Divorce records in Hampshire County, Massachusetts, can be accessed through several channels. HampshireCourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information for the county. You can also request records directly from the court that issued the divorce decree, the Hampshire County Register of Probate, or the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics. Each office serves a different purpose depending on whether you need a detailed court file or a vital record certificate.
Hampshire Divorce Records Search
In Massachusetts, divorce cases are handled by the Probate and Family Court. The Hampshire Probate and Family Court, located in Northampton, maintains divorce case files for all divorces granted within the county. These records include divorce decrees (also called judgments of divorce), settlement agreements, custody and support orders, motions, and other filings made during the case.
The Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics also keeps divorce certificates — shorter documents that confirm a divorce occurred, listing the names of the parties, the date, and the county where it was granted. Divorce certificates from the state office are available for divorces recorded from 1952 forward.
For court-level records with full case detail, contact the Hampshire Probate and Family Court directly:
Hampshire Probate and Family Court
For vital record divorce certificates, contact the state office:
Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Hampshire
Massachusetts uses a Probate and Family Court system for all divorce matters. Understanding which office holds the record you need will save time.
- Hampshire Probate and Family Court — This is where divorce complaints are filed, hearings take place, and final judgments are entered. The court clerk's office retains the complete case file, including the divorce decree, separation agreements, parenting plans, and any financial orders. If you need a copy of the actual judgment or any document filed during the divorce proceeding, this is the office to contact.
- Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics — After a divorce is finalized, the court reports it to the state vital records office. The state maintains a divorce certificate, which is a summary document — not the full court record. This is often sufficient for proof of divorce when applying for a name change, remarriage, or updating government records. You can request certificates through the state vital records office by mail or in person.
- City or Town Clerk — In Massachusetts, the clerk of the city or town where the divorce was granted may also have a record of the divorce on file. Contact the Northampton City Clerk or the relevant town clerk if the divorce was granted in Hampshire County.
Hampshire Probate and Family Court
Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Hampshire
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce certificate (in person, state vital records office) | $20 per copy | Same day or next business day |
| Divorce certificate (by mail, state vital records office) | $20 per copy | 3–4 weeks |
| Court record copy (Hampshire Probate and Family Court) | $1.00 per page | Varies; usually within a few business days |
| Certified court document (Hampshire Probate and Family Court) | $2.50 per document for certification | Varies; contact the clerk's office |