| Court | Dukes County Probate and Family Court |
|---|---|
| Address | Dukes County Courthouse 81 Main Street, P.O. Box 237 Edgartown, MA 02539 |
| Phone | (508) 627-4703 |
| info@dukescounty.org | |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
Getting to the Dukes County Courthouse
Because Dukes County is on Martha's Vineyard, reaching the courthouse requires a ferry or small plane from the mainland. The Steamship Authority and other ferry services run year-round from Woods Hole and seasonally from other ports. Once on the island, the courthouse at 81 Main Street in Edgartown is accessible by the Vineyard Transit Authority. Routes 1, 6, 8, and 13 all serve the courthouse area. Free parking is available in a lot behind the building. Free street parking is also available nearby.
The island's location means planning ahead matters more here than at most county courts. Ferry schedules vary by season. In summer, the population on the island increases sharply, and ferry demand is high. If you are visiting from the mainland just to request a divorce decree, consider whether a mail request or a phone call to the court might save the trip. Mail requests and the online masscourts.org portal can answer many questions without requiring a visit to Edgartown.
Note: eFiling is available for some Probate and Family Court case types in Dukes County, which can reduce the need to visit the courthouse in person.
How to Search Dukes County Divorce Records
For basic case information, start with the free online tool at masscourts.org. This statewide portal includes the Dukes County Probate and Family Court. Search by name or docket number. The system shows party names, case status, and docket entries. You cannot view or download actual court documents online. For the divorce decree itself, you need to contact the court by phone, mail, or in person.
In-person requests at the Edgartown courthouse are handled by the Register of Probate office. Bring the full names of both spouses and the approximate year of the divorce. If you have a case number, bring that too. Certified copies of divorce decrees cost $20 per copy. Fill out PFC Form 18 to make the request formal and speed up the process. Payment is by money order or bank check.
This tool can help you gather details like a docket number before submitting a formal copy request to the Edgartown courthouse.
Mail requests are also accepted. Send your written request to the Edgartown address with the names you are searching, the approximate year, your daytime phone number, and payment for the $20 copy fee. Allow extra time for mail delivery given the island location. The state's official guide to getting a divorce record walks through the request process in detail.
Historical Dukes County Divorce Decree Records
This resource can be helpful for genealogical research or for locating records that predate the current court filing system.
The Nantucket Historical Association Research Library, while primarily focused on a neighboring island, sometimes has regional records that touch on Dukes County. For Dukes County residents doing genealogical research, combining the FamilySearch database, the Edgartown courthouse, and the historical resource page gives the broadest coverage across different time periods.
Divorce Fees in Dukes County
Filing fees for divorce in Dukes County follow the statewide schedule set by the Massachusetts Trial Court. A joint petition under M.G.L. c. 208, § 1A costs $215 plus a $15 surcharge. A contested complaint under § 1B costs $280 plus the same surcharge. These fees are set at the state level and are the same at all Probate and Family Courts in Massachusetts. Getting a certified copy of a divorce decree costs $20 per copy. The full fee schedule is at mass.gov.
People who cannot afford the fees can file an Affidavit of Indigency. The court reviews your financial situation and may waive some or all fees. This process is the same in Dukes County as it is across the state.
Filing a Divorce Case in Dukes County
Divorce in Massachusetts is governed by M.G.L. Chapter 208. Dukes County residents file at the Edgartown courthouse. The residency rule under § 5 applies if the grounds for divorce occurred outside the state. In that case, one spouse must have lived in Massachusetts for at least one year before filing. If the cause arose within Massachusetts, no minimum residency time is required before filing.
The no-fault joint petition under § 1A is the path most Dukes County couples use when they agree on all terms. Both spouses sign the petition and file a separation agreement covering property, debts, support, and any children. After the hearing, a 120-day nisi period runs before the divorce is final. A § 1B complaint, where one spouse files without the other's agreement, results in a 90-day nisi period after the judge's ruling. In property disputes, the court applies the factors under § 34 to determine a fair division.
Nisi Period: Dukes County divorces do not become final at the time of the court hearing. The 120-day wait applies for 1A cases and the 90-day wait applies for 1B cases before the divorce is absolute.
Free forms are available at mass.gov and through eFileMA for eligible case types. The court also offers eReminders, a service that sends email or text notifications about upcoming court events in your case.
Legal Help for Dukes County Divorce Cases
Community Legal Aid covers western Massachusetts and parts of the island region. Their main number is (413) 584-4034. They offer free help on family law matters to people who qualify based on income. For online guides, form instructions, and general information about the divorce process, MassLegalHelp.org is a reliable starting point. The site is designed for people who represent themselves in court.
The Massachusetts Bar Association's referral line connects callers with family law attorneys. Call (617) 654-0400 or toll-free (866) 627-7577. A short first consultation is available at a low set cost. All official court forms for divorce are free at mass.gov. The Dukes County courthouse at 81 Main Street has forms available at the clerk's window as well. Because island travel adds logistical complexity, calling the court first at (508) 627-4703 can help you prepare everything needed for a single visit.
Towns in Dukes County
Dukes County covers Martha's Vineyard and the Elizabeth Islands. The towns within the county are Aquinnah, Chilmark, Edgartown, Gosnold, Oak Bluffs, Tisbury, and West Tisbury. Dukes County is an island county, and none of its towns meet the population threshold required for a dedicated city page on this site. All residents file divorce cases at the Dukes County Probate and Family Court at 81 Main Street in Edgartown, regardless of which town they live in.
Nearby Counties
Barnstable County is the nearest county to Dukes County on the mainland. If you are not sure which county handles your case, check the address where you or your spouse lives. Dukes County covers the island towns only. Mainland filers in the Cape and Islands region typically file in Barnstable County.