Plymouth County Divorce Records
What Are Plymouth County Divorce Records?
Plymouth County divorce records are official legal documents maintained by the Plymouth County Probate and Family Court that document the dissolution of marriages within the county's jurisdiction. These records are created and maintained pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 208, which governs divorce proceedings throughout the Commonwealth. Divorce records serve as the authoritative documentation of a marriage's legal termination and typically include multiple document types created throughout the divorce process.
Divorce records in Plymouth County consist of:
- Divorce petitions or complaints
- Financial statements and asset disclosures
- Child custody and support agreements
- Property division settlements
- Temporary orders
- Final divorce judgments and decrees
- Name change authorizations (if applicable)
These records serve numerous important purposes for individuals and society, including:
- Providing legal proof of marital status change
- Enabling remarriage by confirming previous marriage dissolution
- Documenting court-approved name changes
- Supporting applications for Social Security benefits
- Verifying status for loan applications
- Establishing eligibility for immigration matters
- Creating historical and genealogical documentation
The Plymouth County Probate and Family Court maintains these records in accordance with state recordkeeping requirements established by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.
Are Plymouth County Divorce Records Public?
Plymouth County divorce records have a nuanced public access status governed by Massachusetts Public Records Law § 10 and family court regulations. The accessibility of divorce records depends on the specific document type and the information contained therein.
Court divorce case files are generally considered public records with significant exceptions:
- Basic case information (parties' names, case numbers, filing dates) is publicly accessible
- Financial statements and sensitive personal information are typically impounded (sealed)
- Cases involving domestic violence may have protective orders restricting access
- Records containing information about minor children have restricted access
- Cases with approved impoundment orders are not publicly accessible
Certified divorce certificates, which provide official verification of a divorce, have more restricted access:
- Parties to the divorce have unrestricted access to their own records
- Attorneys of record may access records with proper documentation
- Individuals with legitimate legal interest may petition for access
- Third parties without direct interest face significant access limitations
The Plymouth County Probate and Family Court balances the public's right to information with individual privacy concerns, particularly in family law matters. Court administrators apply Massachusetts Trial Court Rule VIII when determining access to potentially sensitive divorce records.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Plymouth County in 2026
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Plymouth County may utilize several established methods to locate these documents. The appropriate approach depends on the requester's relationship to the case and the specific records needed.
For parties to the divorce seeking case documents:
- Visit the Plymouth County Probate and Family Court in person
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Complete a record request form specifying the case number (if known)
- Pay applicable search and copy fees
- Receive copies of accessible documents
For certified divorce certificates:
- Contact the Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
- Complete the divorce certificate application form
- Provide required identification and documentation of eligibility
- Submit payment for certificate fees
- Receive certificate by mail or in person (if requested in person)
For general divorce record searches:
- Visit the Plymouth County Probate and Family Court
- Use public access terminals to search the case index
- Note relevant case numbers for records of interest
- Request viewable documents from court clerks
- Pay for any desired copies of publicly accessible documents
Plymouth County Probate and Family Court
52 Obery Street
Plymouth, MA 02360
Phone: (508) 747-6204
Plymouth County Probate and Family Court
Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
150 Mount Vernon Street, 1st Floor
Dorchester, MA 02125
Phone: (617) 740-2600
Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Plymouth County Online?
Plymouth County provides limited online access to divorce record information through the Massachusetts Trial Court's electronic case access system. The online search capabilities are designed to balance public information access with privacy protections for sensitive family court matters.
To search for divorce records online:
- Visit the Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access portal
- Select "Plymouth County Probate and Family Court" from the court selection menu
- Choose "Divorce" as the case type
- Enter known information such as party names or case numbers
- Review the basic case information displayed (filing date, case type, party names)
- Note that full document access is not available online for divorce cases
Important limitations of online divorce record searches:
- Only basic case information is viewable online
- Court documents and filings are not accessible through the online system
- Financial statements and sensitive exhibits are never available online
- Cases with impoundment orders will not appear in search results
- Historical records (generally pre-2000) may not be included in the electronic system
For comprehensive divorce record information, individuals must still visit the Plymouth County Probate and Family Court in person or submit written requests according to the Massachusetts public records request procedures.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Plymouth County?
Plymouth County residents and other interested parties may access certain divorce record information without payment, though comprehensive record retrieval typically involves fees. The following methods provide free or low-cost access to basic divorce record information:
In-person court index searches:
- Visit the Plymouth County Probate and Family Court during public hours
- Use public access terminals to search the case index
- Record relevant case information for further inquiry
- View publicly accessible case dockets at no charge
- Note that document copies and certified records require payment of fees
Public law library resources:
- Visit the Plymouth Law Library
- Access legal research databases that may include case information
- Request assistance from law librarians for navigating available resources
- Use public computers for online court database searches
- Review publicly available court calendars and dockets
Online basic case information:
- Access the Massachusetts Trial Court's electronic case portal
- Perform basic searches using party names or case numbers
- View limited case information at no charge
- Note that document access requires in-person requests and fees
Plymouth Law Library
52 Obery Street
Plymouth, MA 02360
Phone: (508) 747-1525
Plymouth Law Library
While basic case information may be accessed without fees, document copies, certified records, and comprehensive searches typically require payment of established court fees pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 262 § 39.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Plymouth County
Plymouth County divorce records comprise a comprehensive collection of documents generated throughout the divorce proceeding. The specific contents vary based on case complexity, contested issues, and whether children are involved.
Standard divorce case files typically contain:
- Initial complaint or petition for divorce
- Summons and proof of service documentation
- Financial statement forms (Short Form or Long Form)
- Affidavit of irretrievable breakdown (no-fault divorces)
- Separation agreements (if submitted)
- Child support guidelines worksheets (cases with minor children)
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Temporary orders issued during proceedings
- Motions filed by either party and resulting orders
- Trial exhibits and transcripts (if applicable)
- Findings of fact and conclusions of law
- Final judgment of divorce nisi
- Divorce decree absolute (issued after waiting period)
- Name change orders (if applicable)
Certified divorce certificates contain more limited information:
- Full names of both parties
- Date of marriage
- Date of divorce filing
- Date of divorce judgment nisi
- Date of divorce absolute
- Docket number
- County of divorce filing
- Grounds for divorce
- Official court seal and certification
Divorce records maintained by the Registry of Vital Records contain statistical information reported to the state by the courts, while the comprehensive legal record remains with the Plymouth County Probate and Family Court.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Plymouth County?
Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Plymouth County have several options for obtaining certified documentation. The appropriate method depends on the intended use of the proof and the level of detail required.
For certified copies of divorce decrees (most comprehensive):
- Visit or contact the Plymouth County Probate and Family Court
- Complete a request form specifying the case number and parties
- Provide identification proving eligibility to access the record
- Pay the certification fee ($20-40 depending on document type)
- Receive the certified copy in person or by mail
For certified divorce certificates (basic proof):
- Contact the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
- Complete the divorce certificate application form
- Provide identification and documentation of eligibility
- Submit the required fee ($20 per copy)
- Receive the certificate by mail or in person
For apostille certification (international use):
- Obtain a certified copy from the court or vital records
- Submit the certified copy to the Massachusetts Secretary of State
- Complete the apostille request form
- Pay the apostille fee ($6 per document)
- Receive the apostille-certified document
Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth
Public Records Division
One Ashburton Place, Room 1719
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 727-2836
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Most government agencies, financial institutions, and foreign governments require certified copies for official purposes. Uncertified copies or online printouts are generally not accepted as legal proof of divorce.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Plymouth County?
Divorce proceedings in Plymouth County offer limited confidentiality options under specific circumstances as provided by Massachusetts Uniform Rules on Impoundment Procedure. While complete confidentiality is rarely granted, certain aspects of divorce cases may be protected from public disclosure.
Situations where confidentiality may be granted:
- Cases involving domestic violence or abuse
- Matters affecting the safety or welfare of minor children
- Proceedings containing sensitive medical information
- Cases with legitimate privacy concerns regarding financial information
- Situations where public access would create risk of identity theft
- Cases involving public figures where publicity would cause undue harm
To request confidentiality for divorce records:
- File a motion for impoundment with the Plymouth County Probate and Family Court
- Provide specific reasons and legal basis for the confidentiality request
- Attend a hearing before a judge to present arguments
- Receive a judicial determination on the impoundment request
- If granted, specify which documents are impounded and for what duration
Even when impoundment is granted, certain basic case information typically remains public, including:
- Names of parties (except in exceptional circumstances)
- Case number and filing date
- Judge assigned to the case
- General case type
- Scheduled hearing dates
The court balances individual privacy interests against the presumption of public access to court records. Impoundment is granted only when privacy concerns substantially outweigh the public interest in access to judicial proceedings.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Plymouth County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Plymouth County varies significantly based on case complexity, cooperation between parties, court caseloads, and the specific divorce pathway chosen. Massachusetts law establishes minimum timeframes, but actual resolution often takes longer.
For uncontested no-fault divorces (1A):
- Minimum waiting period: 120 days after filing before divorce becomes absolute
- Typical timeline: 3-6 months from filing to final decree
- Required elements: Complete separation agreement, financial disclosures, court hearing
For contested no-fault divorces (1B):
- Mandatory waiting period: 6 months from service of complaint before hearing
- Additional 90-day nisi period after judgment before divorce becomes absolute
- Typical timeline: 8-18 months from filing to final decree
- Factors affecting duration: Discovery process, motion practice, court scheduling
For fault-based divorces:
- No mandatory waiting period before hearing (but subject to court scheduling)
- 90-day nisi period after judgment before divorce becomes absolute
- Typical timeline: 12-24 months from filing to final decree
- Additional time factors: Evidentiary requirements, witness testimony, contested hearings
According to Massachusetts Judicial Branch statistics, the median time from filing to disposition for divorce cases in Plymouth County is approximately 10.2 months, though individual cases may resolve more quickly or take significantly longer depending on circumstances.
Factors that commonly extend divorce timelines include:
- Child custody disputes
- Complex property division issues
- Business valuation requirements
- Retirement account division complexities
- Discovery disputes
- Court congestion and scheduling limitations
- Attorney availability conflicts
- Reconciliation attempts
How Long Does Plymouth County Keep Divorce Records?
Plymouth County maintains divorce records according to the Massachusetts Judicial Records Retention Schedule established by the Supreme Judicial Court. These retention policies ensure the preservation of important legal documents while managing storage limitations.
For divorce case files:
- Active case files: Maintained at the courthouse during proceedings
- Recently closed cases (0-5 years): Stored on-site at the courthouse
- Intermediate cases (5-20 years): May be transferred to off-site storage
- Historical cases (20+ years): May be archived with the Massachusetts Archives
- Permanent retention: Index books, judgment dockets, and final decrees
For specific divorce document types:
- Final judgments and decrees: Permanent retention
- Financial statements: Minimum 3 years after case closure
- Exhibits: Returned to parties or destroyed after appeal period
- Temporary orders: Retained with case file according to schedule
- Audio recordings of proceedings: 7 years from recording date
The Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics maintains divorce certificates permanently as vital records of the Commonwealth pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 46 § 17.
Individuals seeking historical divorce records may need to contact:
Massachusetts Archives
220 Morrissey Boulevard
Boston, MA 02125
Phone: (617) 727-2816
Massachusetts Archives
How To Get a Divorce In Plymouth County
Residents seeking to dissolve a marriage in Plymouth County must follow Massachusetts statutory procedures while working within the county court system. The process varies based on the selected divorce type and level of agreement between parties.
For uncontested no-fault divorce (1A):
- Ensure at least one spouse meets Massachusetts residency requirements
- Prepare and sign a joint petition for divorce
- Complete required financial statements and separation agreement
- File documents with Plymouth County Probate and Family Court
- Pay filing fees (approximately $215) or request fee waiver
- Attend scheduled hearing before a judge
- Receive judgment of divorce nisi
- Wait mandatory 120-day nisi period
- Divorce becomes absolute automatically after waiting period
For contested no-fault divorce (1B):
- Prepare complaint for divorce alleging irretrievable breakdown
- File complaint with Plymouth County Probate and Family Court
- Serve complaint on spouse following legal requirements
- Complete and file financial statements
- Participate in discovery process and mandatory parent education (if children involved)
- Attend pretrial conferences and attempt settlement
- Proceed to trial if settlement not reached
- Receive judgment of divorce nisi
- Wait mandatory 90-day nisi period
- Divorce becomes absolute automatically after waiting period
For fault-based divorce:
- Prepare complaint alleging specific statutory grounds
- File and serve complaint as in contested process
- Gather evidence supporting fault allegations
- Participate in more extensive discovery and pretrial proceedings
- Present evidence at trial proving fault grounds
- Receive judgment if grounds proven
- Observe 90-day nisi period before divorce becomes absolute
Plymouth County Probate and Family Court
52 Obery Street
Plymouth, MA 02360
Phone: (508) 747-6204
Plymouth County Probate and Family Court
How To Get Divorce Papers In Plymouth County
Individuals initiating divorce proceedings in Plymouth County have several methods for obtaining the necessary legal forms. The appropriate forms depend on the divorce type and specific circumstances of the case.
For self-represented litigants:
- Visit the Plymouth County Probate and Family Court's Register's Office
- Request divorce packet corresponding to case type (1A, 1B, or fault)
- Review forms with court staff for completeness (staff cannot provide legal advice)
- Complete forms according to instructions
- Make copies for filing and service
For online form access:
- Visit the Massachusetts Court System website
- Navigate to the divorce forms section
- Download appropriate forms based on divorce type
- Complete forms electronically or print and complete manually
- Print required copies for filing and service
For legal assistance with forms:
- Contact the Plymouth County Bar Association for referrals
- Visit the court's Lawyer for the Day program (if available)
- Consult with the court's law library for reference materials
- Seek assistance from local legal aid organizations if eligible
- Consider limited assistance representation from an attorney
Essential divorce forms typically include:
- Petition or complaint for divorce
- Summons
- Financial statement (short or long form)
- Child support guidelines worksheet (if applicable)
- Affidavit of irretrievable breakdown
- Certificate of absolute divorce
- Separation agreement (for uncontested cases)
Plymouth County Law Library
52 Obery Street
Plymouth, MA 02360
Phone: (508) 747-1525
Plymouth Law Library