Records of divorce in Plymouth, Massachusetts, are available through several channels. PlymouthCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about divorces in the county. Additionally, you can contact the court that issued the divorce decree, the Town Clerk's office, or the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics. Each of these institutions maintains different types of documents — from the full court decree to a certified certificate.
Plymouth Divorce Records Search
In Massachusetts, divorce cases are handled by the Probate and Family Court. For Plymouth, this is the Plymouth Probate and Family Court, located in the city of Brockton — the administrative center of Plymouth County. The office of this court (Register of Probate) keeps complete case files: the court decree (divorce decree), property division agreements, child custody and support orders.
Separately from the court, the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics maintains a registry of divorce certificates at the state level. These certificates are a shorter document that confirms the fact of divorce without details of property agreements.
The local office — Town Clerk in Plymouth — can also help determine where exactly to request a copy.
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Plymouth
Understanding where the required document is stored saves time. Below are the three main institutions and their functions.
Plymouth Probate and Family Court
All divorce cases in Plymouth County go through the Probate and Family Court. After a judge's decision, the court's office (Register of Probate) keeps the complete set of case documents:
- Divorce decree (nisi and absolute)
- Property division agreements (separation agreements)
- Child custody and visitation orders
- Support orders
- All procedural documents filed by the parties
Contact here if you need a full copy of the court decision or any document from the case.
Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
This state-level institution keeps divorce certificates. The document contains the names of the parties, the date, and place of the divorce, but does not include details of agreements or court orders. A certified copy can be ordered by mail or online through the state portal.
Town Clerk — Plymouth
The town office does not issue copies of court decisions but can suggest the procedure and direct you to the appropriate institution. According to information on the Plymouth website, requests for birth, death, and marriage certificates are processed by the Town Clerk, while divorce requests should be directed to the court.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Plymouth
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court decision (divorce decree) — Plymouth Probate and Family Court | $2.50 per page | During visit or 5–10 business days by mail |
| Certified copy of court decision | $2.50 per page + $2.50 for certification | 5–10 business days |
| Divorce certificate — Registry of Vital Records | $20 for the first copy | 3–4 weeks by mail |
| Additional copy of the certificate (in the same request) | $10 | Together with the first copy |