Massachusetts Court Records - Massachusetts Court Records

Massachusetts court records provide open access to legal information filed across the state’s judicial system. These records help the public find accurate details about civil cases, criminal charges, family matters, probate decisions, and traffic violations. Whether you’re checking your own legal history, following a case, or conducting a background search, this site simplifies the process with an easy-to-use search tool.

This is a public information platform that compiles court records from various official sources across Massachusetts. While we aim to make legal data easier to access, please note that this website is not affiliated with any state or local government agency. It serves as an independent portal that organizes publicly available court records for faster, more convenient searching. All users are encouraged to use the information responsibly.

What Are Massachusetts Court Records?

Massachusetts court records are official documents created or filed during legal proceedings in state courts. These records provide a written history of what happens in court, offering details that are useful to the public, legal professionals, journalists, and researchers.

They serve several purposes — from documenting court decisions to providing transparency in the judicial process. These records can support background checks, help resolve disputes, or verify legal outcomes. Whether someone is looking into a civil lawsuit, criminal case, family court matter, or probate proceeding, court records give access to verified information from credible sources.

Types of Court Records

Massachusetts court records include a wide range of documents, each with specific functions:

Case Dockets: Summarize each case’s procedural history, listing events, motions, hearings, and filings.
Transcripts: Word-for-word accounts of what was said in court, usually prepared by court reporters.
Court Filings: Includes complaints, motions, judgments, orders, and other documents submitted by parties or issued by the court.
Judgments and Sentencing: Final decisions in criminal or civil cases, including penalties, settlements, or custody arrangements.
Probate Records: Wills, estate settlements, and guardianship matters handled by probate courts.

Each of these documents forms part of a public archive that supports open access to the legal process in Massachusetts.

Why Are These Records Public?

Massachusetts court records are made public under the Massachusetts Public Records Law and supported by federal principles like the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). These laws promote transparency by allowing anyone to review and request public government records — including those from the judicial branch.

The idea is simple: the legal system must remain open to public scrutiny to maintain accountability and fairness. This openness also helps build trust in how justice is administered.

That said, public access does not mean unlimited access. Certain sensitive materials are excluded to protect privacy and safety, as described below.

Are All Records Accessible?

Not every court record in Massachusetts is open for public review. Some are restricted for legal, safety, or privacy reasons. Examples include:

Juvenile Cases: Court records involving minors are usually sealed to protect their identities and prevent future harm.
Mental Health Proceedings: Records related to psychiatric evaluations or involuntary commitments are often confidential.
Sealed or Expunged Records: In some situations, a court may order a case to be sealed or removed entirely from public view. This could follow rehabilitation, legal motions, or evidence of wrongful conviction.
Protective Orders: Cases involving domestic violence or stalking may include sealed sections to protect the victim.

Access to these records is typically limited to involved parties, legal representatives, or individuals with a valid court order.

Types of Massachusetts Courts and Their Records

Massachusetts has several types of courts, each responsible for different kinds of cases and records. Understanding what each court handles helps users find the exact records they need, whether for background checks, personal legal matters, or property issues.

This section offers a straightforward overview of each court and explains how to search records efficiently. All information is based on public sources and official court functions, accurate as of July 2025.

District Court Records

District Courts in Massachusetts deal with lower-level criminal and civil cases. These courts are usually the first stop for common legal issues.

What They Handle:

Misdemeanor offenses (e.g., shoplifting, minor assault)
Traffic violations
Civil cases with damages up to $50,000
Small claims and ordinance violations

How to Search District Court Records:

You can search records by visiting the Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access (eAccess) system. Searches can be done using a name, docket number, or case type. Some older records may require an in-person request at the courthouse.

Relevant District Courts:

There are over 60 District Courts statewide. Common ones include:

Boston Municipal Court
Worcester District Court
Lowell District Court
Springfield District Court

Each location may manage records differently, so it’s helpful to check their contact details or visit in person for specific file access.

Superior Court Records

The Superior Court handles more serious criminal and civil cases. These courts maintain records that are often used in background checks, civil lawsuits, and professional disputes.

What They Handle:

Felony criminal cases (e.g., burglary, armed robbery)
Civil lawsuits with claims above $50,000
Medical malpractice
Labor disputes
Real estate disputes involving significant financial claims

Court Structure & Records Included:

Each of the 14 counties in Massachusetts has a Superior Court. The records usually include:

Arrest records
Pre-trial motions
Verdicts
Sentencing information
Civil complaints and decisions

Search tools include the same Access portal, but due to privacy rules, certain felony cases might only be viewable at the court itself. Certified copies usually come with a small fee, often $5–$15 per page.

Family & Probate Court Records

This court type handles emotionally charged and sensitive legal matters. Family and Probate Court records are sometimes partially restricted to protect children or confidential family data.

Common Case Types:

Divorce
Child custody
Adoption
Guardianship
Wills and estates

What Is Available Online vs. In-Person:

You can check basic docket information on the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court Case Finder. However, full records—such as divorce settlements, custody evaluations, or financial affidavits—are usually only accessible in person.

Counties and Access:

Each county has at least one Family & Probate Court. Common ones include:

Middlesex Probate and Family Court
Suffolk Probate and Family Court
Essex Probate and Family Court

Paper files may require a court visit with a valid photo ID. Some adoption records are permanently sealed and cannot be accessed without a court order.

Land Court & Housing Court Records

These two courts manage property and housing-related disputes, which often involve paperwork essential for legal ownership, rentals, or foreclosure proceedings.

Land Court:

Handles disputes about:

Property boundaries
Title issues
Deeds
Zoning appeals

Housing Court:

Covers cases like:

Evictions (both residential and commercial)
Housing code enforcement
Tenant-landlord disputes
Illegal occupancy

Record Access:

Some case summaries can be found on MassCourts, but full documents—such as property surveys, eviction judgments, or lien information—are stored at the courthouse. Title reports and land surveys may also be accessible via the Registry of Deeds.

Housing Court records are especially helpful for landlords or tenants researching previous eviction cases or complaints.

Appellate & Supreme Judicial Court Records

These courts review decisions from lower courts. While they don’t handle new cases, they generate important legal opinions and decisions that may impact future cases.

Appellate Court:

Reviews appeals from trial courts
Does not accept new evidence—only reviews the record

Supreme Judicial Court (SJC):

Highest court in Massachusetts
Oversees attorney discipline
Issues legal opinions that shape state law

What Records Are Generated:

Written opinions
Case summaries
Oral argument recordings
Final rulings on appealed cases

How to Access These Records:

Many of these documents are public and can be accessed through:

Massachusetts Appellate Courts Case Lookup
Supreme Judicial Court Opinions Archive

Users can search by case name, docket number, or date. These records are useful for legal professionals, researchers, and citizens trying to understand precedent-setting decisions.

Common Records Available in Massachusetts Courts

Massachusetts court records help people access important legal documents related to civil, criminal, family, and probate matters. These public records provide useful details for anyone trying to verify legal actions, check someone’s background, or review past cases. Most records are managed by the Massachusetts Trial Court and can be found online or requested in person. Below are the main types of court records available.

Civil Records

Civil court records cover non-criminal legal disputes between individuals, businesses, or organizations. These cases often involve:

Lawsuits: This includes personal injury claims, breach of contract, small claims, and other private legal disputes. Information generally includes the names of the parties involved, the case number, filing date, court location, and case outcome.
Restraining Orders: These records show protective orders issued by a court, typically involving domestic violence or harassment. Public access may be limited for safety reasons, especially if sensitive personal data is involved.
Eviction Filings: Known as summary process cases in Massachusetts, eviction records show whether a landlord has filed to remove a tenant. These filings list the property address, involved parties, filing dates, and court decisions.

Civil court records are publicly accessible in most cases and can be searched through the Massachusetts Trial Court’s online tools like MassCourts.org. Older or sealed records may require direct requests at the courthouse where the case was filed.

Criminal Records

Criminal court records in Massachusetts document charges filed by the state against a person or entity. These include minor violations as well as serious felony cases. Common types of information include:

Arrests: While not every arrest results in a conviction, records may show booking details, arresting agency, and the charges filed.
Sentencing:This section of the record outlines the penalties a person received after being found guilty. It may include jail time, probation, fines, or community service.
Bail: If bail was set or paid, records will show the amount and whether the individual was released pending trial.

The Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) system allows eligible users to request official criminal background checks. For general public viewing, criminal case files may be available via the MassCourts system or at the courthouse where the charges were filed. Not all details are publicly visible—some records may be sealed or restricted.

Marriage & Divorce Records

Family-related court records help verify changes in personal status, such as marriage or divorce. These documents are often required for legal, financial, or immigration purposes.

Where to Request Official Copies – Certified copies of marriage and divorce records are issued by different agencies:
- Marriage records: Available through the Registry of Vital Records and Statistics or the local city or town hall where the marriage license was filed.
- Divorce records: Maintained by the Probate and Family Court in the county where the divorce was granted. Copies may include the divorce judgment and property settlement orders.
What’s Viewable Online – While summaries of divorce cases may be available via MassCourts, full access to documents typically requires a trip to the court or a formal request. Marriage indexes can also be found online, but certified copies are only issued upon request.

Note: Only certain parties (such as one of the spouses or an authorized agent) may obtain full records, especially if minors are involved or sensitive data is included.

Probate Records

Probate court handles matters involving deceased estates, guardianships, and related family issues. These Massachusetts court records are valuable for confirming legal rights to assets or caring for dependents.

Estates: Records include wills, inventories of assets, executor appointments, and distribution of property. These are useful for verifying inheritance rights or settling financial claims.
Guardianship: This section covers court-ordered responsibility for minors or incapacitated adults. Guardianship records help clarify who has legal authority over decisions related to healthcare, education, or finances.
Inheritance Cases: Disputes over a deceased person’s assets may result in contested probate cases. Documents often include court decisions, mediation records, and estate evaluations.

Probate records are maintained by the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court, with access varying by case type. Most records are public, but some may be sealed to protect vulnerable individuals.

How to Access Massachusetts Court Records

Many Massachusetts court records are available through the MassCourts online case search portal. Users can search by case number, party name, or court location. For records not listed online, individuals can visit the courthouse where the case was filed or request copies by mail.

Be aware that:

Copies of court records may involve fees (e.g., $2–$20 per page, depending on the court).
Some case types (such as juvenile or sealed records) are restricted.
Certified copies require formal identification and a processing time of 5–10 business days.

Why Massachusetts Court Records Matter

Whether you’re researching a legal history, preparing for a case, verifying background information, or applying for citizenship, having access to accurate Massachusetts court records is critical. By understanding the types of records available—civil, criminal, marriage/divorce, and probate—you can better prepare and take the right steps.

If you need further help, contact the clerk’s office of the relevant Massachusetts court or use the self-help resources available at Mass.gov. Always verify the record’s authenticity, especially when using it for legal or official matters.

How to Search Massachusetts Court Records Online

Searching court records in Massachusetts doesn’t need to be frustrating or confusing. Whether you’re trying to access civil, criminal, probate, or family court information, knowing where and how to search helps you find accurate and up-to-date records faster. This guide covers practical ways to search court records online, what tools are available, and how to understand the results you find.

Step-by-Step Guide

Massachusetts court records are managed by different courts, including District Courts, Superior Courts, Probate and Family Courts, and Housing Courts. Your first step is to narrow your search by county or court location.

Search by County or Court

Choose the county where the case was filed. For instance:

Suffolk County (Boston)
Middlesex County (Cambridge, Lowell)
Worcester County
Hampden County (Springfield)

Each courthouse may maintain different types of records. It’s important to search in the right location for accurate results.

Using Name, Case Number, or Docket

You can search using:

Full name (first and last)
Docket number (usually starts with letters and ends with numbers, e.g., “BA1234CR”)
Case type or status (e.g., pending, closed)

For example, if you’re looking for a criminal case in Worcester County from 2023, you can enter the person’s name and filter by date.

Interpreting Court Record Details

Court records may include:

Case summary: filing date, charges, status
Party names: plaintiff, defendant, or respondent
Hearing information: past and upcoming dates
Judge or magistrate involved
Disposition or outcome

Be cautious—some information may be restricted, sealed, or available only in person. Always double-check dates and case numbers to avoid errors.

Online Tools & Resources

Massachusetts offers digital tools that help users locate case records without needing to visit the courthouse. Here’s a look at the most commonly used platforms:

eAccess Portal (Massachusetts Trial Court Case Search)

eAccess is the official online court case lookup tool for Trial Courts in Massachusetts. It allows public access to civil, small claims, and criminal records across most counties.

Features include:

Search by name or case number
View docket entries, hearing schedules
Available for District, Boston Municipal, Superior, Housing, Probate & Family Courts

Limitations:

Some cases (especially juvenile, mental health, sealed, or adoption records) won’t be visible.
Probate and Family Court documents like divorce filings may show limited information.

Third-Party Services (With Disclaimers)

Private record search websites like BeenVerified, TruthFinder, or Instant Checkmate also offer Massachusetts court record lookups. While convenient, they may charge a fee and are not official sources.

Always verify findings through eAccess or the relevant courthouse. These platforms often aggregate data that may be outdated or incomplete.

Average costs for third-party services:

Monthly access: $27–$35
One-time report: $10–$20

Use these tools for general information only, not for certified or legal use.

Where Official Records Must Be Requested In Person

Some court records must be requested directly from the courthouse, including:

Certified copies of judgments or orders
Records before 2000, which may not be digitized
Sealed records, which require a formal request and may be denied

Bring a valid photo ID and case information when requesting records in person. Copy fees vary, typically starting at $1.00 per page. Certified copies may cost an additional $2.50 per document.

You can visit the Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries for help on how to request specific records and what forms are needed.

Quick Tips for Searching Effectively:

Double-check spelling and date ranges
Use filters (civil/criminal/family)
Try multiple spellings if the name may vary
Note that some counties may update records weekly, not daily

Massachusetts Court Records by County

Massachusetts court records are organized by county, making it easier to locate documents related to civil, criminal, probate, family, and traffic cases. This section helps users access relevant information by outlining where and how to find records across major counties. Whether you’re checking the status of a criminal case, researching a probate file, or locating a traffic citation, knowing the right court and method can save time

Below is a breakdown of county-specific access, including court types, search tips, and contact details. Internal links to dedicated county pages are included for deeper information.

Suffolk County Court Records

Suffolk County includes Boston, Revere, Chelsea, and Winthrop, and it’s home to several high-traffic courts. These include the Suffolk Superior Court, Boston Municipal Court, and the Land Court, each with specific record types available to the public.

Courts and Record Types:

Superior Court: Handles felony criminal cases, civil lawsuits over $50,000, and appeals from other courts.
Land Court: Offers public access to title registration and property disputes.
Boston Municipal Court (BMC): Manages misdemeanors, civil claims under $50,000, and small claims.

How to Access

Online lookup tools through the Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access system.
Visit the Suffolk County Clerk’s Office at:
Three Pemberton Square, Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 788-8175

Search Tips

Use full names and case numbers when possible.
For older documents (pre-1990), visit the archives or request in person.

See Suffolk County Court Records Lookup for step-by-step help.

Norfolk County Court Records

Norfolk County includes cities like Quincy, Brookline, and Dedham. It’s widely known for accessible Family Court and Probate Court records.

Courts and Record Types:

Norfolk Probate and Family Court: Covers divorce, guardianship, estate, and adoption files.
District Courts: Handle misdemeanor criminal records, restraining orders, and motor vehicle cases.

Contact Information

Probate and Family Court
35 Shawmut Road, Canton, MA 02021
Phone: (781) 830-1200

Access Tips

Family law records are partially restricted for privacy, but docket information is public.
Most probate records from 2009 onward are available online via MassCourts.

Visit Norfolk County Records Search for access details.

Hampden County Court Records

Covering Springfield, Chicopee, and Westfield, Hampden County is known for high volumes of traffic violations and criminal filings. Efficient search tools and in-person options make accessing these records easier.

Courts and Record Types

Springfield District Court: Handles most traffic citations, minor criminal charges, and preliminary felony hearings.
Superior Court: For serious criminal offenses and large civil disputes.

Locations and Help Desks

Springfield District Court
50 State Street, Springfield, MA 01103
Phone: (413) 748-7758

Tips for Accessing Records:

For traffic tickets, use the Massachusetts RMV portal.
For recent criminal cases, check the public terminals at the courthouse.

View Hampden County Criminal & Traffic Records for search help.

Middlesex & Essex County Court Records

These counties serve the largest populations in Massachusetts, including Lowell, Cambridge, Lynn, and Lawrence. As a result, they handle a high case volume across all court types, from civil disputes to juvenile and criminal cases.

Key Courts:

Middlesex Superior Court (Woburn & Lowell): Civil litigation, serious felonies.
Essex County District Courts: Local cases such as DUIs, domestic disputes, and theft.
Juvenile Courts: Limited public access, but basic case information is available.

Court Locations:

Middlesex Superior Court
200 Trade Center, Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: (781) 939-2700
Essex County District Court (Salem)
56 Federal Street, Salem, MA 01970
Phone: (978) 744-1167

Search Suggestions:

Try combining your search by both case type and location.
Use MassCourts for general case lookup, but for juvenile and housing records, request in person.

Use Middlesex & Essex Records Portal for direct links to search forms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Massachusetts court records are valuable for legal professionals, researchers, and residents who need reliable access to case information. Whether you’re verifying a legal decision or requesting documents, it’s helpful to understand how the system works.

How can I access Massachusetts court records online?

You can search for Massachusetts court records online through the official MassCourts system. It allows public access to some civil, criminal, family, and probate cases using basic information like names or docket numbers. Sensitive records, such as juvenile or sealed cases, are not available online. Some private websites also provide court data, but accuracy should be verified through official sources.

Are Massachusetts court records free to view?

Many Massachusetts court records are available for free, especially when viewed on public terminals at the courthouse. The MassCourts portal also provides no-cost access to some records online. However, printed or certified copies may involve fees. As of 2025, certified copies can cost $2.50 per page and plain ones $0.50 per page, depending on the courthouse.

Is it possible to request a court transcript in Massachusetts?

Yes, you can request court transcripts by contacting the court’s audio office or a certified transcription service. You’ll need to provide details like the docket number and hearing date. Fees range between $3.50 and $6.00 per page, depending on how quickly you need the transcript. Most requests take about 5 to 14 business days.

What does it mean if a record is sealed in Massachusetts?

A sealed record is restricted from public view and usually involves juvenile cases or dismissed charges. Only certain individuals—like attorneys or authorized agencies—can access sealed records. The court may confirm a record exists but won’t release its contents unless you’re legally permitted to view it.

How long are Massachusetts court records kept?

Record retention depends on case type. Criminal cases are kept for up to 100 years, while civil and small claims cases may be stored for 7 to 30 years. Family court records are often permanent, and probate files are kept for at least 75 years. Older records may be transferred to the Massachusetts Archives.

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