Civil Court Records

Massachusetts Civil Court Records provide official details of non-criminal legal disputes handled by courts across the state. These public records include lawsuits, contract claims, landlord-tenant disagreements, and small claims. Each entry documents how the case progressed, including motions, hearing dates, outcomes, and judgments. People use these records for personal knowledge, legal follow-up, or research.

This page explains what civil court records contain, how they differ from criminal case files, and how to access them online or in person. You’ll also learn what’s publicly available, how to request copies, and how long records are kept. All information shared here is strictly for informational and personal use only—not for commercial screening or background checks.

What Are Civil Court Records in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts court records include civil court records that document non-criminal legal cases. These records provide detailed information about disputes between individuals, businesses, or organizations. Civil cases often involve matters such as contracts, property issues, family law, and personal injury claims. Unlike criminal cases, which focus on offenses against the state, civil cases address private rights and responsibilities. Massachusetts court records help ensure transparency by allowing the public to review the outcomes and proceedings of civil cases.

Massachusetts law generally allows public access to civil court records. This transparency helps ensure accountability and allows individuals to stay informed about legal matters that may affect them. People can view these records for various reasons, such as conducting background checks, researching property disputes, or following a lawsuit’s progress.

Definition & Scope

Civil cases cover a wide range of legal disputes that do not involve criminal charges. Common examples include divorce, child custody, landlord-tenant conflicts, debt collection, and contract disagreements. These cases are handled in courts that specifically address civil matters.

The content of civil court records typically includes the complaint filed, motions, court orders, hearing dates, and final judgments. Access to these records can help parties involved in a case stay updated and allow interested members of the public to review the court’s actions.

Who Maintains These Records?

In Massachusetts, civil court records are maintained by the Trial Court Department, which operates several divisions handling different types of cases. These divisions include:

• District Court: Handles small claims, landlord-tenant cases, and other civil matters involving lower amounts of money.
• Probate and Family Court: Focuses on family law issues such as divorce, adoption, wills, and guardianships.
• Superior Court: Deals with more serious civil cases involving larger sums of money or complex legal questions.
• Housing Court: Specializes in housing-related cases, including eviction and building code enforcement.
• Land Court: Concentrates on property disputes, title registration, and real estate cases.

Each division maintains its own records, which are accessible through the Massachusetts Trial Court’s public online system or at court clerk offices. The availability of records may vary based on the case type and privacy considerations.

Accessing Massachusetts court records allows individuals to track the status of a case, verify details, and obtain copies of official documents. The Trial Court provides helpful resources and guidance to assist users in locating the correct court and accessing the appropriate records efficiently.

Types of Civil Cases Available to the Public

Massachusetts court records give the public access to a wide range of civil case information. These records help residents, legal professionals, and researchers find case outcomes, check court dates, and understand court decisions. This section outlines the types of civil cases available and highlights which records may have access restrictions.

Case Categories

Massachusetts civil courts handle many different legal disputes between private parties. Most of these case records are public, although some may have limited details depending on the nature of the case. Below are the most common case types that people often look for:

Small Claims

Small claims court is designed for resolving low-value disputes quickly. In Massachusetts, small claims are limited to $7,000 (except for property damage caused by a motor vehicle). Common disputes involve unpaid rent, services not performed, or damage to property. These cases are usually resolved in District Court and are public unless sealed for a specific reason.

Landlord-Tenant (Eviction)

Housing disputes make up a large number of civil filings. Massachusetts courts handle eviction cases, known legally as “summary process” actions. These usually involve issues like non-payment of rent, lease violations, or termination of tenancy. Many eviction records are public, though sensitive personal details may be redacted in online versions.

Contract Disputes

When one party believes another has failed to meet a contract’s terms, it becomes a civil matter. These may include agreements for services, sales, loans, or construction projects. Most contract dispute cases are handled in Superior or District Court and are open to the public through the Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access (MassCourts) system.

Probate and Estate Matters

These cases deal with distributing a deceased person’s property. Probate courts also handle wills, estate inventories, and personal representatives. Massachusetts probate records are public unless sealed by the court, which can happen in cases involving disputes or sensitive estate details. Users can search probate case files by name or docket number through the court’s online portals or by visiting the court registry.

Guardianship

Guardianship cases involve appointing a legal guardian for minors or incapacitated adults. While the overall case may be accessible, medical evaluations or personal details are often sealed for privacy. Public access typically allows viewing of court orders, hearing dates, and guardian appointments but not the full case content.

Property Disputes

These involve disagreements over ownership, boundaries, easements, or land use. Massachusetts courts often handle these through civil filings in Land Court or Superior Court. Land records may be linked with these disputes, which are generally public and accessible through the state’s Land Court case database or MassCourts.

Family Law (Divorce, Custody – Limited Access)

Family law records can be partially public. Divorce case dockets and judgments are generally available, but sensitive information—such as child custody agreements, financial statements, or abuse allegations—may be restricted. Courts try to balance transparency with privacy, especially when children are involved.

Confidential or Restricted Records

Not all civil case records in Massachusetts are open for public review. Certain categories are protected by law due to the nature of the case, the people involved, or the type of information filed.

Juvenile Matters

Cases involving minors are almost always confidential. These include child welfare, delinquency, adoption, and parental rights matters. State law protects the identity and privacy of minors involved in legal actions. Court records for these cases are not accessible to the public without a court order.

Sealed Records

A judge may order a civil case or parts of it to be sealed. This can happen in settlements that include confidentiality clauses, cases involving trade secrets, or any matter where revealing information could cause harm. Sealed records are not available online or in court archives without special permission.

Mental Health Cases

Proceedings related to mental health commitments, treatment orders, or evaluations are not open to public view. These records involve personal medical information, and the law protects the privacy of individuals undergoing psychiatric evaluations or treatment.

How to Access Civil Court Records in Massachusetts

Massachusetts court records offer vital details about legal proceedings, helping people track case progress, confirm outcomes, or obtain documentation. Civil court records include disputes between individuals, organizations, or government bodies that do not involve criminal charges — such as Massachusetts Small Claims, landlord-tenant issues, contract disputes, or family matters. Accessing these records depends on the type of court, location, and your preferred method.

Massachusetts provides three main ways to access civil court records: online, in person, and by mail. You can also request copies, including certified versions, for official use. Here’s a breakdown of each option.

Online via MassCourts eAccess

MassCourts eAccess is a public portal for accessing some civil case records electronically. You can use it to check on cases in selected courts, view docket information, and track case activity.

Step-by-Step Search Process

1. Visit: https://www.masscourts.org
2. Select “Click Here to Search Public Records.”
3. Choose “Trial Court – eAccess.”
4. From the drop-down, pick the court department (e.g., District Court, Housing Court, etc.).
5. Select “Case Search” and input at least one of the following:
   • Case number (docket number)
   • Party name (last name, first name)
   • Attorney name (optional)
6. Click “Search.” Results will show a list of matching cases with docket activity summaries.

Tip: Using the exact docket number produces faster and more accurate results.

Limitations of Online Access

• Not all civil courts are included — for example, the Superior Court is not yet part of eAccess.
• Case details are limited. Full documents like motions or judgments are not viewable online.
• Some sensitive records (e.g., sealed cases, restraining orders) are not available on the portal.

If you can’t find the case online, you may need to contact the clerk’s office directly or visit in person.

In-Person Access at Clerk’s Office

Every courthouse in Massachusetts has a Clerk’s Office where you can request civil court records. This is often the most complete way to review or obtain case files.

What You Need to Provide

Bring as much of the following as possible:

• Full name of the parties involved
• Docket number (if known)
• Approximate filing date
• Name of the court where the case was filed

This helps the clerk locate the file quickly.

Hours, ID, and Fees

• Typical Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
• ID Required: Some offices may ask for a valid government-issued photo ID
• Fees:
  • Viewing case files is usually free
  • Printing pages typically costs $0.50–$1.00 per page
  • Certified copies have additional charges (see below)

If the case is archived or older than 7 years, expect some delays while the court retrieves the files.

Mail-in Requests

If you’re unable to visit the courthouse or need records from a specific case, sending a written request by mail is an option.

What to Include

Your letter should have:

• Your full name and return mailing address
• Names of the parties involved
• Docket number (if available)
• A clear list of the documents you’re requesting
• A contact phone number or email in case the court needs clarification
• A self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) for return mail
• Payment for copy fees (check or money order payable to “Commonwealth of Massachusetts”)

Fee Example:

• Basic copies: $2.50 per document
• Certified copies: $5.00 per document

Keep your request brief but complete. Most courts respond within 1–2 weeks, but timing may vary based on location and request size.

Downloadable or Certified Copies

Massachusetts courts provide both regular and certified copies of civil court records. While regular copies are for personal reference, certified versions are stamped and signed to confirm authenticity — often required for official use, such as immigration, housing applications, or employment disputes.

Access Level and Cost

• Regular Copies:
  • Available in person or by mail
  • $0.50–$1.00 per page
• Certified Copies:
  • In person or mail only
  • $5.00 for the first page, plus $2.00 per additional page
  • Additional notarization may cost $1.25

Downloadable copies may be available from some courts through third-party platforms or paid court services, but these may not be official or certified.

Key Differences Between Regular and Certified Copies

For legal or administrative needs, always request certified versions to avoid delays or rejections.

Sample Search Walkthrough (Online Access)

Searching Massachusetts Court Records online is one of the fastest ways to access public case details without visiting a courthouse. Whether you’re checking the status of a civil case, verifying a court date, or looking up a docket number, knowing how to use the state’s eAccess system correctly can save time and reduce confusion. This section walks you through the process step-by-step, helping you avoid common mistakes and understand what each part of the search means—so you can find accurate, up-to-date court information with ease.

Using eAccess to Search Massachusetts Court Records

Searching through Massachusetts Court Records online is simple if you follow a clear process. One of the most effective tools available is the Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access, also known as eAccess. This system provides public access to selected court case information and helps users find what they need without visiting the courthouse.

Let’s go through an example to help you understand how it works.

Step-by-Step Example (No Personal Data)

Suppose you’re looking for a civil case filed in Suffolk County in 2023. Here’s what the process looks like:

1. Go to the eAccess website:
   Visit the official site: https://www.masscourts.org/eservices/home.page.2
2. Choose ‘Search Public Records’:
   On the homepage, click the link labeled “Click Here for Public Access”. This takes you to the search form.
3. Pick the right court location:
   From the dropdown, select “Suffolk County Superior Court – Civil”.
4. Select ‘Case Search’ or ‘Party Search’:
   • Use ‘Case Search’ if you know the docket number.
   • Use ‘Party Search’ if you’re searching by the name of a person or business.
5. Enter search details:
   • For Party Search, enter the last name and first initial (e.g., “Smith J”).
   • For Case Search, enter the docket number (example: 2284CV00123).
6. Submit the search:
   Click the Search button. The results will appear below, showing basic case information such as the filing date, involved parties, and case status.
7. View the case details:
   Click the case number link to see more information like scheduled court dates, motions, and decisions.

Visual Explanation (If Screenshot Not Allowed)

• The Search Fields are located in the middle of the screen.
• The Case Search tab is on the left; Party Search is on the right.
• Results appear in a table format with clickable case numbers underlined in blue.
• Each record shows columns like Case Number, Filing Date, Party Name, and Court Name.

Troubleshooting Common Search Issues

Even with a correct search, sometimes no results appear. Here are common problems and how to fix them:

• Misspellings or extra spaces
  → Double-check spelling and avoid punctuation like commas or periods.
• Wrong court selection
  → Make sure you’re choosing the correct court type and county.
• Partial names not working
  → Try using only the last name and first initial. Avoid full middle names unless necessary.
• Docket number format is incorrect
  → Use the correct format like “2384CV00145”. Add zeroes if needed.
• No case filed yet
  → If the case was recently filed, it may not appear in the system for a few days.

If you’re still having trouble, refresh the page or try again later. The site sometimes slows down due to heavy traffic.

Accessing Archived or Older Civil Records

Massachusetts Court Records often include older civil case files that are no longer available online or through standard court portals. Users looking for records from before 2000 may need to follow different procedures than those accessing recent files. Below is a clear breakdown of how to retrieve these historical records, including where they are stored and how to request them.

Pre-2000 Records

Civil records filed before the year 2000 are usually kept by the Massachusetts Judicial Archives or the Trial Court Records Center. These older case files might not be digitally available, especially those dating back to the 1980s or earlier.

Many of these records require an in-person visit or a written request. To check availability before visiting, users can contact the Judicial Archives Division at the Massachusetts State Archives in Boston.

• 📍 Address: 220 Morrissey Blvd, Boston, MA 02125
• ☎ Phone: (617) 727-2816
• 🕘 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

The Archives often hold case dockets, pleadings, and decisions. To locate a file, users will need the case number, party name(s), and filing year. If the exact case number is unknown, court staff can assist with a docket search for a small fee (usually around $5–$10).

In some counties, like Suffolk and Middlesex, high-volume courts may store older files at off-site facilities. Requests may take 2–3 weeks to process.

Microfilm and Digital Conversion

Many Massachusetts counties began converting paper records to microfilm or digital formats between 1995 and 2005. Depending on the location, records from the late 1990s onward may exist on microfilm reels, DVDs, or archived servers.

Storage formats and access vary:

• Suffolk, Essex, and Worcester Counties: These counties use both microfilm and scanned PDFs. You may access them by visiting the clerk’s office or requesting copies by mail.
• Barnstable and Berkshire Counties: Older records here are primarily available on microfilm. Requests usually take 5–10 business days.
• Digital Access Projects: As of 2024, several pilot programs are underway to digitize case files and upload them to a secure court-access portal. These efforts focus on frequently requested civil actions such as foreclosure, contract disputes, and personal injury claims.

Some county courthouses allow on-site viewing of microfilm with help from staff. Public research terminals are available, though printing fees apply—typically 25¢ to 50¢ per page.

Legal Use, Restrictions, and Privacy Notice

Massachusetts court records are public documents provided for informational purposes. Accessing these records can help users learn more about legal matters, case details, and court procedures across the state. However, it’s important to understand what this access allows — and what it doesn’t.

Personal Use Only

Massachusetts court records on this site are made available for personal research and general information. They are not meant for commercial use, legal assessments, or professional background checks. Visitors may use them to:

• Learn about a civil or criminal case
• Check public record availability by county
• Understand timelines and outcomes of court hearings
• View docket entries and filing history

This information is publicly available under the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10), which governs access to state-held records.

Not FCRA-Compliant

The records shown here are not compliant with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). That means users cannot use this data to:

• Screen a person for a job
• Approve or deny rental housing
• Decide on extending credit or loans
• Evaluate someone for insurance or business contracts

FCRA compliance requires verified, up-to-date, and legally certified data from an accredited consumer reporting agency (CRA), which this site is not. Any misuse of these records may violate federal law and expose users to legal consequences.

No Connection to Official Courts

This site has no affiliation with the Massachusetts state courts or judiciary system. It operates independently to make selected public court records easier to find. All court decisions, filings, and records remain under the jurisdiction of the courts that issued them.

For certified or official copies, or for records not found here, users should contact the appropriate Massachusetts Trial Court Clerk’s Office or visit mass.gov.

No Guarantees of Accuracy

While we try to publish the most recent and correct data, the site does not guarantee that every court record is current, complete, or error-free. Data may be:

• Delayed due to reporting timelines
• Outdated due to administrative updates
• Incomplete due to redactions or sealed records

If you notice missing or incorrect data, we recommend double-checking with the court of origin. For time-sensitive legal matters, always consult an attorney or the clerk of courts directly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Understanding how Massachusetts court records work can save you time and frustration. Below are answers to some of the most common user concerns related to civil court records, including public access, certified copies, and the lifespan of case files.

Are civil court records public in Massachusetts?

Yes, most civil court records in Massachusetts are considered public documents. This includes case filings, motions, and final judgments. Anyone can request access unless the file is sealed by law. Cases involving sensitive issues like minors, mental health, or abuse might be restricted.

You can search for these records through the state’s Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access (eAccess) platform. Some files, however, are only available at the courthouse due to privacy concerns.

Can I access divorce or custody files online?

In most cases, divorce and custody records are partially restricted from public online viewing. While you may see basic docket information such as names of parties, hearing dates, and case status through eAccess, full details—including financial disclosures or parenting plans—are not usually accessible online.

To view the complete file, you may need to visit the courthouse where the case was filed. Bring a photo ID and be prepared to submit a formal records request, especially if you’re not a party in the case.

What if I can’t find a case in eAccess?

If a civil case doesn’t appear in the eAccess portal, here are some possible reasons:

• The case is sealed or confidential.
• It predates the court’s digitization process.
• It was filed in a court not yet integrated into the online system.
• The party name was entered incorrectly.

Try different spelling variations or case numbers. If nothing comes up, contact the Clerk’s Office of the relevant court. Staff can help locate older files or direct you to where the paper records are stored. Be ready to provide specific details, such as party names and filing year.

How do I request certified copies of a judgment?

To get certified copies of a judgment or civil order in Massachusetts, you must contact the courthouse where the case was handled. Certified copies carry the court’s official seal and may be needed for appeals, legal filings, or government purposes.

Here’s how to request them:

• In person: Visit the Clerk’s Office and submit your request.
• By mail: Send a written request with names, docket number, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
• Fee: The standard charge for certified copies is $20 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. Payment by money order or check is usually accepted.

How long are civil court records kept?

Massachusetts courts retain civil case records based on retention schedules set by the Trial Court. Here’s a general breakdown:

• Small claims: Kept for 7 years after final judgment.
• Civil complaints: Retained for 20 years or longer.
• Probate cases (like divorce): Maintained permanently or at least 75 years.

These timeframes can vary depending on the type of case and court. Once records are eligible for destruction, they’re securely removed from public access. If you’re looking for an older file, contact the court directly to check availability.