Divorce records in Essex County, Massachusetts, can be accessed through several channels. EssexMACourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information for the county. Beyond that, you can request records directly from the court that issued the divorce decree, the city or town clerk where the divorce was recorded, or the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics. Each office holds different types of documentation, so the right starting point depends on what you need.
Essex Divorce Records Search
In Massachusetts, divorce cases are handled by the Probate and Family Court. For Essex County, that means the Essex Probate and Family Court maintains the official court file for every divorce granted in the county. This file typically includes the divorce decree (also called a judgment of divorce), separation agreements, property settlement documents, custody and support orders, and other filings submitted during the case.
The Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics also keeps a record of divorces — specifically, a divorce certificate, which is a shorter vital record document confirming that a divorce occurred. This is not the same as the full court file.
The primary court office for Essex County divorce records is:
Essex Probate and Family Court — Salem
A second session of the court also operates in Lawrence:
Essex Probate and Family Court — Lawrence
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Essex
Massachusetts uses a Probate and Family Court system to handle all divorce matters. In Essex County, divorces are filed and adjudicated at the Essex Probate and Family Court, which operates locations in both Salem and Lawrence. Once a judge enters the divorce judgment, the decree and related orders remain on file with the court clerk's office at that location.
Here is how the filing structure works and which office to contact depending on your needs:
- Full divorce case file (decree, agreements, custody orders, motions): Contact the Essex Probate and Family Court clerk's office at the location where the case was heard. You can request a copy of a divorce decree by contacting the court directly.
- Divorce certificate (vital record confirming the divorce): Available from the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics or, in some cases, from the city or town clerk where the divorce was recorded. City and town clerks in Massachusetts maintain local vital records, including divorce records for events recorded in their municipality.
- Older records: Divorces granted before the mid-20th century may require a search through the state archives or the court's historical records. Ask the court clerk about availability.
Essex Probate and Family Court — Salem
Essex Probate and Family Court — Lawrence
Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
If you are unsure which office handled your case, call either court location — staff can confirm where the case was filed and direct you accordingly.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Essex
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of divorce certificate (Registry of Vital Records — in person) | $20 per copy | Same day |
| Certified copy of divorce certificate (Registry of Vital Records — by mail) | $20 per copy | 3–4 weeks |
| Certified copy of divorce certificate (Registry of Vital Records — online via VitalChek) | $20 plus processing fees | 5–10 business days |
| Court record copy (Essex Probate and Family Court) | $2.50 per page (certified: additional attestation fee) | Varies; typically 1–5 business days for in-person or mail requests |
| Divorce certificate from city/town clerk | $10 per copy (varies by municipality) | Same day to several business days |