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
Barnstable Probate and Family Court
County Established: 2 June 1685 from Plymouth County
3195 Main StreetPO Box 346
Barnstable, MA 02630
Telephone: (508) 375-6710
Email: Barnstable Probate Court
Virtual Registry: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1605462604
Hours: M - F 8:30AM - 4:30PM
Towns In Court's Jurisdiction: Barnstable, Bourne, Brewster, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Harwich, Mashpee, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Truro, Wellfleet.
Berkshire Probate and Family Court
County Established: 21 April 1761 from Hampshire County
44 Bank RowPittsfield, MA 01201
Telephone: (413) 442-6941
Email: Berkshire Probate Court
Virtual Registry: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1605462604
Hours: M - F 8:30AM - 4PM
Towns In Court's Jurisdiction: Adams, Alford, Becket, Cheshire, Clarksburg, Dalton, Egremont, Florida, Great Barrington, Hancock, Hinsdale, Lanesborough, Lee, Lenox, Monterey, Mt. Washington, New Ashford, New Marlborough, North Adams, Otis, Peru, Pittsfield, Richmond, Sandisfield, Savoy, Sheffield, Southfield, Stockbridge, Tyringham, Washington, West Stockbridge, Williamstown, Windsor
Bristol Probate and Family Court
County Established: 2 June 1685 from Plymouth County
40 Broadway, Suite 240Taunton, MA 02780
Telephone: (508) 977-6040
Email: Bristol Probate Court
Virtual Registry: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1612606196
Hours: M - F 8:30AM - 4:30PM
Towns/Cities In Court's Jurisdiction: Acushnet, Attleboro, Berkley, Dartmouth, Dighton, Easton, Fairhaven, Fall River, Freetown, Mansfield, New Bedford, North Attleboro, Norton, Raynham, Rehoboth, Seekonk, Somerset, Swansea, Taunton, Westport
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.
