Revere Divorce Records
Revere divorce records are held at the Suffolk County Probate and Family Court in Boston. Revere is one of four communities in Suffolk County, along with Boston, Chelsea, and Winthrop. All divorce filings for Revere residents go through the same court in downtown Boston. Whether you need to find an old divorce case, get a certified copy, or start a new filing, this page explains the steps and costs involved for Revere residents seeking divorce records.
Revere Overview
Suffolk County Court for Revere Divorce Cases
Revere residents file for divorce at the Suffolk County Probate and Family Court. The court is in the Edward W. Brooke Courthouse at 24 New Chardon Street in Boston. It is about a 10-minute drive from Revere, or you can take the MBTA Blue Line to Bowdoin station. The Register of Probate handles all divorce files and records requests at this location.
Suffolk County has one of the busiest courts in the state. It covers Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop. All four communities use the same courthouse. Because of the high volume, plan to arrive early if you are going in person. The court also has a Virtual Registry that lets you connect with staff by video for some services. Hours for that are 9 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 4 PM on weekdays.
The Suffolk Probate and Family Court website has details on hours, services, and forms for Revere divorce records.
This page shows the Suffolk County Probate and Family Court that handles all Revere divorce filings and records.
| Court | Suffolk County Probate and Family Court |
|---|---|
| Address | Edward W. Brooke Courthouse 24 New Chardon Street Boston, MA 02114 |
| Phone | (617) 788-8301 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
Search Revere Divorce Records Online
The easiest way to start looking for Revere divorce records is the state's online system. MassCourts covers all Probate and Family Court cases in Suffolk County. You can search by name or case number. The results show party names, case dates, and docket entries. Some details may be limited for family court records. Go to the court docket search portal to try it.
For a full look at the file, visit the courthouse in Boston. Staff can pull the case folder. You get to see all documents, not just what is online. Bring your ID. If you want copies, the clerk can make them. Certified copies cost more than plain ones. You can also mail a request using the PFC 18 form with a check or money order.
Suffolk County also offers a Virtual Registry service. This lets Revere residents connect with the Register of Probate by video call without going to Boston. You can ask questions and get help finding divorce records remotely.
The state's guide above explains how to search for court cases online, including Revere divorce records in the Suffolk County system.
Revere Divorce Fees and Costs
Divorce fees in Revere are set by the Massachusetts Trial Court. They are the same at every Probate and Family Court in the state. The amount depends on how you file.
Here are the main costs:
- Joint petition for divorce (1A): $215.00
- Complaint for divorce (1B): $280.00
- Surcharge: $15.00
- Summons: $5.00
- Citation: $15.00
A constable or sheriff charges about $50 to $75 to serve papers. Online filing through eFileMA has a $22 case fee plus small charges. If you cannot pay the fees, ask for a fee waiver by filing an Affidavit of Indigency. The judge reviews it. See the full schedule at mass.gov.
Filing for Divorce in Revere
Revere residents follow state law under M.G.L. Chapter 208 when filing for divorce. You file at the Suffolk County Probate and Family Court in Boston. Every step in the process adds documents to your case file.
You must meet the residency rule first. Under M.G.L. c. 208, § 5, if the cause for divorce happened outside Massachusetts, one spouse needs to have lived in the state for a full year. If the grounds arose here, there is no wait. Revere residents who qualify file at the Boston courthouse since Revere is in Suffolk County.
Two no-fault options exist. A joint petition under § 1A means both spouses agree and file together with a signed separation agreement. A complaint under § 1B means one spouse files alone. The other spouse then gets served.
Nisi Period: No divorce in Massachusetts is final the day the judge signs it. Joint petitions (1A) wait 120 days. Complaints (1B) wait 90 days. Only after this period does the divorce become absolute.
While the case is open, the court can issue temporary orders. These cover things like child custody, spousal support, and who stays in the home. A joint petition can be heard fairly fast. Contested cases take longer and cannot have a hearing for at least 6 months after filing.
What Revere Divorce Records Include
Divorce records for Revere cases contain multiple documents. The complaint or joint petition is the first paper filed. It lists both spouses and the reason for the divorce. If the parties agreed on terms, the separation agreement covers property, children, and support. Each side also files a financial statement showing income, debts, and assets.
The judgment of divorce nisi is what most people look for. Under M.G.L. c. 208, § 21, this judgment becomes absolute after the nisi wait ends. It covers property split, custody, visit times, and any support. You need a certified copy to prove a divorce for things like remarriage, name changes, or benefits claims. The Register of Probate at the Suffolk County court provides these copies.
Most of these records are public. Anyone can ask for copies. Some parts involving kids or sensitive financial details may be sealed or restricted by the court.
Revere Divorce Legal Resources
Revere residents have access to several legal help options for divorce. Greater Boston Legal Services is the main free legal aid group in Suffolk County. They help people with low income on family law cases. Call (617) 371-1234 to see if you qualify. Their website at gbls.org explains what they offer.
The Massachusetts Bar Association has a lawyer referral line at (617) 654-0400. The first meeting is $25 for 30 minutes. They also run a free Dial-A-Lawyer program on the first Wednesday of each month at (617) 338-0610. For self-help, MassLegalHelp at masslegalhelp.org has guides and forms. All official divorce forms are free at mass.gov.
The Court Service Center at the Suffolk Probate courthouse can also point you to the right forms and resources. Staff cannot give legal advice, but they can help you find what you need.
Suffolk County Divorce Records
Revere is in Suffolk County. All divorce filings for Revere go through the Suffolk County Probate and Family Court in Boston. For full details on the county court, fees, and additional resources, see the Suffolk County page.
Nearby Cities
These cities are close to Revere. Some share the same county court for divorce cases.