Search Fall River Divorce Records
Fall River divorce records are kept at the Bristol County Probate and Family Court. The city sits in the southeast part of Massachusetts along the Taunton River and Mount Hope Bay. Fall River has its own satellite court location on Rock Street, which makes it easier for local residents to deal with divorce filings and case lookups. You can search for divorce records online or visit the court in person. Bristol County has three court locations that all serve Fall River residents, so you have options when it comes to getting copies or filing new cases.
Fall River Overview
Bristol County Court for Fall River
Fall River is served by the Bristol County Probate and Family Court. The county has three locations: Taunton (main branch), Fall River, and New Bedford. Fall River residents can use any of these offices. The Fall River location at 289 Rock Street is the most convenient for local residents. It sits in a historic granite building that dates back to 1889.
The main branch in Taunton handles all divorce filings for Bristol County. That said, some hearings take place at the Fall River satellite location. If you need certified copies of a divorce decree, you can request them at any Bristol County court location. The Register of Probate keeps all case files and manages records requests across all three offices.
| Court | Bristol Probate and Family Court - Fall River |
|---|---|
| Address | 289 Rock Street Fall River, MA 02723 |
| Phone | (508) 672-1751 |
| Main Branch | 40 Broadway, Suite 240, Taunton, MA 02780 Phone: (508) 977-6040 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
The Bristol County Probate and Family Court website has details on all three locations and their services. You can find court hours, forms, and contact info on the Bristol Probate and Family Court page.
The court page shows location details and lists the services offered at each Bristol County branch. Fall River residents can also use the New Bedford location at 505 Pleasant Street if that is more convenient.
How to Search Fall River Divorce Records
There are a few ways to search for divorce records in Fall River. You can look online, visit the court, or send a mail request. Each method has its own pros and cons depending on what you need.
The state runs a free online case search tool that covers all Probate and Family Court cases, including those from Bristol County. You can search by name or case number. The system shows party names, docket entries, and the current status of the case. Some records from the Probate and Family Court have limits on what appears online due to privacy rules. The court docket search portal is a good place to start if you just need basic case info.
For in-person searches, go to the Fall River court at 289 Rock Street. Staff can look up cases and make copies. Bring a valid photo ID. You can also visit the Taunton main branch or the New Bedford office. All three locations can help you find Fall River divorce records.
To request copies by mail, send a written request to the Bristol County Probate and Family Court at 40 Broadway, Suite 240, Taunton, MA 02780. Include the full names of both parties and the year the divorce was filed. Add payment for the copy fee by money order or bank check.
Note: The PFC 18 form is the standard request form for getting copies of Probate and Family Court records in Massachusetts.
Fall River Divorce Filing Fees
Divorce fees in Fall River follow the statewide schedule set by the Massachusetts Trial Court. The fees are the same at every Probate and Family Court in the state. What you pay depends on the type of divorce case.
- Joint petition for divorce (1A): $215.00
- Complaint for divorce (1B): $280.00
- Surcharge: $15.00
- Summons: $5.00
- Certified copy: $20.00
Service by constable or sheriff adds about $50 to $75 on top of the filing fee. You can see the full fee list on the court fee schedule page. Fee waivers are available for people who cannot afford to pay. You file an Affidavit of Indigency, and the judge decides if you qualify based on your income.
Divorce Process in Fall River
Filing for divorce in Fall River follows the same state law as the rest of Massachusetts. The process is governed by M.G.L. Chapter 208. Every step in the process creates records that go into your case file at the Bristol County court.
You must meet the residency rule first. Under M.G.L. c. 208, § 5, if the cause for divorce happened outside Massachusetts, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for one year before filing. If the grounds came up while you lived here, there is no wait. Fall River residents file at the Bristol County Probate and Family Court.
Massachusetts has two no-fault divorce paths. Under § 1A, both spouses file a joint petition with a signed separation agreement. This costs $215 and is the faster route. Under § 1B, one spouse files alone for $280 and must serve the other party. Most Fall River divorces use the no-fault option.
Nisi Period: A divorce in Massachusetts is not final right away. Joint petition (1A) cases wait 120 days after the judgment nisi. Contested (1B) cases wait 90 days before the divorce becomes absolute.
The court may issue temporary orders for custody, child support, or use of the family home while the case is open. These orders stay in place until the final judgment.
What Fall River Divorce Records Show
Divorce records from the Bristol County court contain several types of documents. The case file starts with the complaint or joint petition. It lists the grounds for divorce and what each party wants. Financial statements show income, assets, and debts for both spouses. The separation agreement covers property division, custody, and support terms.
The judgment of divorce nisi is the key document most people need. This court order ends the marriage after the nisi period runs out. It includes all the final terms: who gets which property, custody and visitation schedules, child support, and alimony if any. You get certified copies of this judgment from the Register of Probate. These certified copies are what you need to prove your divorce for things like name changes or remarriage.
Most divorce records at the Probate and Family Court are public. You do not have to be a party to request copies. However, some financial details and information about children may have restricted access. Under M.G.L. c. 208, § 34, the court looks at 15 factors when dividing property, and those details appear in the records.
The state also keeps a statewide index of divorces through the Registry of Vital Records and Statistics. You can request a divorce verification letter from the RVRS if you just need confirmation that a divorce happened.
Legal Help in Fall River
Fall River residents have access to legal aid for divorce cases. South Coastal Counties Legal Services has an office right in Fall River. They give free legal help to people who qualify based on income. Call (800) 244-9023 to find out if you are eligible.
The Massachusetts Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service at (617) 654-0400. The first meeting costs $25 for 30 minutes. They also run a Dial-A-Lawyer program on the first Wednesday of each month. For people filing without a lawyer, MassLegalHelp has step-by-step guides and forms. All official divorce forms are free at mass.gov.
The Court Service Center in Taunton can help you fill out forms and understand the court process. Staff there cannot give legal advice, but they can point you in the right direction.
Note: South Coastal Counties Legal Services at 22 Bedford Street in Fall River is the closest free legal aid office for Bristol County residents.
Searching Divorce Records Online
The Massachusetts Trial Court gives public access to court case information through its online portal. You can search for Fall River divorce cases without going to the courthouse. The system covers cases from the Bristol County Probate and Family Court.
The court docket search guide explains how to use the system. You enter a name or case number and the system pulls up matching records. Results show the case type, filing date, party names, and docket entries. Not all details are available online for family court cases. Some documents require an in-person visit to view.
This state guide walks you through the steps to search for any court case in Massachusetts, including divorce filings from Fall River and other Bristol County cities.
Bristol County Divorce Records
Fall River is one of several cities in Bristol County. All divorce cases go through the Bristol County Probate and Family Court system. For full details on the county court, all three locations, and extra resources, visit the Bristol County page.
Nearby Cities
These cities are near Fall River and may share similar court resources or legal aid services.