Norfolk County Court Records Lookup
The following is for information purposes only
Table of Contents
Norfolk County Courts
Over 700,000 people reside in Norfolk County, which is approximately 10% of Massachusetts's total population of 7 million. The administrative center of the county is located in Dedham. Each year, the county's courts process an estimated 82,000 case filings, which include 27,502 civil matters, 12,715 criminal cases, 852 juvenile matters, 4,619 domestic relations issues, and 5,532 probate proceedings.
The Norfolk County court system administers justice through various trial courts, including the Superior Court, District Courts, Probate and Family Court, Housing Courts, and Juvenile Courts.
- Norfolk County Superior Court has jurisdiction over felonies and civil cases over $50,000. It hears appeals from administrative agencies and other lower courts.
- District Courts in Norfolk County handle a wide range of matters, including misdemeanors, juvenile cases, mental health issues, violations of municipal ordinances, and civil disputes of less than $50,000.
- Norfolk Probate and Family Court addresses family law matters, domestic relations, and probate matters.
- HousingCourtsinNorfolkCounty handle matters such as evictions, small claims, and civil actions involving property damage, breach of contract, and personal injury.
- Juvenile Courts in Norfolk County handle certain matters, including child protection, adoptions, termination of parental rights, and juvenile delinquency.
Norfolk County trial courts are located in different parts of the county.
How To Access Norfolk County Court Records
According to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and the Uniform Rules on Public Access to Court Records Rule 1, anyone may access Norfolk County court records unless the records are sealed by statute or court order. Some court records, including sealed records, juvenile records, and child protection orders, are exempt from public disclosure. Sensitive details, such as financial statements, medical information, and trade secrets, are typically redacted from court records.
Generally, an Individual must provide a case number and a valid, government-issued photo ID to access a court record in Norfolk County. They may access these court records in any of the following ways:
Online
Individuals may access Norfolk County court records online through the Massachusetts Trial Court Case Access Portal. Individuals may use the case number, case type, or name (for civil cases only) as the search criteria to search case information on the portal.
Interested persons may also find Norfolk County Court records through CourtCaseFinder, a website that compiles publicly available court records from all courts nationwide.
To access federal court cases heard in Norfolk County, anyone may use the PACER Case Locator service. They must register for an account and pay specific fees to access sought court documents.
In-Person
In Norfolk County, record seekers may visit the clerk's office at the appropriate courthouse where the case was heard. Upon arrival at the courthouse, a requester may be asked to submit a written request or application form.
Individuals may view and obtain copies of court records in Norfolk County through the public access terminals in the clerk's office. Individuals must pay a $2.50 per-page fee for attested copies prepared by the clerk and a $0.05 per-page fee for unattested copies.
Old and Archived Court Records
Individuals may access old court records that are unavailable online or at the clerk's office at the Massachusetts Archives. The archives typically collect and preserve public records, which include court records for all counties in the state. Individuals may access such court records by contacting the State Archives at:
Massachusetts Archives
220 Morrissey Blvd.
Phone: (617) 727-2816
Email: archives@sec.state.ma.us
Alternatively, record seekers may request old court records in Norfolk County at the Trial Court Record Centers.
How To File a Case in Norfolk County
To file a case in Norfolk County, an individual must identify the appropriate court that has jurisdiction to handle their case. The plaintiff may contact the court clerk to determine whether the court can handle their case. They may decide to file their case online, in person, or by mail with the clerk of the court.
In Norfolk County, individuals may file cases online through eFileMA. They may also file the case by mail or in person at the clerk's office of the court.
Filing a court case in the county may incur certain fees, which generally vary depending on the court and the type of case. However, individuals who are unable to pay the filing fee may be eligible to apply for a waiver. They must submit a completed Affidavit of Indigency and Supplement to Affidavit of Indigency (if applicable) to the clerk of the court. The clerk or judge will review the application and decide the outcome of the waiver.
The following steps generally outline the process to file a case in the county:
- Determine the appropriate courthouse - Identify the proper courthouse that handles their case type.
- Complete all necessary documents and approved forms
- Pay the Filing Fee and file the case- Pay the filing fees and file the case in person, by mail, or electronically
- Remember to serve the opposing party with a copy of the filed documents
Legal Help and Self-Help Resources
Across the United States, county court systems play a crucial role in delivering access to justice. Residents, particularly self-represented litigants, must understand the procedures in the court system, especially when navigating civil, family, probate, or small claims matters. There are several resources, including self-help centers, online portals, legal aid organizations, and libraries, where people may seek knowledge.
In Norfolk County, individuals who are unable to afford paid legal representation may seek assistance from local courthouses, legal aid organizations, or bar associations. Examples of these organizations include the following:
- Free Legal Representation for Low-Income Persons
- MetroWest Legal Services (MWLS) provides free legal services for civil cases.
- South Coastal Counties Legal Services (SCCLS) offers free advice for civil cases.
- Private Lawyer Referral Services
Furthermore, interested individuals may turn to self-help resources and legal help offered at the state level, which generally include the following:
- Free Legal Representation for Low-income Individuals
- Free Legal Services for Low-income Landlords
- Private Lawyer Referral Services
- Massachusetts Chapter, Lawyer Referral Service
- Massachusetts Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service - May offer reduced-fee referrals in some areas of law
- Free Small Claims Court Advice
- Harvard University Small Claims Advisory Service (Student program)
Other legal aid services and self-help resources available to Norfolk County residents include the following:
- EdLaw Project - Provides direct educational advocacy for the highest-risk youth.
- Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) - Provides legal representation for individuals who cannot afford a lawyer in all legal matters that require the appointment of counsel.
- Mass Legal Help - A good resource for information on legal issues like domestic violence, child welfare, housing, and mental health.
- Dial-A-Lawyer: Free Legal Advice by Phone - Individuals may call the hotline for free legal advice.
- Massachusetts Legal Resource Finder - Helps people find attorneys who may be able to assist for free or at a low cost in their community.
Types of Courts in Norfolk County, Massachusetts
The court system in Norfolk County comprises several county courts, including Superior, District, Probate and Family, Housing, Land, and Juvenile Court. Also, there are two federal courts in the county that handle federal cases. The jurisdiction of each court and contact information are listed below:
Norfolk County Superior Court
- Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Exclusive original jurisdiction of first-degree murder cases, felonies, matters where parties seek equitable relief, civil actions over $50,000, and actions including labor disputes in which parties seek injunctive relief.
- Address and Contact Information -
Norfolk County Courthouse
650 High Street
Dedham, MA 02026
Phone: (781) 326-1600 (Clerk's Office)
District Courts in Norfolk County
- Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Handle a wide range of matters, including misdemeanors, juvenile cases, mental health issues, violations of municipal ordinances, small claims, traffic infractions, and civil disputes less than $50,000.
The District Court locations in Norfolk County are listed below:
Brookline District Court
360 Washington Street
Brookline, MA 02445
Phone: (617) 332-4660 (Clerk's Office)
Phone: (617) 277-9032 (Probation Department)
Dedham District Court
631 High Street
Dedham, MA 02026
Phone: (781) 329-4777 (Clerk's Office & Probation Department)
Milford District Court
161 West Street
Milford, MA 01757
Phone: (508) 473-1260 (Clerk's Office)
Phone: (508) 473-4541 (Probation Department)
Quincy District Court
1 Dennis Ryan Parkway
Quincy, MA 02169
Phone: (617) 471-1650 (Clerk's Office)
Stoughton District Court
1288 Central Street
Stoughton, MA 02072
Phone: (781) 344-2131 (Clerk's Office)
Phone: (781) 341-9052 (Probation Department)
Wrentham District Court
60 East Street
Wrentham, MA 02093
Phone: (508) 384-3106
Norfolk County Probate and Family Court
- Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - family law cases such as divorce, child support, child custody, adoptions, as well as probate-related matters including wills, guardianships, trusts, and administration of decedents' estates.
- Address and Contact Information -
Norfolk County Courthouse
35 Shawmut Road
Canton, MA 02021
Phone: (781) 830-1200 (Clerk's Office)
Phone: (781) 830-1249 (Probation Office)
Housing Courts in Norfolk County
- Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - handle all cases relating to residential housing, such as small claim cases, eviction cases, and civil actions involving breach of contract, personal injury, and property damage.
The Housing Court locations in Norfolk County are listed below:
Central Housing Court - Worcester Session
225 Main Street
Worcester, MA 01608
Phone: (508) 831-2050 (Clerk's Office)
Eastern Housing Court - Boston Session
24 New Chardon Street
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: (617) 788-8486 (Clerk's Office)
Phone: (617) 788-6500 (Administrative Office)
Land Court
- Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - A wide range of matters involving land use and real estate.
- Address and Contact Information -
3, Pemberton Square
Boston, MA 02108
Juvenile Courts in Norfolk County
- Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - handle all cases relating to residential housing, such as small claim cases, eviction cases, and civil actions involving breach of contract, personal injury, and property damage.
The Juvenile Court locations in Norfolk County are listed below:
Dedham Juvenile Court
55 Allied Drive
Dedham, MA 02026
Phone: (781) 329-1500 (Clerk's Office and Probation Department)
Quincy Juvenile Court
1 Dennis Ryan Parkway
Quincy, MA 02169
Phone: (617) 984-4198 (Clerk's Office)
Phone: (617) 376-7505 (Probation Department)
Stoughton Juvenile Court
1288 Central Street
Stoughton, MA 02072
Phone: (781) 341-9162 (Clerk's Office)
Federal Courts in Norfolk County
These federal courts serve the residents of the county:
United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts
- Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - These courts handle matters such as civil rights violations, immigration matters, federal crimes, intellectual property disputes, and lawsuits involving federal agencies.
- Address and Contact Information -
1 Courthouse Way
Boston, MA 02210
Phone: (617) 748-9152
United States Bankruptcy Court - District of Massachusetts
- Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Bankruptcy cases
- Address and Contact Information -
United States Bankruptcy Court
John W. McCormack Post Office and Courthouse
5 Post Office Square, Suite 1150
Boston, MA 02109-3945
Phone: (617) 748-5300
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Norfolk County Courts
The following is a compilation of questions commonly asked about courts in Norfolk County:
Are Court Records Public in Norfolk County?
How Do I Search for a Criminal Case in Norfolk County?
Where Can I Find Eviction Records in Norfolk County?
Can I File a Small Claims Case Online?
Do Norfolk County Courts Offer Public Computers for Case Searches?
How Do I Appeal a Court Decision in Norfolk County?
How Do Norfolk County Courts Handle Traffic Tickets?
How Do I Obtain a Copy of a Divorce Record in Norfolk County?
Norfolk County, MA - Courthouses
Brookline District Court
| Court Type: | District Court |
| Street Address: | 360 Washington St |
| Website URL: | https://www.mass.gov/locations/brookline-district-court |
| Phone: | 617-232-4660 |
| Fax: | 617-739-0734 |
| Hours: | Monday - Friday : 8:30 am - 4:30 pm |
| Judge: | Hon. Mary D. White |
| Clerk: | Edward F. Savage |
| Parking: | There is street metered parking available as well as a metered parking lot across the street from the courthouse on School Street |
| Public transportation: | The Brookline District Court is accessible by the Green Line (Riverside D train) of the MBTA. The closest stop to the courthouse is the Brookline Village Stop. The courthouse is also accessible by the following bus lines: Bus 60 (Chestnut Hill-Kenmore Station), Bus 65 (Brighton Center-Kenmore via Washington Street), and Bus 66 (Harvard Square-Dudley Station via Allston) |
| Restrictions: | Using cameras and electronic devices |
| Languages: | Multiple |
| Email: | cmbrooklinedc@jud.state.ma.us |
| Facebook: | https://www.facebook.com/pages/Brookline-District-Court/119552241433282 |
| ADA: | Kristin O'Hara |
| ADA Phone: | 617-232-4660, ext. 115 |
| ADA Fax / Email: | kristin.ohara@jud.state.ma.us |
| About / Additional Info: | The Brookline District Court serves the town of Brookline. |
Dedham District Court
| Court Type: | District Court |
| Street Address: | 631 High St. |
| Website URL: | https://www.mass.gov/locations/dedham-district-court |
| Phone: | 781-329-4777 |
| Fax: | 781-320-8249 |
| Hours: | Monday - Friday : 8:30 am - 4:30 pm |
| Judge: | Hon. Michael J. Pomarole |
| Clerk: | Salvatore Paterna |
| Parking: | There is a large paid parking lot located behind the Registry of Deeds that is available to the public |
| Public transportation: | The Dedham District Court is accessible by the following bus lines of the MBTA: Bus 34E, Bus 35, Bus 36 and Bus 52 |
| Restrictions: | Using cameras and electronic devices |
| Languages: | Multiple |
| Email: | cmdedhamdc@jud.state.ma.us |
| Facebook: | https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dedham-District-Court/155324384504019 |
| Linkedin: | https://www.linkedin.com/company/dedham-district-court |
| ADA: | Eileen M. McDonnell |
| ADA Phone: | 781-329-4777 x:303 |
| ADA Fax / Email: | eileen.mcdonnell@jud.state.ma.us |
| About / Additional Info: | This court serves Dedham, Dover, Medfield, Needham, Norwood, Wellesley, and Westwood. |
Quincy District Court
| Court Type: | District Court |
| Street Address: | 1 Dennis Ryan Parkway |
| Website URL: | https://www.mass.gov/locations/quincy-district-court |
| Phone: | 617-471-1650 |
| Fax: | 617-472-1924 |
| Hours: | Monday - Friday : 8:30 am - 4:30 pm |
| Judge: | Hon. Mark S. Coven |
| Clerk: | Arthur H. Tobin |
| Public transportation: | The Quincy District Court is accessible by the Red Line of the MBTA. The closest stop to the courthouse is the Quincy Center Station stop. You can also access the courthouse by the Greenbush Line and the Kingston/Plymouth and Middleborough/Lakeville line which both stop at the Quincy Center Station. The courthouse is also accessibly by the following bus routes of the MBTA: Bus 210, Bus 211, Bus 212, Bus 214, Bus 215, Bus 216, Bus 217, Bus 220, Bus 221, Bus 222, Bus 225, Bus 230, Bus 236, Bus 238 and Bus 245 |
| Restrictions: | Using cameras and electronic devices |
| Languages: | Multiple |
| Email: | cmquincydc@jud.state.ma.us |
| Facebook: | https://www.facebook.com/pages/Quincy-District-Court/150757591608705 |
| Linkedin: | https://www.linkedin.com/company/quincy-district-court |
| ADA: | Rosanna Guarino |
| ADA Phone: | 617-471-1650 x138 |
| ADA Fax / Email: | rosaria.guarino-galvin@jud.state.ma.us |
| About / Additional Info: | This court serves Braintree, Cohasset, Holbrook, Milton, Quincy, Randolph, and Weymouth. |
Stoughton District Court
| Court Type: | District Court |
| Street Address: | 1288 Central St |
| Website URL: | https://www.mass.gov/locations/stoughton-district-court |
| Phone: | 781-344-2131 |
| Fax: | 781-341-8744 |
| Hours: | Monday - Friday : 8:30 am - 4:30 pm |
| Judge: | Hon. Daniel W. O'Malley |
| Clerk: | Kirsten Hughes |
| Parking: | There is free parking available at the courthouse |
| Public transportation: | The Stoughton District Court is accessible by the Providence/Stoughton line of the MBTA. The closest stop to the courthouse is the Stoughton Station which is about 1 mile from the courthouse. The courthouse is also accessible by Bus Route 14 of the Brockton Area Transit |
| Restrictions: | No cell phones, or other electronic devices |
| Languages: | Multiple |
| Email: | cmstoughtondc@jud.state.ma.us |
| Facebook: | https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stoughton-District-Court/139954492717459 |
| ADA: | Linda Siegel |
| ADA Phone: | 781-344-2131 x217 |
| ADA Fax / Email: | linda.siegel @jud.state.ma.us |
| About / Additional Info: | This court serves Avon, Canton, Sharon and Stoughton. |
Wrentham District Court
| Court Type: | District Court |
| Street Address: | 60 East St |
| Website URL: | https://www.mass.gov/locations/wrentham-district-court |
| Phone: | 508-384-3106 |
| Fax: | 508-384-5052 |
| Hours: | Monday - Friday : 8:30 am - 4:30 pm |
| Judge: | Hon. Thomas L. Finigan |
| Clerk: | Michelle L. Kelley |
| Parking: | Parking is available in the back of the courthouse |
| Public transportation: | There is no public transportation available to the Wrentham District Court |
| Restrictions: | No cell phones, or other electronic devices |
| Languages: | Multiple |
| Email: | cmwrenthamdc@jud.state.ma.us |
| Facebook: | https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wrentham-District-Court/164938930227495 |
| ADA: | Diane Duffey |
| ADA Phone: | 508-384-3106 ext. 229 |
| ADA Fax / Email: | diane.duffey@jud.state.ma.us |
| About / Additional Info: | This court serves Foxborough, Franklin, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, Plainville, Walpole, and Wrentham. |
Norfolk County Superior Court
| Court Type: | Superior Court |
| Street Address: | 650 High Street |
| Website URL: | https://www.mass.gov/locations/norfolk-county-superior-court |
| Phone: | 781-326-1600 |
| Fax: | 781-329-9438 |
| Hours: | Monday - Friday : 8:30 am - 4:30 pm |
| Judge: | Hon. Robert C. Cosgrove |
| Clerk: | Walter F. Timilty |
| Parking: | There Is A Large Paid Parking Lot Located Behind The Registry Of Deeds That Is Available To The Public |
| Restrictions: | Using Cameras And Electronic Devices |
| Languages: | Multiple |
| Email: | Norfolk.clerksoffice@jud.state.ma.us |
| Linkedin: | https://www.linkedin.com/company/norfolk-county-superior-court |
| ADA: | Mary Hickey |
| ADA Phone: | 781-326-1600 x354 |
| ADA Fax / Email: | mary.hickey@jud.state.ma.us |
| About / Additional Info: | This court serves all cities and towns in Norfolk County. |
Norfolk County, MA - Sheriff's Office
Norfolk County Sheriff's Department
| Location Type: | Sheriff's Office |
| Street Address: | 200 West St. |
| Phone: | 781-326-7271 |
| Fax: | 781-326-0288 |
| Hours: | Monday - Friday: 9:00 am-5:00 pm |
| Website URL: | https://www.norfolksheriff.com/ |
| Civil Services & Proceedings: | http://www.norfolkcivil.com/ |
| Public Records: | https://www.norfolksheriff.com/publicinfo/publicrecords |
| Sheriff: | Patrick W. McDermott |
| Sheriff Phone: | 781-329-3705 |
| Sheriff Fax: | 781-326-6020 |
| Sheriff Email: | info@norfolksheriffma.org, info@norfolkcivil.org |
| Facebook: | https://www.facebook.com/norfolksheriff/ |
| Twitter: | https://twitter.com/norfolksheriff?lang=en |
| Linked In: | https://www.linkedin.com/company/norfolk-county-sheriffs-office |
| About/Additional Info: | The Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office serves the citizens of Norfolk County and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by enhancing public safety through the operation of a safe, secure, and humane correctional facility that establishes structure and accountability for offenders and focuses on re-entry programs and community based programs that promote crime prevention, citizen awareness, education, youth development, elderly assistance and law enforcement support. These efforts are accomplished by a highly trained and dedicated workforce and through collaborative agreements with public and private stakeholders. |