Bristol County Divorce Records

What Are Bristol County Divorce Records?

Bristol County divorce records are official legal documents maintained by the Massachusetts Trial Court that document the dissolution of marriage within Bristol County. These records are governed by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 208, which establishes the legal framework for divorce proceedings in the Commonwealth. Divorce records serve as the authoritative documentation of a marriage's legal termination and typically include multiple documents generated throughout the divorce process.

Bristol County divorce records generally consist of:

• Petition or complaint for divorce
• Summons and proof of service
• Financial statements of both parties
• Child custody and support agreements (if applicable)
• Property division settlements
• Final judgment of divorce (divorce decree)

These records are maintained by the Bristol County Probate and Family Court, which has jurisdiction over divorce proceedings in the county. Divorce records serve numerous important purposes, including:

• Providing legal proof of marital status change
• Enabling remarriage
• Documenting legal name changes
• Supporting applications for Social Security benefits
• Verifying status for loan applications
• Establishing eligibility for immigration matters
• Serving as evidence in subsequent legal proceedings

Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 208 § 21, divorce judgments become absolute after the statutory waiting period, at which point the divorce is finalized and recorded as an official public record.

Are Bristol County Divorce Records Public?

Bristol County divorce records have a nuanced public access status governed by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66 § 10, the state's public records law, and specific provisions within family law statutes. The accessibility of these records varies based on the specific document type and the information contained therein.

Court divorce case files in Bristol County are generally considered public records with important exceptions:

• Basic case information (parties' names, case numbers, filing dates) is publicly accessible
• Financial statements and sensitive personal information may be impounded or redacted
• Cases involving domestic violence may have restricted access under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 209A
• Records containing information about minor children have heightened privacy protections
• Cases sealed by judicial order are not publicly accessible

Certified divorce certificates, which provide official verification of a divorce, have more restricted access. Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 46 § 19, these certificates are available only to:

• The divorced parties themselves
• Legal representatives with proper authorization
• Individuals with a demonstrable legitimate interest
• Certain government agencies for official purposes

The Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics maintains the official index of divorce records, while the Bristol County Probate and Family Court maintains the complete case files.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Bristol County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Bristol County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The appropriate approach depends on the specific information needed and the requester's relationship to the case.

For divorce records from 1952 to the present, individuals may:

1. Visit the Bristol County Probate and Family Court in person:
   • Request access to public divorce case files at the clerk's office
   • Provide the names of both parties and approximate date of divorce
   • Present valid government-issued photo identification
   • Pay applicable search and copy fees

Bristol County Probate and Family Court
40 Broadway, Suite 240
Taunton, MA 02780
(508) 977-6040
Bristol Probate and Family Court

2. Submit a written request to the court by mail:

   • Include names of both parties, approximate divorce date, and case number (if known)
   • Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
   • Include payment for applicable fees
   • Provide contact information for follow-up questions

3. Request a verification of divorce from the Registry of Vital Records and Statistics:

   • Complete the Application for Vital Record
   • Provide required identification and documentation of eligibility
   • Submit applicable fees

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

For divorce records prior to 1952, researchers should contact:

Massachusetts Archives
220 Morrissey Boulevard
Boston, MA 02125
(617) 727-2816
Massachusetts Archives

Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 262 § 39, fees apply for searches and copies of divorce records.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Bristol County Online?

Bristol County offers limited online access to divorce record information through the Massachusetts Trial Court's electronic systems. While comprehensive divorce case files are not available online to the general public, basic case information can be accessed through digital platforms.

The Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access system provides:

• Basic case information including parties' names
• Case numbers and filing dates
• Scheduled hearing dates
• Case status information
• Docket entries listing filed documents

To access this information online:

1. Visit the Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access portal
2. Select "Bristol County Probate and Family Court" from the court dropdown menu
3. Enter search criteria (names of parties, case number if known)
4. Review the basic case information displayed
5. Note that document contents are not viewable online

For attorneys and parties to cases, the Massachusetts Court Electronic Filing system (MassCourts) provides additional access:

MassCourts E-Filing
Massachusetts Court Electronic Filing

Researchers should note that online access has significant limitations:

• Complete case files are not available online to the general public
• Confidential or impounded cases will not appear in search results
• Cases involving domestic violence may have restricted visibility
• Financial statements and sensitive documents are not accessible online
• Historical records (generally pre-2000) may not be included in the electronic system

For comprehensive access to divorce records, in-person visits to the Bristol County Probate and Family Court remain necessary.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Bristol County?

Members of the public may access certain divorce record information in Bristol County without payment, though comprehensive searches and document copies typically involve fees. The following methods provide free or low-cost access to basic divorce record information:

1. In-person inspection at the Bristol County Probate and Family Court:
   • Visit the public access terminals at the courthouse during regular business hours
   • Basic case information can be viewed without charge
   • Document inspection is available for public records at no cost
   • Fees apply only for printed copies or certified documents

Bristol County Probate and Family Court
40 Broadway, Suite 240
Taunton, MA 02780
(508) 977-6040
Bristol Probate and Family Court

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

2. Public library resources:
   • Bristol County public libraries may offer access to:
   • Historical newspaper archives with divorce announcements
   • Genealogical research databases
   • Local history collections with court records

Bristol Public Library
5 High Street
Bristol, MA 02809
(508) 252-4236
Bristol Public Library

3. Massachusetts Archives for historical records:
   • Research room available for public use
   • Staff assistance for locating historical divorce records
   • Viewing historical records is free; copy fees may apply

Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66 § 10(a), public records must be accessible for inspection without charge, though reasonable fees may be assessed for copies or extensive searches.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Bristol County

Bristol County divorce records comprise a comprehensive collection of documents generated throughout the divorce proceeding. These records document the legal process from initial filing through final judgment and contain detailed information about the dissolution of marriage.

A complete divorce case file typically includes:

• Initial complaint or petition for divorce

  • States grounds for divorce (irretrievable breakdown or fault-based)
  • Identifies both parties and marriage details
  • Requests specific relief (property division, support, custody)

• Summons and return of service

  • Documents proper notification to the responding party
  • Establishes court jurisdiction over both parties

• Financial statements (may be impounded)

  • Sworn statements of assets, liabilities, income, and expenses
  • Supporting documentation such as tax returns and pay stubs
  • Business valuations and property appraisals

• Child-related documents (if applicable)

  • Parenting plans and custody agreements
  • Child support calculations and orders
  • Guardian ad litem reports (typically confidential)

• Temporary orders

  • Interim arrangements for support, custody, and property
  • Restraining orders or abuse prevention orders if applicable

• Settlement agreements

  • Negotiated terms for property division
  • Alimony/spousal support arrangements
  • Debt allocation agreements

• Judgment of divorce

  • Final court decree dissolving the marriage
  • Court's orders regarding property, support, and custody
  • Name restoration orders if applicable

• Post-judgment modifications (if any)

  • Changes to support, custody, or other provisions
  • Enforcement actions for non-compliance

The divorce certificate, maintained by the Registry of Vital Records and Statistics pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 46 § 17, contains more limited information:

• Names of both parties
• Date and place of divorce
• Docket number
• Court of jurisdiction
• Date of marriage
• Number of children (if any)

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Bristol County?

Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Bristol County have several options for obtaining certified documentation. The appropriate method depends on the specific purpose for which proof is needed and the time period in which the divorce occurred.

For official proof of divorce, individuals may:

1. Obtain a certified copy of the divorce decree from the Bristol County Probate and Family Court:
   • Submit a written request to the court clerk
   • Provide names of both parties, case number (if known), and approximate date of divorce
   • Present valid identification
   • Pay the certification fee (currently $20.00-$40.00 depending on document length)

Bristol County Probate and Family Court
40 Broadway, Suite 240
Taunton, MA 02780
(508) 977-6040
Bristol Probate and Family Court

2. Request a Certificate of Divorce Absolute from the Registry of Vital Records and Statistics:
   • Complete the Application for Vital Record
   • Provide required identification
   • Submit the applicable fee (currently $20.00 per copy)
   • Note that these certificates are available for divorces from 1952 to present

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

3. For divorces prior to 1952, contact the Massachusetts Archives:
   • Submit a research request form
   • Provide as much information as possible about the divorce
   • Pay applicable research and copy fees

Massachusetts Archives
220 Morrissey Boulevard
Boston, MA 02125
(617) 727-2816
Massachusetts Archives

Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 208 § 21, divorce judgments become absolute after the statutory waiting period (typically 90-120 days), at which point official proof of divorce becomes available.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Bristol County?

While divorce proceedings in Bristol County are generally matters of public record, Massachusetts law provides several mechanisms through which certain aspects of divorce cases may be kept confidential. The confidentiality of divorce records is governed by various provisions in Massachusetts law and court rules.

Specific elements of divorce cases that may be confidential include:

• Financial statements and related documents

  • Automatically impounded pursuant to Massachusetts Probate and Family Court Supplemental Rule 401
  • Accessible only to parties, their attorneys, and court personnel
  • Requires court order for third-party access

• Records involving minor children

  • Guardian ad litem reports
  • Custody evaluations
  • School and medical records
  • Protected under various privacy provisions

• Cases involving domestic violence

  • Address confidentiality under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 209A
  • Safety-related impoundments
  • Restraining order information may have restricted access

• Court-ordered impoundments

  • Parties may petition the court to impound specific documents
  • Judge may order impoundment to protect privacy, safety, or proprietary information
  • Governed by Massachusetts Uniform Rules on Impoundment Procedure

• Complete case sealing

  • Rare but possible in exceptional circumstances
  • Requires showing of good cause
  • May be granted to protect safety, prevent identity theft, or safeguard sensitive information

Parties seeking confidentiality for divorce records must typically:

1. File a motion for impoundment with the court
2. Demonstrate good cause for confidentiality
3. Specify the exact documents to be impounded
4. Propose a time period for impoundment

The court balances privacy interests against the presumption of public access to court records when considering such requests.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Bristol County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Bristol County varies significantly based on multiple factors, including case complexity, level of agreement between parties, court caseload, and the specific divorce process chosen. Massachusetts recognizes both no-fault and fault-based divorces, each with different timelines.

For uncontested no-fault divorces (1A):

• Minimum timeframe: 90-120 days from filing to final judgment
• Typical timeframe: 3-6 months
• Required waiting period: 30 days after hearing before judgment becomes absolute
• Joint petition streamlines the process
• Pre-filing agreement on all issues expedites resolution

For contested no-fault divorces (1B):

• Minimum timeframe: 6 months from filing to final judgment
• Typical timeframe: 10-14 months
• Required waiting period: 90 days after judgment nisi before becoming absolute
• Discovery process adds 3-6 months
• Temporary orders hearings may extend timeline

For fault-based divorces:

• Minimum timeframe: 6-12 months
• Typical timeframe: 12-24 months
• Required evidence gathering extends process
• Trial preparation and scheduling add significant time
• Post-trial motions may further extend finalization

According to the Massachusetts Court System's annual statistics, the average time to disposition for divorce cases in Bristol County is approximately 10.2 months, though this varies by case type and complexity.

Factors that may extend the divorce timeline include:

• Complex asset division requiring business valuations or property appraisals
• Child custody disputes necessitating guardian ad litem investigations
• Discovery disputes requiring court intervention
• Court congestion and scheduling delays
• Attempts at reconciliation or mediation
• Post-judgment modification requests

Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 208 § 1B, no-fault divorces require a 6-month separation period before filing or proof that the marriage is irretrievably broken at the time of filing.

How Long Does Bristol County Keep Divorce Records?

Bristol County divorce records are subject to comprehensive retention schedules established by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court and the Massachusetts Archives. These schedules ensure the preservation of these important legal documents while balancing administrative practicality.

The retention periods for divorce records in Bristol County are as follows:

• Case files and judgments:

  • Permanent retention at the Bristol County Probate and Family Court
  • Never destroyed or purged
  • Eventually transferred to the Massachusetts Archives for historical preservation
  • Governed by Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Rule 1:11

• Divorce certificates:

  • Permanent retention at the Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
  • Maintained as essential vital records
  • Subject to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 46 § 17

• Electronic case information:

  • Permanent retention in the MassCourts database
  • Basic case information maintained indefinitely
  • Document images preserved according to court rules

• Exhibits and evidence:

  • Typically returned to parties after appeal period expires
  • If retained, preserved for minimum of 6 years
  • May be destroyed after retention period unless reclaimed

• Financial statements:

  • Retained for minimum of 6 years after case closure
  • Subject to impoundment during and after proceedings
  • Eventually destroyed pursuant to court rules

Historical divorce records (generally pre-1952) are maintained at:

Massachusetts Archives
220 Morrissey Boulevard
Boston, MA 02125
(617) 727-2816
Massachusetts Archives

The Massachusetts Archives maintains these records permanently as historical documents and makes them available for research purposes.

How To Get a Divorce In Bristol County

Individuals seeking divorce in Bristol County must follow specific procedures established by Massachusetts law. The process varies depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested and whether it is filed on fault or no-fault grounds.

For an uncontested no-fault divorce (1A):

1. Prepare and file joint petition for divorce

   • Complete Joint Petition for Divorce Form CJD-101A
   • Draft separation agreement addressing all issues
   • Complete financial statements (Short Form or Long Form)
   • File at Bristol County Probate and Family Court with filing fee

2. Attend hearing

   • Both parties must appear
   • Judge reviews agreement for fairness
   • If approved, judgment nisi is entered

3. Wait for judgment to become absolute

   • 30-day waiting period after hearing
   • No additional hearing required
   • Certificate of Absolute Divorce issued

For a contested no-fault divorce (1B):

1. Prepare and file complaint

   • Complete Complaint for Divorce Form CJD-101B
   • File at Bristol County Probate and Family Court with filing fee
   • Serve complaint on spouse through constable or sheriff

2. Complete discovery process

   • Exchange financial information
   • Depose witnesses if necessary
   • Negotiate potential settlement

3. Attend pretrial conference and trial if necessary

   • Present evidence to court
   • Judge issues judgment
   • 90-day waiting period before judgment becomes absolute

Bristol County Probate and Family Court
40 Broadway, Suite 240
Taunton, MA 02780
(508) 977-6040
Bristol Probate and Family Court

Filing fees (subject to change):

• Joint Petition (1A): $215
• Complaint (1B or fault): $215
• Fee waiver available for qualifying low-income individuals

Alternative dispute resolution options:

• Mediation through court-connected programs
• Private mediation services
• Collaborative divorce process

Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 208 § 1A, couples filing jointly must certify that an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage has occurred and submit a notarized separation agreement.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Bristol County

Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in Bristol County have several options for obtaining the necessary divorce papers. These documents are the foundation of the legal process and must be completed accurately to avoid delays.

To obtain divorce papers in Bristol County:

1. Download forms from the Massachusetts Court System website:

   • Access the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court forms page
   • Select appropriate forms based on divorce type:
     • Joint Petition for Divorce (1A) - Form CJD-101A
     • Complaint for Divorce (1B) - Form CJD-101B
     • Complaint for Divorce with fault grounds - Form CJD-101

2. Visit the Bristol County Probate and Family Court:

   • Request forms from the clerk's office
   • Staff can identify required documents based on situation
   • Some basic guidance on completion may be available

Bristol County Probate and Family Court
40 Broadway, Suite 240
Taunton, MA 02780
(508) 977-6040
Bristol Probate and Family Court

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

3. Utilize Court Service Centers:
   • Free assistance with form identification and completion
   • No legal advice but procedural guidance available
   • Help with fee waiver applications if eligible

Bristol County Court Service Center
40 Broadway, Suite 240
Taunton, MA 02780
(508) 977-6040
Court Service Centers

4. Seek assistance from legal aid organizations:
   • South Coastal Counties Legal Services provides help to qualifying low-income individuals
   • Limited representation may be available

South Coastal Counties Legal Services
22 Bedford Street
Fall River, MA 02720
(800) 244-9023
South Coastal Counties Legal Services

Essential divorce forms typically include:

• Petition or complaint
• Summons
• Financial statement (Short Form or Long Form)
• Affidavit of Indigency (if seeking fee waiver)
• Certified copy of marriage certificate
• Separation agreement (for joint petitions)
• Child support guidelines worksheet (if children involved)

Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 208 § 1A and § 1B, specific forms are required depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested and whether fault grounds are alleged.

Lookup Divorce Records in Bristol County