Access Everett Divorce Records
Everett divorce records are filed at the Middlesex Probate and Family Court, South division, in Woburn. Even though Everett borders Boston and Suffolk County, it is part of Middlesex County. That means all divorce cases for Everett go to the Woburn court, not the Boston one. You can search for divorce records online or visit the courthouse in person. This page covers the court details, search options, costs, and the filing process for Everett divorce records.
Everett Overview
Where Everett Divorce Cases Are Filed
Everett divorce cases are handled by the Middlesex Probate and Family Court, South division. The court is at 10-U Commerce Way in Woburn. Woburn is about a 15-minute drive north of Everett. The Register of Probate at this court keeps all divorce files and handles records requests for Everett residents.
Middlesex County is the largest county in Massachusetts by population. The South division in Woburn serves many cities including Everett, Cambridge, Somerville, Medford, Malden, Newton, and Waltham. Because so many communities use this court, it can be quite busy. Calling ahead at (781) 865-4000 helps you plan your visit. Everett residents sometimes confuse this with the Suffolk County court in Boston. Make sure you go to the Woburn location for all divorce matters.
The Malden District Court at 89 Summer Street in Malden serves Everett for district court matters. But that court does not handle divorce. Only the Probate and Family Court in Woburn does.
The Middlesex South Probate and Family Court page has the latest hours and contact info for Everett divorce records.
The court page above covers the Middlesex South division in Woburn that handles all Everett divorce filings and records.
| Court | Middlesex Probate and Family Court - South |
|---|---|
| Address | 10-U Commerce Way Woburn, MA 01801 |
| Phone | (781) 865-4000 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
Searching Everett Divorce Records
Online, the state's MassCourts system covers Middlesex County Probate and Family Court cases. You can search by name or case number. Basic case details like party names and docket entries show up in the results. Some family court info may not appear online. Use the court docket search portal to try it.
For a full review of the case file, go to the Woburn courthouse. Staff at the Register of Probate can pull the folder. You get to see every paper in the case. Bring ID. If you want copies, ask the clerk for them. Certified copies cost more. Mail requests are accepted through the PFC 18 form with payment included.
Middlesex County also has a Virtual Registry. This video service lets Everett residents connect with court staff for questions and some record requests without driving to Woburn. Hours are 9 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 4 PM.
The guide above explains how to search for court records online, including Everett divorce cases in the Middlesex South system.
Everett Divorce Fees
Fees for divorce in Everett are set by the Massachusetts Trial Court. They are the same at every Probate and Family Court in the state.
The main fees:
- Joint petition for divorce (1A): $215.00
- Complaint for divorce (1B): $280.00
- Surcharge: $15.00
- Summons: $5.00
- Citation: $15.00
Constable or sheriff service adds $50 to $75. Filing online at eFileMA costs $22 plus processing. If you cannot pay, file an Affidavit of Indigency for a fee waiver. The judge reviews it. See the full fee list at mass.gov.
Note: Copy fees for existing Everett divorce records are separate from filing fees and vary, so check with the Woburn clerk.
Everett Divorce Filing Process
Everett residents file under M.G.L. Chapter 208. Cases go to the Middlesex Probate and Family Court South division in Woburn. Each filing adds papers to the case record.
The residency requirement under M.G.L. c. 208, § 5 must be met. If the cause of divorce happened outside Massachusetts, one spouse needs at least one year of residence. If the grounds arose in the state, no wait is required. Everett residents file at the Woburn court since Everett is in Middlesex County.
Two no-fault paths are available. A joint petition under § 1A means both spouses agree and file together. The fee is $215. A complaint under § 1B means one spouse files alone for $280 and serves the other.
Nisi Period: A Massachusetts divorce takes time to become final. After the judge enters the judgment nisi, joint petitions (1A) wait 120 days and complaints (1B) wait 90 days before the divorce is absolute.
The court can issue temporary orders while the case is open. These cover custody, support, and use of the home. Joint petitions tend to move faster than contested cases. Under M.G.L. c. 208, § 34, the court weighs 15 different factors when dividing property, and all of these decisions become part of the divorce record.
What Everett Divorce Records Contain
An Everett divorce record includes everything filed in the case. The complaint or joint petition names both spouses and states the reason for the divorce. A separation agreement, if the parties made one, covers property, children, and support. Both sides file financial statements showing income, debts, and what they own.
The judgment of divorce nisi is the document most people need. Under M.G.L. c. 208, § 21, it becomes the final divorce after the waiting period. It spells out who gets what, custody terms, the visit schedule, and any support. Certified copies are needed for name changes, remarriage, and proving your divorce. Get them from the Register of Probate at the Woburn courthouse.
Most divorce records in Middlesex County are public. You do not need to be a party to ask for copies. Some details about children or sensitive money matters may be sealed by the court.
Legal Help for Everett Divorce Cases
Everett residents have several options for divorce help. Greater Boston Legal Services assists people with low income on family law cases including divorce. Call (617) 371-1234 to ask if you qualify. Their website at gbls.org has more details.
The Massachusetts Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service at (617) 654-0400. First meetings are $25 for 30 minutes. MassLegalHelp at masslegalhelp.org provides free guides for people who handle their own case. All divorce forms are available at mass.gov for free.
The court in Woburn has self-help resources as well. Staff can point you to the right paperwork but cannot offer legal advice. If you are filing on your own, the MassLegalHelp guides are a good place to start before your court visit.
Middlesex County Divorce Records
Everett is in Middlesex County and uses the South division court in Woburn for all divorce matters. For more about the Middlesex County court system, fees, and resources, see the county page.
Nearby Cities
These cities are near Everett. Some share the same Middlesex County court.