Suffolk County Public Records /Suffolk County Divorce Records

Suffolk County Divorce Records

How To Find a Divorce Record In Suffolk County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Suffolk County, Massachusetts, may access publicly available case information through SuffolkMARecords.us and official court resources. Divorce records in Suffolk County are maintained by the Probate and Family Court and may include final decrees, case filings, financial disclosures, and custody orders. Access to specific documents may vary depending on the nature of the case and applicable privacy protections.

Records may be searched through the following official resources:

Massachusetts Probate and Family Court – the primary custodian of divorce case files in Suffolk County
Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Filing (eFiling) Portal – for recently filed cases
Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics – for divorce certificates
Public access terminals located at the courthouse
Written mail requests to the Clerk's office

Online Searches

1. Clerk of Court Case Search

The Massachusetts Trial Court's online case search portal allows members of the public to search divorce cases by party name or case number at no charge for basic docket information. Copies of documents may require a fee.

2. State Court eFiling Portal

The Massachusetts eFiling portal provides access to recently filed cases across the state court system, including Probate and Family Court matters in Suffolk County.

3. Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics

The Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics maintains divorce records filed with the Commonwealth. Divorce certificates may be requested directly from this office and carry a standard fee per copy.

In-Person Searches

Suffolk County Probate and Family Court – Clerk's Office

Suffolk Probate and Family Court
24 New Chardon Street
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: (617) 788-8300
Suffolk Probate and Family Court

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Services available in person include:

Searching case files by party name or case number
Viewing filed documents at public access terminals
Requesting certified copies of final decrees and orders
Staff assistance for locating archived or older records

Records Department:

Older or archived divorce cases may be stored separately. Members of the public seeking records from cases filed prior to the court's electronic filing period should contact the Clerk's office directly to confirm availability and retrieval timelines.

By Mail

Written Request:

Mail requests to:

Suffolk Probate and Family Court – Clerk's Office
24 New Chardon Street
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: (617) 788-8300
Suffolk Probate and Family Court

Written requests should include:

Full legal names of both parties (including maiden names, if applicable)
Approximate date of divorce or date range
Case number, if known
Requestor's full name and contact information
Purpose of the request (may be required for certain documents)
Payment for applicable copy fees
A self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence

Processing time for mail requests is at present approximately one to three weeks, depending on case age and document availability.

By Phone

Limited Information Available by Phone:

Clerk of Court: (617) 788-8300
Staff may confirm whether a case exists, provide a case number, confirm case status, and verify the filing date
Staff cannot provide detailed document contents, copies of filed documents, or confidential case information by phone

Through Attorneys

An attorney licensed in Massachusetts may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, request sealed documents through appropriate court motions, and obtain certified copies. Members of the public seeking legal representation may consult the Massachusetts Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service for assistance locating qualified family law counsel.

Information Needed for Search

Essential Information:

Full legal names of both spouses
Maiden names, if applicable
Approximate date of divorce
Case number, if known

Helpful Information:

Date and location of marriage
Prior addresses of either party
Names of attorneys of record, if known

Search in Correct County

Divorce proceedings in Massachusetts are filed in the Probate and Family Court of the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple county courts. Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 208, at least one spouse must have been domiciled in Massachusetts for one year prior to filing, or the cause of divorce arose in Massachusetts while both parties resided there.

Time Considerations

Recent Divorces: Cases finalized within the past several weeks may not yet appear in online search systems. Members of the public should allow standard processing time following a final hearing before searching electronically.

Older Divorces: Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format. Retrieval of archived records may require additional time and a specific written request to the Clerk's office.

What If You Cannot Find a Record

Common reasons a divorce record may not appear in a search include:

Searching in the wrong county
Name variations between married and maiden names
Spelling differences in party names
The case is still pending and has not been finalized
Very old records stored in off-site archives
The case has been sealed by court order

Members of the public encountering difficulty locating a record should contact the Clerk's office at (617) 788-8300, attempt alternate name spellings, search under both spouses' names, or check the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records.

What Are Suffolk County Divorce Records?

Suffolk County divorce records are official court documents generated during divorce proceedings filed in the Suffolk Probate and Family Court. These records constitute part of the public court file and are maintained by the Clerk of Court as the primary custodian. Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 208, § 46, the court maintains jurisdiction over all matters related to the dissolution of marriage, and the resulting records form a permanent part of the court's official docket.

Types of Divorce Records:

Court Case Files include the following documents:

Petition for divorce (Complaint for Divorce)
Response or answer filed by the respondent
Financial statements (Form CJD 301) submitted by both parties
Parenting plans and custody agreements
Separation agreements
Motions, oppositions, and court orders
Transcripts of court hearings (if ordered)
Final Judgment of Divorce Nisi and Absolute

Final Decree:

The Final Judgment of Divorce Absolute is the official court order dissolving the marriage. It serves as legal proof of divorce and establishes:

The date the marriage was legally dissolved
Division of marital property and debts
Alimony or spousal support terms, if any
Child custody and parenting time arrangements, if applicable
Child support orders, if applicable
Restoration of a former name, if requested

Certified copies of the final judgment are available through the Clerk's office.

Supporting Documents may include:

Original marriage certificate
Financial disclosure statements
Property appraisals and valuations
Parenting plan modifications
Post-judgment modification orders

Purpose of Divorce Records:

Divorce records serve numerous legal and personal purposes, including:

Establishing proof of marital status for remarriage
Documenting name changes
Supporting immigration proceedings
Facilitating estate planning and property transfers
Verifying eligibility for Social Security or pension benefits
Conducting genealogical or family history research

Who Maintains Divorce Records:

The Suffolk Probate and Family Court Clerk's office is the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics also maintains a statewide index of divorce records and issues divorce certificates, which contain more limited information than the full court file.

Are Suffolk County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records filed in Suffolk County are public court records subject to the Massachusetts public records law, Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66, § 10. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents. However, certain categories of information are restricted or may be sealed by court order to protect sensitive personal and financial data.

What Is Public:

Case number and filing date
Names of both parties
Names of attorneys of record
Court hearing dates and scheduled events
Docket entries reflecting the chronological history of the case
Court orders and judgments, including the final divorce decree
Property division orders
General case status

What May Be Restricted:

Financial Information:

Social Security numbers are redacted from all public filings pursuant to court rules
Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
Detailed tax returns may be subject to limited access
Certain financial affidavit details may be restricted

Children's Information:

Names and addresses of minor children may be redacted
Schools children attend are not disclosed in public records
Medical and psychological evaluations of children may be sealed
Guardian ad litem reports are subject to restricted access
Child custody evaluation reports may be sealed by court order

Sensitive Personal Information:

Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
Medical records submitted as exhibits

Sealed Records:

A court may seal divorce records upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Mediation communications are confidential under Massachusetts law and do not become part of the public record.

Who Can Access Records:

General Public: May access most case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees
Parties to the Case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents that may be restricted from general public view
Attorneys: May access case files and, with appropriate court authorization, may seek access to sealed documents
Researchers and Media: May access public portions of the record; sealed records require a court order

Restrictions on Use:

Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use them for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or any purpose that violates a protective order. News reporting, academic research, genealogical research, and legal purposes are among the recognized permitted uses of public court records.

Obtaining Confidential Records:

A party seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the court demonstrating a legitimate legal need. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties. Law enforcement agencies, child protective services, and court-appointed evaluators may have statutory authority to access otherwise restricted records.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Suffolk County?

The Suffolk Probate and Family Court currently charges standard fees for copies and certified documents. Members of the public should confirm current fees directly with the Clerk's office, as fee schedules are subject to periodic revision by the Massachusetts Trial Court.

Current Standard Fee Structure:

Service	Fee
Copies of court documents (per page)	$0.50 per page
Certified copy of Final Judgment of Divorce	$20.00 per document
Certified copy of Divorce Certificate (Vital Records)	$20.00 per copy
Exemplified (triple-certified) copy	Additional fee applies
Search fee	No separate search fee at present

Accepted Payment Methods:

Cash
Money order or certified check payable to "Commonwealth of Massachusetts"
Personal checks (accepted at the Clerk's discretion)
Credit and debit cards (availability varies; confirm with the Clerk's office)

Fee Waivers:

Members of the public who are unable to pay court fees may petition the court for a waiver of fees pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 261, § 27A–27G, which governs indigency determinations and fee waiver procedures in civil matters. A completed affidavit of indigency must be submitted to the Clerk's office for review.

What Is Available at No Charge:

Basic case docket information through the online case search portal
In-person review of public case documents at the courthouse (no copy fee for viewing only)
Verbal confirmation of case existence and status by phone

Vital Records Fees:

The Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics charges a separate fee for divorce certificates. Members of the public may request divorce certificates through the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records online, by mail, or in person.

What's Included in Divorce Records in Suffolk County

A complete Suffolk County divorce case file contains a comprehensive set of documents generated throughout the proceedings. The scope of the file depends on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested and whether children or significant assets were involved.

Basic Case Information:

The case caption identifies the court, case number, names of the petitioner and respondent, the assigned judge, and attorneys of record. Filing information includes the date the complaint was filed, the case type, and the basis for the court's jurisdiction.

Initial Pleadings:

The Complaint for Divorce sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the respondent's information, the date and place of marriage, the date of separation if applicable, the grounds for divorce (at present, Massachusetts recognizes both fault and no-fault grounds under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 208), information about minor children, and the relief requested. The respondent's answer or counterclaim, if filed, is also part of the record.

Financial Statements:

Both parties are required to file a Financial Statement (Form CJD 301) disclosing income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, and retirement accounts, as well as all liabilities. These documents form the evidentiary basis for property division and support determinations.

Discovery Documents:

In contested cases, the file may include interrogatories and responses, requests for production of documents, deposition notices, and responses to requests for admissions. Financial records such as tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and business financial statements may be attached as exhibits.

Property-Related Documents:

The case file may contain a marital asset inventory, debt inventory, real property appraisals, business valuations, and expert reports on the value of specific assets. Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) are filed separately when retirement accounts are divided and instruct plan administrators on the division of benefits.

Children-Related Documents:

When minor children are involved, the file includes a parenting plan addressing legal and physical custody, a detailed timesharing schedule covering regular weeks, holidays, and vacations, and a child support worksheet calculated pursuant to the Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines. If a Guardian ad Litem or custody evaluator was appointed, their reports may be part of the file, though these are subject to restricted access.

Settlement Documents:

A Separation Agreement, if the parties reached an agreement, is incorporated into the final judgment and addresses all issues including property division, spousal support, and parenting arrangements. Mediation agreements may be referenced but mediation communications themselves remain confidential.

Court Orders and Final Judgment:

Temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case, including temporary custody, support, and use of the marital home, are part of the record. The Final Judgment of Divorce Nisi and the subsequent Judgment of Divorce Absolute constitute the court's definitive resolution of all issues and are the documents most commonly requested by members of the public.

Post-Judgment Documents:

Following entry of the final judgment, the case file may be supplemented by petitions to modify custody or support, contempt motions alleging non-compliance, income deduction orders for support enforcement, and any subsequent court orders addressing post-judgment matters.

What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:

Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted as a matter of course)
Children's residential addresses and school information
Domestic violence evidence and related protective order information
Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
Trade secrets contained in business valuations
Mediation communications
Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed agreements

How to Get Proof of Divorce in Suffolk County?

Proof of divorce in Suffolk County is obtained through a certified copy of the Final Judgment of Divorce Absolute, which serves as the legally recognized documentation of the dissolution of marriage. Members of the public may obtain this document through the following methods:

In Person:

Members of the public may appear at the Suffolk Probate and Family Court Clerk's office, provide the case number or names of both parties, and request a certified copy of the final judgment. Payment of the applicable certification fee is required at the time of the request.

Suffolk Probate and Family Court
24 New Chardon Street
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: (617) 788-8300
Suffolk Probate and Family Court

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

By Mail:

A written request including the names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, the case number if known, and a check or money order for the applicable fee should be mailed to the Clerk's office at the address above. A self-addressed stamped envelope should be included for return of the certified document.

Through the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records:

Members of the public may also request a divorce certificate from the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics, which maintains a statewide index of divorces granted in Massachusetts. A divorce certificate from the Registry contains the names of the parties, the date of divorce, and the county of filing, and is accepted for many official purposes including remarriage and name change proceedings.

Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
150 Mount Vernon Street, 1st Floor
Dorchester, MA 02125
Phone: (617) 740-2600
Registry of Vital Records and Statistics

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Online:

Basic case information and docket entries may be accessed through the Massachusetts Trial Court online case search. Certified copies are not currently available for download through the online portal and must be obtained in person or by mail.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Suffolk County?

Divorce proceedings in Suffolk County are presumptively public, but certain cases or portions of cases may be made confidential under specific legal circumstances. The court retains authority to seal records or restrict access upon a demonstrated showing of good cause.

Circumstances under which divorce records or portions thereof may be confidential include:

Domestic violence cases: Information that could identify the location or contact details of a domestic violence victim may be withheld from public access pursuant to Massachusetts law
Sealed financial records: Tax returns, detailed financial statements, and account information may be subject to restricted access orders
Children's information: Names, addresses, schools, and medical or psychological records pertaining to minor children are subject to heightened privacy protections
Mental health and substance abuse records: Records reflecting treatment for mental health conditions or substance abuse are protected under both state and federal law
Mediation communications: All communications made during court-connected mediation are confidential and do not become part of the public record
Court-ordered sealing: A judge may seal an entire case file or specific documents upon a finding that the privacy interests of a party outweigh the public interest in access
High-profile cases: Courts may impose additional restrictions in cases where public disclosure could compromise the safety or privacy of the parties

Members of the public seeking to seal their own divorce records must file a motion with the Suffolk Probate and Family Court and demonstrate a legally sufficient basis for the requested restriction. The Massachusetts Trial Court Rules govern the procedures applicable to such motions.

How Long Does Suffolk County Keep Divorce Records?

The Suffolk Probate and Family Court retains divorce records in accordance with the Massachusetts Trial Court's records retention schedule, which establishes minimum retention periods for different categories of court documents.

Current retention practices for divorce records in Suffolk County include:

Final judgments and decrees: Retained permanently as part of the official court record; these documents are never destroyed
Complete case files (contested divorces): Retained for a minimum period established by the Massachusetts Trial Court Records Retention Schedule; at present, Probate and Family Court case files are retained for extended periods, with permanent retention for final orders
Financial affidavits and supporting documents: Retained as part of the case file for the duration of the applicable retention period
Post-judgment modification records: Retained as supplements to the original case file and subject to the same retention schedule
Electronic records: Cases filed through the Massachusetts eFiling system are maintained in the electronic case management system indefinitely
Archived paper records: Older cases predating electronic filing are maintained in paper or microfilm format; retrieval may require additional processing time
Vital records (divorce certificates): The Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records maintains divorce records permanently as part of the Commonwealth's vital statistics archive

Members of the public seeking records from older cases should contact the Suffolk Probate and Family Court Clerk's office directly to confirm availability. The Massachusetts Secretary of State's Records Management Division publishes the applicable retention schedules governing court records across the Commonwealth.