Which Probate Court Are You Looking For?

Select your county to access court information and search probate records

Suffolk County

Boston Metro • Established 1643 • 12 Cities/Towns

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Worcester County

Central MA • Established 1731 • 60 Cities/Towns

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Complete Massachusetts Probate Court Directory

This page covers Suffolk and Worcester Counties. Access the complete directory for all 14 probate courts:

Overview of Massachusetts Probate Courts

Massachusetts Probate and Family Courts have exclusive jurisdiction over probate and family matters statewide.

Probate Matters

  • Wills and Estates
  • Trusts and Guardianships
  • Conservatorships
  • Name Changes

Family Matters

  • Divorce Proceedings
  • Child Custody
  • Domestic Relations
  • Adoptions

Filing Location: Probate petitions are filed in the county where the person officially lived at the time of the filing.

Massachusetts Probate Research Tip

The Massachusetts Probate and Family Courts handle matters including estates, name changes, and adoptions. When researching these cases from 1931 onward for Suffolk and Worcester Counties, our document retrieval service can provide complementary birth and death records to support your legal research and genealogical investigations.

Massachusetts Probate Court Seal

Suffolk Probate and Family Court

County Established: May 10, 1643

Court Information

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

Phone: (617) 788-8301

Email: suffolkprobate@jud.state.ma.us

Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30AM - 4:30PM

Virtual Registry: Zoom Meeting
Virtual Registry operates 8:00AM - 1:00PM, Monday, Wednesday and Friday

Suffolk County Courthouse
Suffolk County Probate Court, Boston, MA
Massachusetts Probate Court Seal

Worcester Probate and Family Court

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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 Suffolk and Worcester Counties.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: What should I know about Suffolk County's probate records?

Suffolk County, established in 1643, includes Boston and surrounding areas. The probate court maintains extensive records dating back centuries, covering the metropolitan Boston area's legal and family matters.

J. James Simonson, Massachusetts Probate Records Expert

About The Author

J. James Simonson, a journalism graduate from Boston's Suffolk University, stands out for his specialization in contemporary Massachusetts court records, focusing on probate, divorce, and estate cases. Through detailed research and analysis, he supports law firms, paralegals, financial institutions, and genealogists, seamlessly connecting traditional genealogical methods with the complexities of modern legal proceedings.

Known for his adept interpretation of legal documents, Simonson is invaluable for those exploring intricate legal histories. Actively keeping abreast of the latest legal trends, he continuously enhances his contributions to the field of Massachusetts court record research.

Contact J. James at services@mass-doc.com