New Bedford Divorce Records
New Bedford divorce records are held by the Bristol County Probate and Family Court. New Bedford has its own court location at 505 Pleasant Street, giving residents local access to divorce filings and case records. Bristol County operates three court locations in Taunton, Fall River, and New Bedford, and all three serve every town in the county. You can look up divorce case information online through the state's free case search tool or visit the New Bedford office in person. This guide covers everything you need to know about finding, requesting, and getting New Bedford divorce records.
New Bedford Quick Facts
New Bedford Divorce Court Info
The Bristol County Probate and Family Court has a location right in New Bedford at 505 Pleasant Street. This is convenient for New Bedford residents who need to file for divorce, check case status, or pick up copies of court records. The court is open five days a week during regular business hours.
Bristol County is one of the few counties in Massachusetts with three court locations. The main branch is in Taunton at 40 Broadway. There is also a location in Fall River at 289 Rock Street. All three offices serve all towns in the county, so you can go to whichever one is easiest for you. The Taunton location also has a Court Service Center where staff help with forms and explain the process.
Record seekers can inspect up to three Family Court cases per day with a docket number. If you need to look at more, submit a Research Request Form by email. Public computer terminals are available at all three locations.
| Court | Bristol County Probate and Family Court - New Bedford |
|---|---|
| Address | 505 Pleasant Street New Bedford, MA 02740 |
| Phone | (508) 999-5249 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Taunton Main | 40 Broadway, Suite 240, Taunton | (508) 977-6040 |
| Fall River | 289 Rock Street, Fall River | (508) 672-1751 |
Search New Bedford Divorce Records
The Massachusetts court search portal lets you look up New Bedford divorce records online. Pick "Probate and Family Court" and select "Bristol County" from the list. Enter a name or case number. The tool is free and open to anyone.
When searching by name, type at least two letters of the last name. Select "Domestic Relations" for divorce cases. The system shows case numbers, filing dates, and case status. You can filter by date range and case status too. Records from about 2009 onward show up. Older records need an in-person or phone request.
At the New Bedford courthouse, staff can pull up cases and make copies on the spot. Bring your ID. You can also mail a completed PFC 18 form with payment to 505 Pleasant Street. The other two Bristol County locations in Taunton and Fall River can help with New Bedford divorce records too.
Note: You can view up to three cases per day with a docket number at any Bristol County court location.
New Bedford Court Records Online
The Bristol County Probate and Family Court page on Mass.gov lists all three court locations, phone numbers, and links to forms for New Bedford divorce record requests.
This page covers the New Bedford, Taunton, and Fall River offices. It has links to the PFC 18 form, the online case search, and info about the Court Service Center in Taunton.
Divorce Fees in New Bedford
New Bedford divorce fees are the same as all Massachusetts courts. Joint petitions under M.G.L. c. 208, § 1A cost $215. One-party complaints under § 1B cost $280. The surcharge is $15 on each filing. Summons are $5.
Certified copies of New Bedford divorce records cost $20. This covers the Certificate of Divorce Absolute and the Judgment of Divorce Nisi. Separation agreements are $20 for the first page and $0.05 per page after. Plain copies cost $0.05 per page. Pay by money order or bank check to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Fee waivers are available through an Affidavit of Indigency for low-income filers.
Filing for Divorce in New Bedford
To file for divorce in New Bedford, you need to meet the residency rules. Under M.G.L. c. 208, § 5, if the cause happened in Massachusetts, there is no wait. If it happened outside the state, the filing spouse must have lived here one year. You file at the Bristol County court since New Bedford is in Bristol County.
Most New Bedford divorces use the no-fault option. Under § 1A, both spouses file together with a signed agreement. The hearing happens within about 30 days. After the judge enters the nisi, joint petition cases wait 120 days. Under § 1B, one spouse files alone and the nisi period is 90 days. Fault grounds under § 1 include adultery, cruel treatment, and desertion but are used less often.
Bristol County has probate records going back to 1685. Divorce decrees are kept forever. The court stores all case files, and you can request copies at any time after the case is closed. Historic records from 1690 to 1926 are available through the New England Historic Genealogical Society.
What New Bedford Divorce Records Show
A New Bedford divorce file includes the complaint or joint petition, financial statements from both sides, and the separation agreement if one exists. Cases with children have a parenting plan and child support worksheet. Motions, temporary orders, and hearing records are also in the file.
The judgment of divorce nisi is the key document. It covers property division, custody, support, and all other terms. The court looks at many factors under M.G.L. c. 208, § 34 when dividing property, including the length of the marriage, each spouse's income, and their contributions. The Certificate of Divorce Absolute under § 24A confirms the divorce is final. It shows both names, the date, and the docket number. Most records are public. Some items about children or abuse may be restricted.
Note: You do not need to be a party to the divorce case to request basic copies of the records.
Legal Help in New Bedford
South Coastal Counties Legal Services helps low-income people with family law cases in Bristol County. They have an office at 22 Bedford Street in Fall River. Call (800) 244-9023 to ask about help with your New Bedford divorce case.
The Massachusetts Bar Association lawyer referral service is at (617) 654-0400. The first meeting costs $25 for 30 minutes. For free self-help guides and forms, visit MassLegalHelp.org. All official court forms are free at mass.gov. The Bristol County Court Service Center in Taunton at (508) 977-6040 helps people fill out paperwork and understand their options at no charge.
Nearby Cities
These cities are near New Bedford. Fall River and Taunton are also in Bristol County and use the same court system.