Search Quincy Divorce Records

Quincy divorce records are managed by the Norfolk County Probate and Family Court in Canton. Quincy is the largest city in Norfolk County, and all divorce filings for its residents go through the Canton courthouse. You can look up case info online for free through the state court system, or visit the Canton court in person to view files and get copies. The court serves 28 cities and towns across Norfolk County. This page covers how Quincy residents can search for, request, and obtain their divorce records.

Quincy Divorce Court Details

All Quincy divorce records go through the Norfolk County Probate and Family Court. The court is in Canton, not in Quincy itself. Canton is about a 15-minute drive south. The court serves Quincy, Brookline, Weymouth, Braintree, and 24 other towns. Hon. Susan L. Jacobs serves as First Justice.

The court handles divorce, probate, guardianship, adoption, and name changes. For divorce records, you deal with the Register's Office. They take walk-in requests and process mail orders. Records from 2009 and later are also searchable online through MassCourts. Older records need an in-person or mail request.

Note: Quincy has its own District Court, but that court does not handle divorce filings or store divorce records.

How to Find Quincy Divorce Records

The Massachusetts court case search is the fastest way to look up Quincy divorce records. Pick "Probate and Family Court" and select "Norfolk County" from the list. Enter one spouse's name. The tool shows case numbers, filing dates, and status. It is free to use.

For a case number search, type the docket number exactly. The system shows party names, docket entries, and scheduled events. Results tell you if a case is active or closed. The online system covers records from about 2009 onward. For anything older, call the court at (781) 830-1200 or make an in-person visit.

To visit in person, go to 35 Shawmut Road in Canton. The Register's Office can look up Quincy divorce cases by name or number. They make copies on the spot. Bring a photo ID. You can also mail a PFC 18 form with payment to the Canton address to get copies by mail.

Quincy Court Records Resources

The Norfolk County Probate and Family Court page on Mass.gov shows the Canton court address, phone numbers, and links to forms for Quincy divorce record requests.

From this page you can access the PFC 18 request form, search the case database, and find contact info for the court. It is the starting point for all Quincy divorce record searches.

Quincy Divorce Filing Fees

Quincy divorce fees follow the statewide schedule. A joint petition is $215. A one-party complaint is $280. The surcharge is $15. Summons cost $5 each.

Copies of Quincy divorce records cost $20 for a certified copy of the Certificate of Divorce Absolute or the Judgment of Divorce Nisi. Separation agreements are $20 for page one and $0.05 per extra page. Plain copies are $0.05 per page. Pay by money order or bank check to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. If you have low income, file an Affidavit of Indigency to ask for a fee waiver. The court reviews these requests case by case.

Divorce Process for Quincy Residents

Filing for divorce in Quincy means going to the Norfolk County court in Canton. You must meet the residency rules under M.G.L. c. 208, § 4. If the cause for divorce arose in Massachusetts, there is no wait. If it arose out of state, the filing spouse needs one year of residency under § 5.

Most Quincy divorces take the no-fault route. Under § 1A, both spouses file a joint petition and bring a signed separation agreement. The court holds a hearing. If approved, the judgment nisi enters with a 120-day wait before it becomes final. Under § 1B, one spouse files alone. The other gets served. The nisi period is 90 days.

Fault-based grounds under § 1 include adultery, cruel treatment, and desertion. These are less common. Most people choose the no-fault path. Every step in the process creates records that stay in the court file at the Norfolk County courthouse.

Note: A Quincy divorce is not final until the full nisi period ends after the judge enters the order.

What Quincy Divorce Records Contain

A Quincy divorce case file holds the complaint or joint petition, financial statements, and any separation agreement. If children are part of the case, you will also find a parenting plan and child support worksheet. All motions and orders during the case are included.

The judgment of divorce nisi is the main document. It covers property division, custody, support amounts, and other terms. Under M.G.L. c. 208, § 34, the court considers 15 factors when dividing assets. After the nisi period expires, the Certificate of Divorce Absolute confirms the marriage has ended. Most Quincy divorce records are public. You do not need to be a party to request copies. Items about minors or domestic violence may be sealed.

Legal Help for Quincy Residents

The Massachusetts Bar Association referral service connects you with a family law attorney. Call (617) 654-0400. The first meeting costs $25 for 30 minutes.

For free legal help and forms, go to MassLegalHelp.org. All official court forms are at mass.gov at no cost. The Dial-A-Lawyer program through the Massachusetts Bar Association runs on the first Wednesday of each month at (617) 338-0610. Quincy residents can also try the Norfolk County court's public computer terminals for free case look-ups during business hours.

Nearby Cities

These cities are near Quincy. Each files divorce cases in its own county court.