Taunton Divorce Records Lookup
Taunton divorce records are kept at the Bristol County Probate and Family Court. Taunton is the county seat of Bristol County, so the main court office is right in town. That makes it easy for Taunton residents to file for divorce and look up records in person. You can also search for divorce cases online through the state court system. This page explains how to find, request, and understand Taunton divorce records from start to finish.
Taunton Overview
Bristol County Court in Taunton
The Bristol County Probate and Family Court has its main office in Taunton. The address is 40 Broadway, Suite 240. This is the primary location for all Bristol County divorce filings. The Register of Probate manages the records and staff can help you search for cases. Call (508) 977-6040 for current hours.
Bristol County also has satellite offices in Fall River and New Bedford. Any of the three locations can handle your divorce paperwork. But the Taunton office is the main branch and has the most complete set of records on site. If you live in Taunton, it is the most convenient option. The Court Service Center at this location offers free help with forms and basic questions about the filing process.
Visit the Bristol Probate and Family Court page for details on all three locations that handle Taunton divorce records.
The page above shows the Bristol County Probate and Family Court that serves as the main filing point for Taunton divorce cases.
| Court | Bristol County Probate and Family Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 40 Broadway, Suite 240 Taunton, MA 02780 |
| Phone | (508) 977-6040 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
Note: The Fall River office at 289 Rock Street and the New Bedford office at 505 Pleasant Street also accept Bristol County divorce filings.
How to Find Taunton Divorce Records
You can search for Taunton divorce records online or in person at the courthouse. The state's MassCourts system lets you look up Probate and Family Court cases for free. Search by name or case number. Results show party names, docket entries, and case status. Some family court details have limits on what appears online. Start your search at the court docket search portal.
Since the main Bristol County court is right in Taunton, in-person searches are simple for local residents. Walk in to 40 Broadway and ask the clerk to pull the file. You can view the full set of case papers. Bring a photo ID. If you want copies, ask the staff. Certified copies cost more than regular ones. Mail requests are also accepted if you send the PFC 18 form with payment.
The state guide on searching court dockets has step-by-step directions for the online tool.
This search portal covers all Massachusetts court dockets, including Taunton divorce records filed in Bristol County.
Taunton Divorce Filing Fees
Filing fees for divorce in Taunton follow the statewide schedule. Every Probate and Family Court in Massachusetts charges the same rates. The type of divorce you file determines the cost.
- Joint petition for divorce (1A): $215.00
- Complaint for divorce (1B): $280.00
- Surcharge: $15.00
- Summons: $5.00
- Citation: $15.00
Service by a constable or sheriff adds around $50 to $75. Payment is by money order, attorney's check, or bank certified check at the Taunton courthouse. Online filing through eFileMA costs $22 plus processing. Fee waivers exist for people with low income. File an Affidavit of Indigency with the court. Full fee details are at mass.gov.
Divorce Process in Taunton
The divorce process in Taunton follows M.G.L. Chapter 208. You file at the Bristol County Probate and Family Court on Broadway. Each filing creates records that stay in your case file at the courthouse.
Residency matters. Under M.G.L. c. 208, § 5, if the reason for the divorce happened outside Massachusetts, one spouse must have lived in the state for at least one year. If the grounds arose here, no wait is needed. File in Bristol County if either spouse lives in the county.
Most people use the no-fault route. Under § 1A, both spouses file jointly with a signed separation agreement. The fee is $215. Under § 1B, one spouse files alone for $280 and serves the other. Taunton residents tend to use 1A when both sides can agree on the terms.
Nisi Period: Massachusetts divorces are not final on the day the judge rules. Joint petition (1A) cases wait 120 days. Complaint (1B) cases wait 90 days before the divorce becomes absolute.
The court can issue temporary orders for things like custody and support while the case is open. These orders stay in place until the final judgment. Contested cases have a mandatory 6-month wait before a hearing can be scheduled.
What Taunton Divorce Records Show
A Taunton divorce record includes the full set of papers from the case. The complaint or joint petition is the first document filed. It names both parties and states why the marriage should end. If a separation agreement exists, it covers who gets what property, child custody plans, and support amounts.
The judgment of divorce nisi is the key document. Under M.G.L. c. 208, § 21, this judgment becomes the final divorce after the nisi wait period. It spells out the property division, custody, visitation, alimony, and child support. Certified copies of this judgment are what most people need for name changes, remarriage, or benefits. Get them from the Register of Probate in Taunton.
Divorce records at the Bristol County court are mostly public. You do not have to be one of the parties to ask for copies. Some details about children and certain financial records may be restricted by the court.
Legal Help for Taunton Divorce Cases
South Coastal Counties Legal Services helps people in Bristol County with family law issues. They give free legal help to those who qualify based on income. This includes divorce, custody, and support cases. Call (800) 244-9023 to ask about services.
The Massachusetts Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service at (617) 654-0400. The first meeting with a matched attorney costs $25 for 30 minutes. MassLegalHelp at masslegalhelp.org has free guides for people filing without a lawyer. All official court forms for divorce are available at mass.gov at no cost.
The Court Service Center at the Taunton courthouse on Broadway also helps with forms and basic filing questions. Staff there can point you in the right direction even though they cannot give legal advice.
Bristol County Divorce Records
Taunton is the county seat of Bristol County. The main Probate and Family Court office is here. For more about the Bristol County court system, fees, and resources, visit the county page.
Nearby Cities
These cities are near Taunton and share the Bristol County Probate and Family Court system.