Somerville Divorce Records Lookup
Somerville divorce records are handled by the Middlesex County Probate and Family Court, South division. Somerville sits just north of Boston and is part of Middlesex County. All divorce filings and records for Somerville residents go through the court in Woburn. You can search for divorce records using the state's online court system or visit the Woburn courthouse to request copies of case files. This page explains where to go, what it costs, and how the divorce process works for people who live in Somerville.
Somerville Overview
Where Somerville Divorce Cases Go
Somerville is in the southern part of Middlesex County. All divorce filings go to the Middlesex Probate and Family Court, South division in Woburn. The court is at 10-U Commerce Way. Middlesex County is large enough that it has two court divisions. Somerville falls under the South division, not the North division in Lowell.
The Woburn court manages all probate and family matters for Somerville residents. That includes divorce, custody, guardianship, and name changes. The Register of Probate at this location keeps all case records and handles requests for copies. You can file new cases, search existing ones, and get certified copies of divorce judgments here.
| 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 |
| Website | Middlesex South Probate Court |
The court website has details on hours, services, and how to reach staff for questions about your case or records.
This court page shows the Woburn location details. Somerville residents share this court with several other cities in southern Middlesex County, including Cambridge, Malden, Medford, and Everett.
How to Search Somerville Divorce Records
Searching for divorce records in Somerville starts online or in person. The state has a free court case lookup system that covers Middlesex County cases. You can use it to find basic information about a divorce without leaving home.
Go to the court docket search portal and search by name or case number. The system shows party names, case type, filing dates, and docket entries. Some Probate and Family Court records have limits on what appears online. For full access to a case file, you need to visit the courthouse.
To get copies in person, go to 10-U Commerce Way in Woburn. Staff can look up cases and make copies. Bring your ID. You can also mail a request using the PFC 18 form with $20 per certified copy. Send payment by money order or bank check.
Note: The Middlesex South Virtual Registry lets you call in during set hours for remote help from court staff without driving to Woburn.
Somerville Divorce Fees
Divorce fees for Somerville residents are the same as anywhere else in the state. The Massachusetts Trial Court sets the fees.
- Joint petition (1A): $215.00
- Complaint for divorce (1B): $280.00
- Surcharge: $15.00
- Summons: $5.00
- Certified copy: $20.00
You can see every fee on the court fee schedule. If paying the fee is a hardship, file an Affidavit of Indigency. The judge reviews your finances and may waive the cost. Constable service for a 1B case adds about $50 to $75.
Divorce Process for Somerville
Divorce in Somerville follows Massachusetts law under M.G.L. Chapter 208. You file at the Middlesex South court in Woburn. Every document filed becomes part of your case record.
The residency rule under M.G.L. c. 208, § 5 says that if the cause for divorce happened outside Massachusetts, at least one spouse must have lived here for a year. If the reason for the divorce came up while you lived in the state, there is no wait. Somerville residents file in Middlesex County.
Two no-fault options exist. Under § 1A, both spouses file together with a signed agreement. It costs $215. Under § 1B, one spouse files alone for $280. The other spouse has to be served. Most divorces in Somerville use the no-fault path.
Nisi Period: A Massachusetts divorce is not final right away. Joint petitions wait 120 days after the nisi judgment. Contested cases wait 90 days before the divorce becomes absolute.
Temporary orders can be issued for custody, support, and housing while the case is pending. A joint petition divorce in Somerville typically takes 4 to 5 months from filing to final, including the nisi wait.
Somerville Divorce Records Contents
Divorce records from the Middlesex County court include the original petition or complaint, financial statements from both parties, the separation agreement if there is one, and the judgment of divorce nisi. The judgment is the court order that ends the marriage. It covers property division, child custody, visitation, support, and alimony.
Certified copies of the judgment are available from the Register of Probate in Woburn. You need certified copies for things like name changes, proving marital status, or updating government records. Most divorce files are public. Under M.G.L. c. 208, § 34, property division details are in the record. Some financial information and details about minor children may have restricted access.
The Registry of Vital Records and Statistics keeps a statewide index of all divorces. If you just need to confirm a divorce happened, you can get a verification letter from RVRS without going to the Probate Court.
Somerville Divorce Legal Resources
Greater Boston Legal Services covers Middlesex County. They offer free legal help with family law cases for people who qualify based on income. Call (617) 371-1234 to ask about services. They handle divorce, custody, and support matters.
The Massachusetts Bar Association referral line is (617) 654-0400. The first meeting with an attorney costs $25 for 30 minutes. The Dial-A-Lawyer program runs on the first Wednesday of every month at (617) 338-0610. MassLegalHelp has forms and guides for people filing without a lawyer. All court forms are available free at mass.gov.
The Virtual Registry at Middlesex South lets you connect with court staff by phone during posted hours. This can save you a trip to the Woburn courthouse.
Note: Greater Boston Legal Services at 197 Friend Street in Boston serves all Middlesex County residents including those in Somerville.
Getting Copies of Court Records
The PFC 18 form is the standard request form used across Massachusetts to get copies of Probate and Family Court records. Somerville residents use this form when requesting divorce record copies from the Middlesex South court.
Download the form from the court website, fill it out, and submit it in person or by mail to the Woburn court with your payment.
Middlesex County Divorce Records
Somerville is part of Middlesex County, the largest county in Massachusetts by population. For more info on the county court system and both its divisions, check the Middlesex County page.
Nearby Cities
These cities are close to Somerville and use the same or nearby court systems.