Bristol County Court Records

What Is Bristol County Court Records

Bristol County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records serve as the comprehensive documentation of judicial activities and decisions rendered by courts operating within Bristol County, Massachusetts. Court records typically include:

• Case files containing pleadings, motions, and supporting documentation
• Docket sheets chronicling chronological case events
• Judicial orders and final judgments
• Hearing and trial transcripts
• Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
• Sentencing information in criminal matters
• Settlement agreements in civil cases

Court records are distinct from other public records such as vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates) and property records (deeds, liens, assessments), which are maintained by different government entities. According to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66, § 10, court records are considered public records subject to disclosure with certain exceptions.

The Bristol County court system consists of several courts that maintain their respective records:

• Bristol County Superior Court (handles major civil and serious criminal cases)
• Bristol District Court (handles lesser criminal offenses, civil matters under $25,000)
• Bristol Probate and Family Court (handles divorce, custody, estates, wills)
• Bristol Juvenile Court (handles juvenile delinquency and child welfare cases)
• Bristol Housing Court (handles landlord-tenant disputes, code violations)
• Small Claims sessions (handles civil matters under $7,000)

These courts collectively maintain records for civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate proceedings, juvenile cases, and traffic violations occurring within Bristol County.

Are Court Records Public In Bristol County

Court records in Bristol County are generally public pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and the common law presumption of public access to judicial records. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has consistently upheld the principle that court records are presumptively open to public inspection, with certain statutory exceptions.

Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66, § 10, most court records are accessible to the public, including:

• Civil case files and pleadings
• Criminal case records (post-arraignment)
• Court judgments and orders
• Docket sheets and indices
• Hearing and trial schedules
• Property attachments and executions

However, certain categories of court records are subject to restricted access or complete confidentiality under Massachusetts law, including:

• Juvenile proceedings (except by statutory authorization)
• Certain domestic violence and sexual assault cases
• Mental health commitment proceedings
• Adoption records
• Impounded records by judicial order
• Grand jury proceedings
• Records sealed pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276, § 100A-C

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts (which has jurisdiction over Bristol County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state law. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court's Uniform Rules on Public Access to Court Records provide detailed guidance on record access procedures.

How To Find Court Records in Bristol County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Bristol County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The Massachusetts Trial Court maintains multiple access points for court record retrieval:

In-Person Requests:

• Visit the clerk's office of the specific court where the case was filed
• Complete a record request form specifying the case number or party names
• Present valid identification
• Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for regular copies, $4.50 per page for certified copies)
• Inspect records during normal business hours (typically Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)

Mail Requests:

• Submit a written request to the appropriate court clerk's office
• Include case information, specific documents needed, and contact information
• Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and check for applicable fees
• Allow 10-15 business days for processing

Electronic Access:

• Utilize the Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access portal
• Register for an account if requesting non-public documents
• Search by case number, party name, or filing date
• Download available documents (fees may apply)

For criminal record information, the Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) system provides background check services with varying access levels depending on requestor status.

Researchers seeking historical court records may need to contact the Massachusetts Archives, which maintains older court documents that have been transferred from the active court system.

How To Look Up Court Records in Bristol County Online?

Bristol County court records can be accessed through several online portals, each providing different types of case information:

Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access:

• Visit the MassCourts website
• Select the appropriate court department (Superior, District, Probate, etc.)
• Enter search criteria (case number, party name, attorney)
• View basic case information, docket entries, and scheduled events
• Download available documents (fees may apply for certain documents)

Bristol County Superior Court Portal:

• Access through the Massachusetts Court System website
• Search civil and criminal dockets
• View case status, party information, and scheduled hearings
• Access is limited to docket information rather than full documents

Bristol County Probate and Family Court Online Records:

• Visit the Probate and Family Court Records portal
• Search by case number or party name
• View limited case information for divorce, custody, and estate matters
• Full document access requires in-person visits due to confidentiality concerns

Massachusetts Appellate Courts Case Search:

• Access through the Massachusetts Appellate Courts website
• Search appeals from Bristol County cases
• View briefs, docket entries, and decisions
• Download published opinions

For criminal history information, the Massachusetts iCORI system provides online access to criminal offender record information, though access levels vary based on requestor status and purpose.

How To Search Bristol County Court Records for Free?

Massachusetts law provides for free public inspection of court records pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66, § 10, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Several free options exist for accessing Bristol County court records:

Free In-Person Inspection:

• Visit any Bristol County courthouse during regular business hours
• Request to view publicly available case files at the clerk's office
• No fee is charged for viewing records on-site
• Bring case information to expedite the search process

Free Online Resources:

• Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access - Basic case information and docket entries are available at no cost
• Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court and Appeals Court Public Case Information - Free access to appellate decisions and dockets
• Bristol County Law Libraries - Provide free public access terminals for legal research and court record searches

Public Access Terminals:

• Available at all Bristol County courthouses
• Provide more comprehensive search capabilities than public websites
• No fee for searching or viewing information on-site
• Staff assistance may be available for search guidance

While basic record searches are free, fees apply for:

• Printed copies ($1.00 per page)
• Certified copies ($4.50 per page)
• Criminal record reports through iCORI ($25 per standard request)
• Expedited processing services

The Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access system offers the most comprehensive free online access to Bristol County court records, though document downloads may incur fees.

What's Included in a Bristol County Court Record?

Bristol County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type. Typical components include:

Civil Case Records:

• Complaint or petition initiating the action
• Summons and proof of service
• Defendant's answer or response
• Motions and supporting memoranda
• Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
• Affidavits and sworn statements
• Exhibits and evidence admitted at trial
• Court orders and rulings
• Final judgment or decree
• Post-judgment motions and enforcement documents

Criminal Case Records:

• Criminal complaint or indictment
• Arraignment information
• Bail and pretrial release documentation
• Motions to suppress evidence
• Discovery requests and responses
• Plea agreements
• Trial exhibits and evidence
• Verdict forms
• Sentencing information
• Probation reports (may be confidential)
• Appeal notices and documentation

Probate and Family Court Records:

• Petitions for divorce, custody, or guardianship
• Financial statements and asset disclosures
• Parenting plans and custody agreements
• Child support worksheets and orders
• Wills and testamentary documents
• Estate inventories and accountings
• Guardian ad litem reports (often confidential)
• Adoption petitions and home studies (confidential)
• Restraining orders and abuse prevention filings

Case Docket Sheets:

• Chronological listing of all case events
• Filing dates for all documents
• Hearing dates and outcomes
• Judge assignments
• Attorney appearances
• Fee payments
• Service information
• Judgment information

Court records also typically include administrative documents such as notices of appearance, certificates of service, and scheduling orders. Certain sensitive information may be redacted pursuant to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Rule 1:24 on Personal Identifying Information.

How Long Does Bristol County Keep Court Records?

Bristol County courts retain records according to the Massachusetts Judicial Records Retention Schedule established by the Supreme Judicial Court. Retention periods vary by document type and case category:

Superior Court Records:

• Criminal case files: Permanently retained
• First-degree murder cases: Permanently retained
• Civil case files: 20 years after case closure
• Tort and contract actions: 10 years after final judgment
• Docket books and indices: Permanently retained
• Grand jury proceedings: Permanently retained

District Court Records:

• Criminal case files: 10 years after case closure
• Civil case files: 10 years after final disposition
• Small claims records: 6 years after judgment
• Traffic citations: 6 years after final disposition
• Restraining orders: 10 years after expiration
• Mental health commitments: 30 years

Probate and Family Court Records:

• Divorce decrees: Permanently retained
• Adoption records: Permanently retained
• Estate administration: Permanently retained
• Guardianship/conservatorship: 6 years after termination
• Paternity cases: Permanently retained
• Child support orders: Until child reaches age 23 plus 3 years

Juvenile Court Records:

• Delinquency cases: Until subject reaches age 27
• Child welfare cases: 25 years after case closure
• Youthful offender cases: Permanently retained

After the retention period expires, records may be transferred to the Massachusetts Archives for historical preservation or destroyed according to approved procedures. Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 221, § 27, court clerks are responsible for maintaining records according to these schedules.

Electronic records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records. The Massachusetts court system is gradually implementing electronic document management systems that will facilitate long-term digital preservation of court records.

Types of Courts In Bristol County

Bristol County's court system consists of several court types, each with specific jurisdiction and record-keeping responsibilities:

Bristol County Superior Court
441 County Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
(508) 996-2051
Bristol County Superior Court

Bristol County Superior Court - Fall River Session
186 South Main Street
Fall River, MA 02720
(508) 491-3300
Bristol County Superior Court

Bristol County Superior Court - Taunton Session
9 Court Street
Taunton, MA 02780
(508) 823-6588
Bristol County Superior Court

Bristol County Probate and Family Court
40 Broadway
Taunton, MA 02780
(508) 977-6040
Bristol County Probate and Family Court

Bristol County Juvenile Court
289 Rock Street
Fall River, MA 02720
(508) 676-0090
Bristol County Juvenile Court

Fall River District Court
186 South Main Street
Fall River, MA 02720
(508) 491-3310
Fall River District Court

New Bedford District Court
75 North Sixth Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
(508) 999-9700
New Bedford District Court

Taunton District Court
40 Broadway
Taunton, MA 02780
(508) 977-6150
Taunton District Court

Attleboro District Court
88 North Main Street
Attleboro, MA 02703
(508) 222-5900
Attleboro District Court

Bristol County Housing Court
25 North Sixth Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
(508) 990-3227
Bristol County Housing Court

The Massachusetts court system follows a hierarchical structure:

1. District/Municipal Courts (first-level trial courts)
2. Superior Court (higher-level trial court)
3. Massachusetts Appeals Court (intermediate appellate court)
4. Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (highest state court)

What Types of Cases Do Bristol County Courts Hear?

Bristol County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their jurisdictional authority:

Bristol County Superior Court:

• Serious criminal cases (felonies carrying potential state prison sentences)
• Civil matters with claims exceeding $25,000
• Medical malpractice lawsuits
• Land use and real property disputes
• Complex commercial litigation
• Administrative appeals from state agencies
• Jury trials in both civil and criminal matters

Bristol County District Courts:

• Criminal misdemeanors and lesser felonies
• Civil cases with claims up to $25,000
• Small claims matters (up to $7,000)
• Traffic violations and operating under influence cases
• Civil restraining orders and harassment prevention orders
• Mental health commitment proceedings
• Preliminary hearings in felony cases

Bristol County Probate and Family Court:

• Divorce and separation proceedings
• Child custody and visitation disputes
• Child support establishment and enforcement
• Alimony determinations
• Paternity establishment
• Adoption proceedings
• Guardianships and conservatorships
• Estate administration and probate
• Will contests and trust disputes
• Name change petitions

Bristol County Juvenile Court:

• Delinquency proceedings for minors
• Youthful offender cases
• Child requiring assistance (CRA) petitions
• Care and protection proceedings
• Child abuse and neglect cases
• Termination of parental rights
• Juvenile diversion programs

Bristol County Housing Court:

• Landlord-tenant disputes
• Eviction proceedings
• Code enforcement actions
• Sanitary code violations
• Housing discrimination claims
• Small claims related to housing matters
• Appeals from local housing authorities

Each court maintains separate record-keeping systems for the cases within its jurisdiction, though the Massachusetts Trial Court is implementing unified electronic case management systems to improve record accessibility across court departments.

How To Find a Court Docket In Bristol County

Court dockets in Bristol County can be accessed through several methods, providing case chronology and scheduled proceedings:

Online Docket Access:

• Visit the Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access portal
• Select the appropriate court department (Superior, District, Probate)
• Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date)
• View docket sheet showing chronological case events
• Note that some case types may have restricted online access

In-Person Docket Requests:

• Visit the clerk's office at the courthouse where the case is filed
• Provide case number or party names to the clerk
• Request to view the docket sheet or case file
• Public access terminals may be available for self-service searching
• No fee for viewing dockets, though copying fees apply

Docket Information by Phone:

• Contact the clerk's office of the specific court
• Provide case number when calling
• Basic docket information may be provided by phone
• Detailed information typically requires in-person or online access

Attorney Access:

• Attorneys registered with the Massachusetts Attorney Portal have enhanced access
• Electronic filing attorneys can view their cases' dockets remotely
• Access includes scheduling information and document filing status

For criminal cases, the Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) system provides docket information for criminal history checks, though access is restricted based on requestor status.

Daily court calendars listing scheduled hearings are typically posted on bulletin boards at each courthouse and may be available on the Massachusetts Court System website for some courts.

Which Courts in Bristol County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Massachusetts, "courts of record" are those that maintain comprehensive verbatim transcripts of proceedings and whose decisions may serve as binding precedent. Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 218, § 26, certain courts in Bristol County are not classified as courts of record:

Small Claims Sessions:

• Operate within District Courts but follow simplified procedures
• Proceedings are not recorded verbatim
• Judgments do not create binding precedent
• Appeals are heard de novo (completely new hearing) in District Court
• Maximum claim amount limited to $7,000 ($15,000 for property damage from motor vehicle accidents)

Civil Motor Vehicle Infraction (CMVI) Hearings:

• Conducted by clerk-magistrates or hearing officers
• No verbatim record of proceedings is maintained
• Informal process without rules of evidence
• Appeals from CMVI hearings go to District Court for de novo hearing

Show Cause Hearings:

• Preliminary hearings to determine if criminal complaints should issue
• Conducted by clerk-magistrates
• No official transcript is created
• Not considered formal court proceedings

Mediation Sessions:

• Court-connected alternative dispute resolution
• No official record of discussions is maintained
• Confidential proceedings not entered into court record
• Agreements reached become enforceable only when filed with the court

While these proceedings occur within Bristol County courthouses, they are not considered formal "courts of record" under Massachusetts law. The distinction is important for appeal purposes, as appeals from non-record courts typically result in completely new hearings rather than reviews of legal errors based on a transcript.

All other Bristol County courts, including Superior Court, District Court (for regular civil and criminal sessions), Probate and Family Court, Juvenile Court, and Housing Court are courts of record that maintain official transcripts and whose decisions may have precedential value.

Lookup Court Records in Bristol County