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Franklin County Courts, MA *
Franklin County, like others in Massachusetts, has an elaborate court system. There are several courts serving the locals, some operating from two locations in the county. All matters in the region can be resolved by the various courts, including appeals from the lower courts. The residents can entrust the courts to hear major cases such as criminal, civil, and juvenile cases, as well as minor ones, like small claims and evictions. Besides resolving pressing cases, the courts, through courthouse staff, can assist parties with filing new cases or accessing court records.
How to Access Franklin County Court Records
Online Access
One of the most convenient ways to access court records in Franklin County is through online searches. The state provides the platform Massachusetts Trial Court Case Access, which is a public access portal listing information like dockets, case events, dispositions, and parties. The details accessible will depend on the case type, the court that handled the case, and other factors. Parties can go to the portal, select the appropriate court, then location, and search using case particulars like the party's full names, case number, and date range.
Alternative Online Options
All parties interested in records from the Franklin Courts who are interacting with them for the first time can use CourtCaseFinder. It is a database that aggregates public filings from divorces to civil lawsuits and arrests to make searches more convenient, even for first-timers. Both individuals and legal professionals can use the platform for access throughout the county and the state, which saves them time and effort.
In-Person Requests
Some records are inaccessible online due to their nature, especially when dealing with archived or physical records, or when the search requires access to certified copies. For these, inquirers can make in-person requests at the offices of the respective clerks who handled the cases. The clerks'/register's contact details are highlighted on each official court website, making them easier to reach. Requesters should remember to bring along details such as the case number, case name, parties' full names, and other case particulars to narrow down the search.
Archived Records
Some archived records in physical form can be obtained from the relevant courthouse clerks. However, historical records from hundreds of years ago are transferred to the state archives. These can be accessed from the Massachusetts Archives depending on the case type, filing year, county, court names, and other specifics. The database contains permanent records dating to the 1600s, and access requires a formal request because they are otherwise closed to the public.
Overview of the Franklin County Court System
As part of the unified court system of Massachusetts, Franklin County courts function as guided by the state's judiciary. There are state-level and county-level courts, each tasked with its own jurisdiction when handling cases in the region. The Supreme Court is the top state court, followed by the Appeals Court, both of which review cases from the local county trial courts. There are five main court types in Franklin, but seven courthouses.
The Superior Court is the highest in the county, handling the most significant criminal and civil cases. There are also two District Courts, which hear cases outside the Superior Court's jurisdiction, particularly less serious criminal and civil disputes. As for cases involving juveniles, two Juvenile Courts step in, while the probate disputes and family-related matters are resolved at the Probate and Family Court. Lastly, there is the Western Housing Court-Greenfield Session, which specializes in cases involving residential properties and housing.
Types of Courts in Franklin County, Massachusetts
Superior Court
The highest local court in Franklin County is the Superior Court. It hears the most significant criminal and civil matters and serves all the towns and cities in the region.
Primary location: Franklin County Superior Court
It handles the following cases:
- Serious criminal charges
- Major civil lawsuits
- Contract disputes
District Courts
There are Two District Courts in Franklin. The Greenfield and Orange District Courts handle lower-level criminal and civil matters as well as other cases assigned by the state.
Primary locations: Greenfield District Court and Orange District Court
Cases within their jurisdiction include:
- Civil matters
- Criminal charges
- Small claims
- Traffic and motor-vehicle cases
- Mental health proceedings
Probate and Family Court
As one of the specialized courts in Franklin, the Probate and Family Court hears cases involving the estates of a deceased person and family-related disputes. It serves the entire county as the only such court.
Primary location: Franklin Probate and Family Court
Its cases are:
- Estates and wills
- Probate matters
- Divorce
- Guardianships
- Child support
- Adoptions
- Child custody
- Name changes
- Paternity
Juvenile Courts
There are two Juvenile Courts in Franklin, located in Belchertown and Hardley. The court is also specialized to hear only cases involving juveniles or persons under 18 years.
Primary locations: Hardley Juvenile Court and Belchertown Juvenile Court
It hears the following matters:
- Juvenile delinquency
- Child requiring assistance cases
- Guardianships and other related cases
Housing Court
The last specialized court in the county is the Housing Court-Greenfield Session. It focuses on disputes involving residential properties and housing in general.
Primary location: Western Housing Court-Greenfield Session
Cases handled include:
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Housing code violations
- Evictions
- Disputes over residential property
How to File a Case in Franklin County
Filing a case in Franklin depends on the type and the court handling it. The goal is for filers to pay attention to the details to avoid unnecessary delays.
Step 1: Choose the Correct Court
One of the most important details that filers cannot overlook is where they file, or which court they present their cases to. There are several courthouses in the county, each with its own jurisdiction, so they must match their case to the court handling it to avoid misfilings and rejections. That's why they should know the ins and outs of their cases to determine which court to file with. For instance, they want to take juvenile cases to the Juvenile Court and housing-related matters to the Housing Court.
Step 2: Complete Required Forms
Knowing where their case belongs, filers should complete the required forms that detail their case. They can go to the courthouse staff for assistance with the forms, or, more conveniently, visit the state's official Court Forms site to download the right forms. For those filing electronically, the eFiling Forms page also provides the proper documents. Filers should carefully complete the forms according to the instructions and confirm that the details provided are accurate before submission.
Step 3: File the Case
Both individuals and legal professionals can file cases in Franklin either online or in person, depending on the court and the case type. For in-person filing, they can present their forms to the respective courthouses where their cases go, through the clerk/registers' offices. Alternatively, they can file cases electronically through the state-mandated system eFileMA, which allows them to upload their records. Once the case is accepted, it is assigned a unique case number that can be used throughout the next stages.
Step 4: Pay Filing Fees
There are usually court fees attached to the cases presented to the Franklin courts. The fees are not constant; instead, they vary with the case type and its magnitude, meaning that the more serious the case, the higher the costs. That's why it is important for filers to check the costs beforehand, understand what they mean for their case, and avoid delays. If they cannot afford the full fees, they can apply for a waiver by completing the Affidavit of Indigency, which, if accepted, allows them to proceed with the case.
Step 5: Serve the Other Party
There is one more mandatory procedure for the filer to complete before the case proceeds. The state requires all parties filing cases in the county courts to formally notify the respondents or the opposing parties about the lawsuit or charges. This means presenting them with documents highlighting the case details. The process can only be conducted through a non-partisan party, usually the sheriff/deputy, constable, or specially appointed party. Once the papers are served, the filer retains proof and files it with the court, showing when and how the service of process was completed.
Step 6: Monitor the Case
Parties should also stay updated about the case even after filing. They should know whether their cases have been accepted or rejected and what the courts need from them to complete the process, for which they can be notified thanks to the eFileMA system used for electronic filing. It also helps when they know the docket information and other court details, which are provided through the Massachusetts Trial Court Case Access page.
Franklin County Courthouse Directory
Franklin County Courthouses: There are seven local courthouses in Franklin, and their addresses and contact details are organized by county in this directory.
Legal and Self-Help Resources
Community Legal Aid (CLA) provides free legal aid to low-income communities, senior citizens, and other marginalized groups struggling to access legal services. It helps them with matters like housing, evictions, family law, education rights, public benefits, and other civil cases. The Resilience Center of Franklin County works closely with survivors of domestic and sexual violence. It provides free advocacy, crisis support, safety planning, and court accompaniment, ensuring that those affected can access the legal services they need. Besides the organizations, Franklin residents can seek assistance from the courthouse staff with filing their cases, accessing instructional materials, and retrieving past court records. The clerks and registers cannot offer legal advice, but can assist residents when they are stuck while interacting with the courts.
FAQs
How many courts are in Franklin County?
There are five main courts serving the various communities in Franklin, but there are seven courthouses in total. There is one Superior Court, one Housing Court, one Probate and Family Court, two District Courts, and two Juvenile Courts. Each court maintains its own jurisdiction as guided by the state's statutes.
What should I do if I cannot afford filing fees in Franklin County?
If the filer cannot afford the required filing fees, the state allows them to proceed without the cost, but they must first complete the Affidavit of Indigency. They must submit it with supporting documents and present it to the court, and if accepted, they can proceed with the other steps without paying the mandatory fees.
What steps should I take when accessing court records in Franklin County?
The first step to conveniently access court records in Franklin County is to search online through state-provided portals or CourtCaseFinder, which aggregates the court records into a single database. If the records are missing, the next step is to request them in person from the various courthouses, and lastly, if the records are older, the next step is to find them at the state archives.
Why can't I access some records in Franklin County?
Many records are available for public access, but not all. The state keeps some records sealed, especially when they are protected by confidentiality laws. These records are kept private to protect the parties involved and to safeguard personal details. They include records from the Juvenile Court and Probate and Family Court, to which only authorized parties can gain access.
Franklin County, MA - Courthouses
Orange District Court
| Court Type: | District Court |
| Street Address: | 1 Court Square |
| Website URL: | https://www.mass.gov/locations/orange-district-court |
| Phone: | 978-544-8277 |
| Fax: | 978-544-5204 |
| Hours: | Monday - Friday : 8:30 am - 4:30 pm |
| Judge: | Hon. Laurie MacLeod |
| Clerk: | Joella E. Fortier |
| Parking: | There is free parking located at the courthouse |
| Public transportation: | The Orange District Court is accessible through Route 32 of the Franklin Regional Transit Authority. The closest stop to the courthouse is the Orange Center stop. The courthouse is also accessibly through the G-Link Gardner to Orange line. The closest stop to the courthouse is the Orange Center/Memorial Park stop |
| Restrictions: | Using cameras and electronic devices |
| Languages: | Multiple |
| Email: | cmorangedc@jud.state.ma.us |
| About / Additional Info: | This court serves Athol, Erving, Leverett, New Salem, Orange, Shutesbury, Warwick, and Wendell. |
Franklin County Superior Court
| Court Type: | Superior Court |
| Street Address: | 43 Hope St |
| Website URL: | https://www.mass.gov/locations/franklin-county-superior-court |
| Phone: | 413-775-7400 |
| Fax: | 413-774-4770 |
| Hours: | Monday - Friday : 8:30 am - 4:30 pm |
| Judge: | Hon. Beverly J. Cannone |
| Clerk: | Susan K. Emond |
| Parking: | Parking Is Available In The Parking Lot Between Davis And Chapman Streets, And Also In The Parking Lot At The Corner Of Prospect And Hope Streets. Additional Parking Information Can Be Found At Greenfield-Ma.Gov. |
| Public transportation: | The Court Is Accessible By Public Transportation Through The Franklin Regional Transit Authority |
| Restrictions: | Using Cameras And Electronic Devices |
| Languages: | Multiple |
| Email: | Franklinclerksoffice@jud.state.ma.us |
| Facebook: | https://www.facebook.com/pages/Franklin-County-Superior-Court/438327996527279 |
| ADA: | Susan Emond |
| ADA Phone: | 413-775-7401 |
| ADA Fax / Email: | susan.emond@jud.state.ma.us |
| Special Access: | Yes Wheelchair Accessible |
| About / Additional Info: | This court serves all the cities and towns of Franklin County. |
Greenfield District Court
| Court Type: | District Court |
| Street Address: | 43 Hope St |
| Website URL: | https://www.mass.gov/locations/greenfield-district-court |
| Phone: | 413-774-5533 |
| Fax: | 413-774-5328 |
| Hours: | Monday - Friday : 8:30 am - 4:30 pm |
| Judge: | Hon. William F. Mazanec |
| Clerk: | Kenneth H. Chaffee |
| Parking: | Parking is available in the parking lot between Davis and Chapman Streets, and also in the parking lot at the corner of Prospect and Hope Streets. Additional parking information can be found at greenfield-ma.gov |
| Public transportation: | The court is accessible by public transportation through the Franklin Regional Transit Authority. |
| Restrictions: | Using cameras and electronic devices |
| Languages: | Multiple |
| Facebook: | https://www.facebook.com/pages/Greenfield-District-Court/1419149341674677 |
| ADA: | Robin Massa |
| ADA Phone: | 413-774-7427 |
| ADA Fax / Email: | robin.massa@jud.state.ma.us |
| Special Access: | Yes Wheelchair accessible |
| About / Additional Info: | This court serves Ashfield, Bernardston, Buckland, Charlemont, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Gill, Greenfield, Hawley, Heath, Leyden, Monroe, Montague, Northfield, Rowe, Shelburne, Sunderland, and Whately. |
Franklin County, MA - Sheriff's Office
Franklin County Sheriff's Office
| Location Type: | Sheriff's Office |
| Street Address: | 160 Elm Street |
| Phone: | 413-774-4014 |
| Fax: | 413-774-3525 |
| Hours: | Monday - Friday: 9:00 am-5:00 pm |
| Website URL: | https://www.fcso-ma.us/ |
| Inmates: | https://www.fcso-ma.us/visiting-an-inmate |
| Civil Services & Proceedings: | https://www.fcso-ma.us/civil-process |
| Sheriff: | Christopher J. Donelan |
| Sheriff Phone: | 413-774-4014 ext. 2103 |
| Sheriff Email: | process@fcso-ma.us |
| About/Additional Info: | The primary mission of the Franklin County Sheriff's Office shall be the protection of the public. The Franklin County Sheriff's Office (FCSO) serves the citizens of Franklin County and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by promoting a safe and healthy community. The FCSO is committed to supporting criminal offenders by addressing the underlying causes of incarceration through effective, evidence-based treatment, vocational training, accountability and education. |
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