Court records in Hampshire County, Massachusetts can be searched through several channels. HampshireCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. Beyond that, official court resources maintained by the Massachusetts Trial Court, clerk's offices at each courthouse, and public-access terminals located inside court buildings all provide ways to look up docket information, case status, and hearing schedules.
Hampshire Court System & Jurisdictions
Hampshire County is served by several divisions of the Massachusetts Trial Court system. Each court handles specific case types, so knowing which court to search is the first step in locating a docket.
- Hampshire Superior Court — Handles serious criminal cases (felonies), civil actions over $50,000, and jury-eligible matters. Located in Northampton.
- Eastern Hampshire District Court — Covers criminal misdemeanors, civil cases up to $50,000, small claims (up to $7,000), housing disputes, restraining orders, and motor vehicle violations for towns in the eastern portion of the county. Located in Belchertown.
- Northampton District Court — Handles the same categories of cases as Eastern Hampshire District Court but serves Northampton and surrounding western towns in the county.
- Hampshire Probate and Family Court — Manages divorce, custody, guardianship, adoption, name changes, wills, estates, and trust matters. Located in Northampton.
- Hampshire Juvenile Court — Addresses delinquency, youthful offender cases, children in need of services (CHINS), and care and protection proceedings.
Traffic citations and minor motor vehicle infractions are typically handled through the District Court divisions. Small claims matters are also filed at the District Court level.
The Massachusetts Trial Court's online Case Look-Up portal allows searches across many of these courts by name, case number, or citation number.
Hampshire Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Daily court calendars for Hampshire County courts are posted through the Massachusetts Trial Court system. To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's scheduled hearings:
- Visit the Trial Court Calendars page on mass.gov.
- Select the specific court division (e.g., Northampton District Court or Hampshire Probate and Family Court).
- Choose the date to view scheduled sessions, case numbers, and courtroom assignments.
Calendars are typically updated each business day. You can also call the clerk's office at the relevant courthouse to confirm a hearing time or check whether a case has been continued. Public terminals inside each courthouse display the daily calendar as well.
For related property or land records in Hampshire County towns, resources such as the Massachusetts Registry of Deeds provide searchable land records online.
How to Get a Copy of a Hampshire Court Document
Copies of court documents — complaints, motions, judgments, disposition records — can be obtained from the clerk's office at the court where the case was filed. Here is what to know:
- Certified copies bear the court seal and clerk's signature. These are usually required for legal proceedings, background checks, or filings in another court.
- Uncertified copies are plain photocopies of documents on file. They work for personal reference but may not be accepted for official purposes.
How to Request
- In person: Visit the clerk's office during business hours. Provide the case number or party names so staff can locate the file. Copies are usually produced while you wait.
- By mail: Send a written request that includes the case number, party names, the specific document(s) needed, whether you need certified or uncertified copies, and a return envelope. Include payment by check or money order payable to the court.
- Online: Some documents may be viewable through the Case Look-Up portal, but certified copies still generally require an in-person or mail request.
Mail requests for Hampshire Superior Court or Hampshire Probate and Family Court should be sent to:
For District Court records, contact the specific division where the case was heard. Certain records — juvenile cases, impounded files, sealed records — are restricted and not available to the general public.
Hampshire Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court copies and certifications in Massachusetts are set by statute and court administrative orders. The following are standard fees that apply across Trial Court divisions, including those in Hampshire County:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certification of a document | $2.50 per document |
| Appeal fee (District Court to Superior Court) | Varies by case type |
| Docket sheet printout | $1.00 per page |
| Search of court records (by clerk) | No standard fee for basic lookups; complex searches may incur costs |
Fees are established under Massachusetts General Laws and Trial Court administrative directives. Payment is typically accepted by cash, check, or money order at the clerk's window. Credit card acceptance varies by courthouse — call ahead to confirm.
If you need to verify current fee amounts or accepted payment methods, contact the clerk's office at the courthouse where your case is filed. Fee waivers (known as Affidavits of Indigency) are available for individuals who cannot afford court costs — ask the clerk for the appropriate form.
For property-related records such as tax assessments or deeds in Hampshire County towns, municipal offices like the Northampton Assessor's Office or the Registry of Deeds handle those requests separately from the court system.