Plymouth County, Massachusetts court records are available through several channels. PlymouthCourt.us allows you to search for public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be found through the official resources of the Massachusetts court system, court clerks' offices, and public terminals installed directly in court buildings. Below is a practical guide to help you understand the court structure, find hearing schedules, obtain copies of documents, and learn about fees.
Plymouth Court System & Jurisdictions
In Massachusetts, courts are organized at the state level, not the county level, but several judicial institutions specifically serve the Plymouth County area. Each handles its own type of cases.
- Plymouth District Court — criminal cases involving misdemeanors, minor civil claims up to $50,000, traffic violations, and protection orders from domestic violence.
- Brockton Superior Court — serious criminal cases (felonies), civil claims over $50,000, and appeals from district courts. This court serves the entire county.
- Plymouth Probate and Family Court — divorces, child custody, probate cases, name changes, adoptions, and guardianship establishments.
- Plymouth Juvenile Court — cases involving minors: offenses, child protection, and "Children in Need of Services" (CHINS) cases.
- Small Claims — handled in District Court; claims up to $7,000 without mandatory attorney involvement.
If you are unsure which court is handling your case, contact the Plymouth District Court clerk's office or use the search on the Massachusetts Trial Court website. The County Sheriff's Office is a separate entity and does not handle court cases — it is responsible for executing warrants and detention.
Plymouth Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The schedule of court sessions for today, tomorrow, or the current week is published through the centralized Massachusetts Trial Court system.
- Visit the Massachusetts Trial Court eServices portal.
- Select the desired court — for example, Plymouth District Court or Plymouth Probate and Family Court.
- Enter the party's name or case number to view scheduled hearings.
Public terminals in court buildings also allow you to view the calendar. Note: not all types of cases are displayed online. Juvenile cases and some family cases have restricted access.
For general inquiries about the work of the Plymouth County government, use the official county website, but court calendars are maintained through the Trial Court system.
How to Get a Copy of a Plymouth Court Document
The procedure depends on the type of document and the court that holds it.
Certified copies
Required for official purposes — for example, confirmation of divorce, sentencing, or court decision. They are issued only by the clerk's office of the court where the case was heard. Usually required:
- Full name of the party to the case
- Case number (docket number), if known
- Approximate date of filing or decision
To obtain a copy of a divorce decree, for example, contact the Plymouth Probate and Family Court.
Non-certified copies
Available through public terminals in the court or by request to the clerk's office. They are suitable for review but do not have official legal force.
Channels for obtaining
- In person — visit the appropriate court's clerk's office with identification.
- By mail — send a written request with case details and a check or money order to the court's address.
- Online — some documents are available through the eServices portal, but certified copies usually require an in-person or mail request.
Address of Plymouth District Court:
Address of Plymouth Probate and Family Court:
For public records requests in the city of Plymouth (non-court), you can use the FOIA Direct portal or call 508-322-3388. County-level requests are processed through the Plymouth County public records page.
Plymouth Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court documents in Massachusetts are set at the state level according to the Schedule of Fees approved by the Trial Court. Below are the most common rates.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $1.00 |
| Document certification | $2.50 per document |
| Case registry search (by name) | Free through public terminal; a fee may be charged for a written request |
| Appeal documents (filing fee) | Depends on the type of court |
| Copy of divorce decree | $1.00 per page + $2.50 for certification |
Payment is accepted by check or money order made out to the appropriate court. Some clerk's offices accept credit cards for in-person requests — confirm this in advance by phone. Exact amounts may vary, so check the current Trial Court fee schedule before visiting.
Searching through PlymouthCourt.us does not replace an official request but can help you find the case number and basic information before contacting the clerk's office.