How to Find Court Records in Massachusetts

If you need Massachusetts court records now, CourtCaseFinder can help you locate them instantly. Our database searches trial, district, and municipal court records from every county and city, from Boston and Worcester to Springfield and Lowell.

With our Instant Court Case Lookup, you can find details like names, charges, case numbers, dispositions, sentencing, and more (when available). Whether it's a criminal case, civil lawsuit, bankruptcy, lien, or traffic violation, we bring Massachusetts public court records to your fingertips quickly and easily.

For those new to the process, court records are official documents that detail the proceedings and outcomes of legal cases. Maintained by the courts and mostly accessible to the public, they promote transparency and accountability in the justice system.

These records can reveal case summaries, charges or claims, court decisions, sentencing, and involved parties. They're useful for legal research, verifying case statuses, or understanding a person's or entity's judicial history.

How To Access Massachusetts Public Court Records

To save time and avoid hassle, you can use commercial court case retrieval services like CourtCaseFinder to access Massachusetts public court records. However, if you prefer to do the research yourself, you can access court records through official government services, which may require more time and effort.

Here's how to obtain court records through official channels:

Online

You can search Massachusetts court records online through the Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access (MassCourt) system. Simply search by name, case number, or calendar date. Keep in mind that this portal only shows basic case information and does not provide recent records or full documents.

If you're looking for appellate cases, you can use the Public Case Search portal. Some records may be restricted if they involve sensitive or confidential matters.

In-Person

Visit any of the seven trial court departments (except Juvenile Court) or the County Registry of Deeds. Public access computers are available to search the Masscourt (eAccess) system, and you can view or copy full documents at the court clerk's office. Use the Courthouse Locator or the Massachusetts Court System Directory to find locations and contact details.

By Mail

Send a written request to the clerk's office of the court that handled the case. Include the names of the parties, case number (if known), document type, and approximate filing date. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope and any required fees. It's best to call ahead to confirm requirements.

You can also mail requests to:

John Adams Courthouse

1 Pemberton Square, Suite 2500

Boston, MA 02108

Phone: (617) 557-1000

Massachusetts Court Records: What is Public and What is Not?

In Massachusetts, you generally have the right to access court records under the Massachusetts Public Records Law, which is similar to the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This law lets you request and copy public records created or received by state agencies and municipalities while performing their official duties.

You can usually access information such as:

• Case titles and docket numbers
• Names of parties involved
• Court dates and hearing schedules
• Filed motions and pleadings
• Judgments, court orders, and rulings

However, some records are off-limits for privacy or safety reasons. These include:

• Juvenile court records and proceedings (except in specific circumstances)
• Mental health commitment records
• Adoption records
• Grand jury proceedings
• Sealed or expunged criminal records
• Domestic violence restraining order records

Massachusetts courts work to give you access to public information while protecting sensitive details when required by law.

Who Oversees the Courts in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, the Executive Office of the Trial Court manages all state courts. It's led jointly by the Chief Justice of the Trial Court and the Court Administrator. Through this office, you'll find oversight of the seven Trial Court departments, the Massachusetts Probation Service, and the Office of Jury Commissioner.

The Executive Office handles everything from judicial policy and education to facilities, budgeting, human resources, security, and IT. It ensures you have access to a fair and efficient court system statewide.

At the top of the state's judicial system is the Supreme Judicial Court (SJC), the highest appellate court in the Commonwealth. The SJC, made up of a Chief Justice and six associate justices, oversees the entire Massachusetts judiciary and the legal profession. The Chief Justice of the SJC also serves as the head of the state judiciary.

What Types of Courts Exist in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts' court system is divided by jurisdiction and case type, with each level handling specific legal matters. From trial courts that address most civil and criminal cases to appellate courts that review lower court decisions, the structure ensures cases are heard in the appropriate venue.

Court Type	Jurisdiction	Common Case Types
Supreme Judicial Court (SJC)	The highest appellate court in Massachusetts; statewide jurisdiction	Appeals from lower courts, constitutional issues, advisory opinions, attorney discipline
Appeals Court	Intermediate appellate court; statewide jurisdiction	Appeals from Trial Court departments and certain state agencies (e.g., Tax Board, Industrial Accident Board)
Superior Court	Statewide trial court of general jurisdiction	Major civil cases over $50,000, serious criminal cases (including first-degree murder), equity, and malpractice
District Court	Statewide, 62 locations; limited civil and criminal jurisdiction	Misdemeanors, felonies punishable by up to 5 years, civil cases under $50,000, small claims (up to $7,000), restraining orders
Boston Municipal Court	Serves Boston and Winthrop	Criminal, civil, and some administrative appeals
Housing Court	Statewide, 6 divisions	Landlord-tenant disputes, eviction, housing code enforcement, personal injury/property damage in housing
Juvenile Court	Statewide, 11 divisions	Child abuse and neglect, delinquency, child requiring assistance, guardianship, adoption
Land Court	Statewide	Real estate disputes, land registration, zoning appeals, and title issues
Probate and Family Court	Statewide, 14 divisions	Divorce, child custody, child support, wills, estates, guardianships, name changes

What Federal Courts Are In Massachusetts?

Federal courts in Massachusetts are part of the United States judicial system, which operates separately from the state court system. While Massachusetts state courts handle matters governed by state laws (e.g., family law, probate, housing, and most criminal cases), federal courts deal with issues arising under the U.S. Constitution, federal laws, treaties, and disputes involving multiple states or international parties.

Jurisdiction of Federal Courts

Federal courts have limited jurisdiction, meaning they can only hear cases authorized by the U.S. Constitution or federal statutes. Common federal cases include:

• Federal crimes
• Constitutional rights violations
• Bankruptcy cases
• Immigration issues
• Lawsuits between residents of different states (diversity jurisdiction) involving claims over $75,000
• Cases involving federal agencies or the U.S. government

Federal Courts in Massachusetts

Below are the main federal courts located in Massachusetts, along with their jurisdiction and contact information.

Federal Court	Jurisdiction	Location & Contact Information
U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts	The primary federal trial court in the state	Main Office - Boston: John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse, 1 Courthouse Way, Boston, MA 02210 Phone: (617) 748-9152 Website: www.mad.uscourts.gov Worcester: Donohue Federal Building, 595 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608 Phone: (508) 929-9900 Springfield: U.S. Courthouse, 300 State Street, Suite 120, Springfield, MA 01105 Phone: (413) 785-6800
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Massachusetts	Handles all bankruptcy filings in Massachusetts	Boston: John W. McCormack Post Office and Court House, 5 Post Office Square, Suite 1150, Boston, MA 02109-3945 Phone: (617) 748-5300 Website: www.mab.uscourts.gov Worcester: Donohue Federal Building, 595 Main Street, Room 311, Worcester, MA 01608-2076 Phone: (508) 770-8900 Springfield: United States Courthouse, 300 State Street, Springfield, MA 01105 Phone: (413) 785-6900
U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit	Hears appeals from federal trial courts in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Puerto Rico	John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse, 1 Courthouse Way, Boston, MA 02210 Phone: (617) 748-9057 Website: www.ca1.uscourts.gov

How Many Cases Are Handled Annually in Massachusetts Courts?

Based on the data from Massachusetts courts, the Trial Court system handles a substantial caseload annually, receiving close to a million filings per year. Looking at the specific filing numbers, the data shows consistent growth in annual filings over the past four years:

• FY 2024: 779,568 total filings
• FY 2023: 713,214 total filings
• FY 2022: 684,269 total filings
• FY 2021: 613,252 total filings

The system has shown recovery and growth in recent years, with FY 2024 representing a 9.3% increase over the previous year. The table below shows some of the estimated annual case filings by type in Massachusetts courts.

Case Type	Approx. Annual Volume
Criminal Show Cause Hearings	~158,000
Criminal	~156,000
Small Claims	~97,000
Civil	~56,000
Restraining/Harassment Orders	~46,000
Civil Motor Vehicle Infractions (CMVI)	~44,000
Probate	~42,000
Summary Process	~39,000
Modification/Contempt	~29,000
Divorce	~20,000
Paternity	~15,000
Mental Health	~14,000
Application for Complaint	~11,000
Guardianship	~10,000

For the complete list of case types and their approximate filings, check the statistics prepared by the Massachusetts Trial Court Department of Research and Planning.

How Do I File a Case in Massachusetts Courts?

Here's a clear, step-by-step guide on how you can file a case in Massachusetts courts, including whether you can file online, where to get forms, and what fees apply.

Determine the Appropriate Court

First, figure out which court will handle your case. This depends on the case type , for example, small claims, eviction, divorce, or a major civil matter. You can use the Massachusetts Court System Directory (searchable by city, town, or ZIP code) or the Courthouse Locator to find locations and contact details.

Obtain and Complete Forms

You can download the required filing forms from Mass.gov under the "court forms by court department" section. Some forms have guided completion to help you fill them out correctly. Follow all instructions carefully.

Choose Filing Method

eFileMA provides electronic filing for participating courts within the Massachusetts Trial Court system. You'll need to register, and you can submit documents 24/7. A one-time provider fee of $22 applies when starting a case (unless waived).

If electronic filing is unavailable, file directly at the courthouse clerk's office for an immediate stamped copy of your filing. For filing by mail, you can send completed forms to the specific court's clerk or to:

John Adams Courthouse

1 Pemberton Square, Suite 2500, Boston, MA 02108

The clerk's office generally responds within ten business days after receipt, and fees may be included via check or money order.

4. Pay Filing Fees

Fees vary by court department:

• Superior Court: Typically $240 to file a complaint, plus a $20 security fee and a $15 surcharge. Injunction or restraining order filings are generally $90.
• District, Housing, Probate & Family Courts, etc.: Fees differ, check the Schedule of Fees for the specific court.

If you qualify, you can request a fee waiver by submitting an Affidavit of Indigency.

How Is the Massachusetts Court System Unique?

The Massachusetts court system is distinguished by having the oldest continuously operating appellate court in the Western Hemisphere, the Supreme Judicial Court, established in 1692. It operates under the oldest functioning written constitution in the world. The state features a unified Trial Court system with seven specialized departments under centralized administration.

Massachusetts also operates extensive specialty courts, including Drug Courts, Mental Health Courts, Veterans Treatment Courts, and Homeless Courts. By focusing on rehabilitation over punishment, these courts demonstrate a modern and problem-solving justice model that sets the state apart from others.

Massachusetts Courthouses, Sheriff's Offices, Police Departments, Jails, & Prisons

• Barnstable
• Berkshire
• Bristol
• Dukes
• Essex
• Franklin
• Hampden
• Hampshire
• Middlesex
• Nantucket
• Norfolk
• Plymouth
• Suffolk
• Worcester

Where to Find Additional Information About Massachusetts Courts?

• Massachusetts Court System
• The Judicial Branch
• Massachusetts Courts
• Trail Courts in Massachusetts
• US District Court of Massachusetts
• Court of Appeals Massachusetts
• Supreme Court Justices

FAQs