Norfolk County Divorce Decree Records
Norfolk County divorce decree records are held at the Probate and Family Court in Canton. The court serves all towns and cities in Norfolk County, including Quincy, Brookline, Weymouth, and Needham. If you need to search for a divorce decree or get a certified copy of a judgment, you can do that online through masscourts.org or by going to the Canton courthouse in person. This guide covers how to search for records, what fees to expect, and what information a divorce decree contains.
Norfolk County Overview
Norfolk County Probate and Family Court
The Norfolk County Probate and Family Court handles all divorce filings for the county. It is the only court that holds divorce decree records for Norfolk County residents. Staff can help you search old and new cases, pull files, and make copies. The court is in Canton, not in any of the larger cities in the county. If you live in Quincy or Brookline, you still file and pick up records at the Canton location.
Norfolk County is the third most populous county in Massachusetts, with more than 726,000 residents spread across 28 cities and towns. The county borders Suffolk County to the north, Plymouth County to the southeast, Bristol County to the south, and Middlesex County to the northwest. Divorce cases for all of these communities go through the single courthouse on Shawmut Road in Canton. The Register of Probate manages the records side of the court and oversees all case files.
The official page for the Norfolk court on the Massachusetts court locator lists current hours, contact info, and directions to the courthouse.
The court location page confirms office hours and direct phone numbers for the clerk's office, which is helpful before making the trip to Canton.
| Court | Norfolk County Probate and Family Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 35 Shawmut Road Canton, MA 02021 |
| Phone | (781) 830-1200 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Contact via mass.gov |
How to Search Norfolk County Divorce Records
You have a few ways to search Norfolk County divorce decree records. Online lookup through masscourts.org is free and works for most recent cases. In-person visits at the Canton courthouse give you access to the full file and let you get certified copies on the spot. Mail requests work too, but they take longer. Pick the method that fits your situation and what you need.
MassCourts is the state's free online case search tool and covers the Norfolk County Probate and Family Court. You search by name or case number. The system shows party names, docket entries, and the current status of the case. It does not show the full file contents. Financial statements and documents related to children are not available to view online. Some older cases filed before 2000 may have limited information in the online system. Go to masscourts.org and select Norfolk County Probate and Family Court from the dropdown to start your search. Sealed or impounded cases will not appear in results at all.
For full case access, go to 35 Shawmut Road in Canton. Bring a photo ID. Staff can pull files by name or docket number. Court records are open for public inspection during business hours. You do not need to be a party to the case to view a file. Bring cash or check for copy fees.
Note: Cases filed before 2000 may have limited online records. Call (781) 830-1200 to confirm availability before visiting the courthouse.
Getting a Certified Divorce Decree in Norfolk County
A certified copy of a divorce decree is the official court document most people need when they remarry, change their name, or handle financial or legal matters. The Register of Probate at the Norfolk County court issues these copies. Each certified copy costs $20. Plain photocopies cost less but are not accepted for legal purposes.
To request a certified copy, complete the PFC 18 form. You can get the form at the courthouse or download it at courtforms.jud.state.ma.us. Fill in the full names of both parties and the approximate year of the divorce. Submit the form in person or by mail to the Canton courthouse. Include payment when mailing your request. The court accepts check or money order made out to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Cash is accepted in person only.
The state's guide at mass.gov walks through the steps to get a copy of your divorce record statewide, including what to bring and how to fill out the form.
Filing Fees and Divorce Process in Norfolk County
Norfolk County uses the same fee schedule as all other Probate and Family Courts in Massachusetts. The fees are set by the Trial Court and do not vary by county. What you pay depends on how you file for divorce. A joint petition costs less than a contested complaint. Both types result in a divorce decree once the case is complete.
Under M.G.L. c. 208, § 1A, spouses who agree on all terms can file a joint petition. The filing fee is $215 plus a $15 surcharge. Both parties sign the petition and a separation agreement before filing. After the judge approves it, a 120-day nisi period begins. The divorce becomes final at the end of those 120 days. Under M.G.L. c. 208, § 1B, one spouse files alone when there is no full agreement. The fee is $280 plus the $15 surcharge. The nisi period for these cases is 90 days. Both paths fall under M.G.L. Chapter 208, which governs divorce in Massachusetts.
Fee waivers are available. If you cannot afford the filing fee, submit an Affidavit of Indigency with your paperwork. The judge will review it and decide if you qualify. The full list of fees is at mass.gov. You can also file online through eFileMA.com, which adds a $22 case initiation fee.
Residency Requirement: Under M.G.L. c. 208, § 5, if the reason for your divorce happened outside Massachusetts, one spouse must have lived in the state for at least one year before filing.
What Norfolk County Divorce Decrees Contain
A divorce decree in Norfolk County is the court order that ends a marriage. It covers property division, custody, support, and any other terms the parties agreed to or the court decided. The decree becomes final after the nisi period passes. At that point it is a permanent public record held by the Register of Probate in Canton.
The full case file holds more than just the final decree. It includes the original complaint or joint petition, the separation agreement, financial statements, and any motions or orders entered during the case. Under M.G.L. c. 208, § 34, the court looks at up to 15 factors when dividing marital property. Those findings may appear in the judge's written decision. Most of the file is open to the public. Financial statements and documents naming minor children may have restricted access.
The court records lookup for Norfolk County gives you a way to verify case numbers and party names before requesting copies from the courthouse.
Legal Help for Norfolk County Divorce Cases
Several organizations offer help with divorce matters in Norfolk County. Some give free legal aid to people who qualify by income. Others charge a low fee for an initial meeting. All of them can help you understand the process, find forms, or get matched with a family law attorney.
Greater Boston Legal Services provides free legal help to low-income residents across the region, including Norfolk County. They handle divorce, custody, and support cases. Call (617) 371-1234 to find out if you qualify. The Massachusetts Bar Association's referral line is (617) 654-0400 or toll-free at (866) 627-7577. The first consultation is $25 for 30 minutes. MassLegalHelp at masslegalhelp.org has step-by-step guides for people who want to file without a lawyer. Blank court forms are free to download at mass.gov. The Probate and Family Court also has self-help resources on its main page for people who are representing themselves.
Courts do not provide legal advice. Staff can tell you how to file a form but not what to put in it. If your case involves children, property, or contested terms, consider talking to a lawyer before you file.
Cities in Norfolk County
Norfolk County has 28 cities and towns. The following qualifying cities have their own divorce decree resource pages with local court and access information.
Other communities in Norfolk County include Milton, Needham, Randolph, Dedham, Walpole, and Canton. All of these file divorce cases at the Norfolk County Probate and Family Court in Canton.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Norfolk County. If you are not sure which county court handles your case, confirm the address where you live. You must file in the county where you or your spouse resides.