What kind of legal documents do Massachusetts Probate Courts keep records of?

Massachusetts Probate Courts maintain comprehensive records of various legal documents, including wills, estate administration records, inventory, disbursements, divorce records, guardianships, legal name changes, and adoptions.

How can I find information about a specific county probate court?

You can look up a county probate court location in Massachusetts and find telephone and email contact information. Additionally, check for a published or free probate online index for the specific county you are interested in.

Can I order copies of probated wills, estate administrations, and other records?

Yes, you can order copies of most probated wills, estate administrations, name changes, guardianships, and divorce records from Massachusetts county courts. We can assist you for courts in Bristol County, Middlesex County, Norfolk County, and Suffolk County.

Are adoption records accessible at the probate court?

No, adoption records in Massachusetts are sealed and closed. For more information, refer to General Laws of Massachusetts, Chapter 210: Adoption of Children and Change of Name.

What matters fall under the jurisdiction of MA Probate and Family Court?

MA Probate and Family Court have exclusive jurisdiction over probate matters, such as wills, trusts, guardianships, and conservatorships. They also handle family-related matters, including divorce hearings, support, paternity establishment, family abuse protection, elderly abuse protection, disabled person's abuse protection, custody, and adoption matters.

How are probate matters filed in Massachusetts?

If a person passes away in Massachusetts, their family or attorney must file probate matters in the county where they lived before their death. County borders can be checked using a city and town map or a county map of Massachusetts.

Can I view a list of Massachusetts Probate Courts and their contact information?

Yes, you can find a list of Massachusetts Probate Courts, including addresses, phone numbers, websites, and email contacts. Quick links to probate courts in specific counties are provided for easy access.

How can I contact specific Probate Courts in Massachusetts?

Contact information for specific Probate Courts, such as Barnstable Probate and Family Court, Berkshire Probate and Family Court, and Bristol Probate and Family Court, is available. Telephone numbers, email addresses, and virtual registry links are provided.

Massachusetts Probate Courts: Suffolk & Worcester County

Which County Probate Court are you Looking for?

Overview of Massachusetts Probate Courts

The Massachusetts Probate Courts have exclusive jurisdiction over probate matters such as wills, trusts, guardianships, and conservatorships.

If a person passes away in Massachusetts, and there are matters of probate, their family or attorney may file probate matters in the county where they officially lived before their death.

The Probate Courts also have jurisdiction over family-related matters such as:

Divorce Hearings
Change of name
Domestic relations custody, support, and parenting time
Equity - partition
Equity complaint
Equity petition
Estates and administration
Guardianships
Joint petition
Paternity Establishment, Support, and Custody Issues
Family, Elderly, and Disabled Person's Abuse Protection
Wills for safekeeping

Suffolk Probate and Family Court

County Established: 10 May 1643

24 New Chardon Street, 3rd FL
Boston, MA 02114

Telephone: (671) 788-8301
Email: Suffolk Probate Court
Virtual Registry: https://www.zoomgov.com/my/suffolkpf

Virtual Registry operates from 8:00AM - 1:00PM, Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Hours: M - F 8:30AM - 4:30PM

Suffolk Probate Court, Boston, MA

Towns In Court's Jurisdiction: Boston, Brighton, Charlestown, Chelsea, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Revere, Roslindale, South Boston, Winthrop

Worcester Probate and Family Court

County Established: 1 April 1731 from Middlesex, Suffolk, and Hampshire County

225 Main Street
Worcester, MA 01608

Telephone: (508) 831-2200
Email: Worcester Probate Court
Virtual Registry: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1614383173

The Court Highly Recommends the Virtual Registry!

Hours: M - F 8:30AM - 4:30PM

Towns In Court's Jurisdiction: Ashburnham, Athol, Auburn, Barre, Berlin, Blackstone, Bolton, Boylston, Brookfield, Charlton, Clinton, Douglas, Dudley, East Brookfield, Fitchburg, Gardner, Grafton, Hardwick, Harvard, Holden, Hopedale, Hubbardston, Lancaster, Leicester, Leominster, Lunenburg, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, New Braintree, North Brookfield, Northborough, Northbridge, Oakham, Oxford, Paxton, Petersham, Phillipston, Princeton, Royalston, Rutland, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Southbridge, Spencer, Sterling, Sturbridge, Sutton, Templeton, Upton, Uxbridge, Warren, Webster, West Boylston, West Brookfield, Westborough, Westminster, Winchendon, Worcester

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I search for probate records?

A: Each county has its own 'Search' button. When you click this button, a pop-up window will appear with step-by-step instructions on how to search the probate indexes for that specific county.

Q: What information can I find in probate records?

A: Probate records typically contain information about wills, estate distributions, guardianships, and other matters related to the deceased person's assets and dependents.

Q: How recent are the available records?

A: The availability of recent records may vary by county. Some records may be available immediately, while others might have a delay due to privacy laws or processing times.