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Get a copy of a Probate & Family Court record

Learn how to get a copy of a Probate and Family Court record, including divorce records, name change certificates, and decrees and orders of appointment of guardians.
Call your local Probate & Family Court to find out how long it will take to get your record.

Probate and Family Court locations

The Details   of Get a copy of a Probate & Family Court record

What you need   for Get a copy of a Probate & Family Court record

A “record” can be a court judgment, order, decree, or letter of appointment.   

Examples of “records” are:

  • Certificate of Divorce Absolute (a divorce decree/divorce record)
  • Letters of Authority or Appointment; Personal Representatives/Guardians
  • Docket Page
  • Attested Copies of documents in a court file
  • Unattested Copies of documents in a court file

To receive a certified copy of your court record, you'll need your docket number. To find your docket number go to search the court dockets or call the specific Probate & Family Court.

To receive a certified copy of your court record, you'll need your docket number. If you have an estate case and you don't know what your docket number is, you can search the court dockets for public case information. Otherwise, please call the Probate & Family Court where your case was heard to get your case docket number.

Fees   for Get a copy of a Probate & Family Court record

Pay with an attorney's check, money order, bank certified check or bank cashier's check. Make your payments out to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Name Fee Unit
Certificate of divorce absolute $20 each
Certificate of name change $20 each
Subsequent Letter of Authority or of Appointment (First letter included with initial appointment) $25 each
Certified copy of a judgment of divorce nisi (This does not include any supporting documents) $20 each
Certified copy of a divorce separation agreement (If you need the total number of pages, please contact the court where the case was filed) $20 first page plus .05 cents for each additional page
Attested copy of a voluntary statement $7.50 each
Certified copy of a decree and order of appointment of a guardian of a minor $22 each
Certified copy of a decree and order of appointment of a guardian of an incapacitated person $22 each
Certified copy of a decree and order of appointment of a conservator $21 each

How to get   Get a copy of a Probate & Family Court record

Mail the form and payment to the Probate and Family Court you're requesting a copy of the court record from. 

You can bring the form and payment in person to the Probate and Family Court you're requesting a copy of the court record from. 

Contact   for Get a copy of a Probate & Family Court record

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