Search Massachusetts court records online in 2026 using official court resources, including MassCourts/eAccess, Mass.gov docket search pages, courthouse locator tools, copy request forms, CORI resources, remote court services, and federal PACER. This guide explains free public case lookup, docket number search, court date search, civil records, criminal record limits, Probate & Family Court records, Housing Court, Land Court, sealed records, certified copies, and practical search steps.
Need Massachusetts Court Records Right Now?
For most public Massachusetts Trial Court docket information, start with the official MassCourts/eAccess portal or the Mass.gov court docket search page. MassCourts can show basic case information and scheduled court dates, but the online portal itself warns that the information displayed there is not the official record of the court. For certified copies or official proof, contact the clerk’s office for the correct court division.
Massachusetts Court Records Overview
Massachusetts court records are records created by Massachusetts courts when cases are filed, scheduled, heard, decided, appealed, sealed, or closed. Depending on the case type, a record may include a docket number, party names, case type, filing date, court division, scheduled events, docket entries, judgments, orders, and public documents.
The main public online tool for Trial Court docket information is MassCourts/eAccess. Mass.gov also provides a court dockets and calendars landing page that sends users to the correct official search option. For serious legal use, remember the tough point: online docket information is a public access tool, not the same as a certified court record.
What Massachusetts court records can you search online?
| Record Type | Best Official Starting Point | Important Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Trial Court docket information | MassCourts/eAccess | Online information is not the official record of the court. |
| Court dates and calendars | Mass.gov docket search | Schedules can change, so always confirm close to the hearing date. |
| Criminal court records | MassCourts docket search and CORI resources | Public criminal online searching is more restricted than civil searching. |
| Probate and Family Court records | MassCourts and the court clerk’s office | Some family, adoption, guardianship, financial and child-related records may be restricted. |
| Certified copies | Correct court clerk’s office or official copy form | Fees and request rules depend on document type and court department. |
| Federal cases | PACER | Federal District and Bankruptcy cases are not Trial Court records. |
MassCourts Free Public Case Search
MassCourts is the Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access portal. It is useful for basic case information, docket lookup, scheduled court dates, and some online payments. The portal covers Trial Court departments, but access varies by case type and search method.
MassCourts search options users commonly need
| Search Need | Best Search Method | Search Intent Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts case number lookup | Docket number search | Fastest and most accurate case lookup. |
| Massachusetts civil court records by name | Party name search when available | Useful for civil, small claims and some non-criminal records. |
| Massachusetts criminal docket search | Docket number search | Many criminal case searches are limited online and may require docket number or official CORI route. |
| Massachusetts court calendar search | Court dockets and calendars page | Find scheduled court dates and hearing details. |
| Massachusetts case status check | Open the docket entry list | Review active, closed, disposed, scheduled or continued case activity. |
- Open the official MassCourts portal Go to masscourts.org. Do not start with paid third-party people-search websites.
- Select the court department Choose the correct department if you know it, such as District Court, Superior Court, Probate and Family Court, Housing Court, Land Court, Juvenile Court, or Boston Municipal Court.
- Use docket number first A docket number is cleaner than a name search and reduces wrong-person results.
- Check the docket details carefully Review court location, party role, case type, filing date, next event, and disposition information.
Search Massachusetts Court Records by Docket Number
A docket number search is usually the strongest way to search massachusetts court records. Docket numbers appear on complaints, notices, motions, orders, hearing notices, judgments, payment notices and other court paperwork. If you have a docket number, use it before searching by name.
Step-by-step Massachusetts docket number lookup
- Find the docket number on your paperwork Look near the top of the first page of the complaint, notice, order, summons, judgment, or hearing notice.
- Open MassCourts or Mass.gov docket search Use MassCourts or start from Mass.gov court docket search.
- Select the correct court department A docket number tied to Probate and Family Court should not be searched as a Superior Court case unless the record clearly says so.
- Enter the number exactly Use the complete format shown on your court document. Small spacing, year, or department mistakes can cause no results.
- Verify the record before acting Check the case title, parties, court location, docket events and date before relying on the result.
Search Massachusetts Court Records by Name or Business Name
Name search is useful when you do not have a docket number, but it is not perfect. Massachusetts online case access may allow name searching for some case types and may restrict it for others. Civil searches are generally easier than criminal name searches online.
How to search by person name
- Use full legal name first Search last name and first name. Add middle initial if you know it.
- Try spelling variations Use maiden names, former names, hyphenated names, short names, initials, and common misspellings.
- Match the court department A divorce case is likely Probate and Family Court. An eviction is likely Housing Court or District Court. A felony-level matter may be Superior Court or District Court depending on stage.
- Confirm identity carefully Do not rely on a name-only match. Verify location, age information if shown, party role, case type, date range, and docket events.
How to search by business name
For companies, search the exact legal name, shortened trade name, punctuation variations, LLC/Inc suffixes, and older business names. Civil, small claims, summary process, contract and business dispute records often depend on how the party name was typed when the case was filed.
Massachusetts Criminal Court Records and CORI Search
Criminal court records and CORI are related, but they are not the same thing. A criminal docket is a court case record. CORI, or Criminal Offender Record Information, is the Massachusetts criminal record system used for name-and-date-of-birth criminal record checks through official channels.
Where to start for criminal court records
| Need | Use This | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Look up a known criminal case docket | MassCourts docket search | Docket number search is usually the cleanest path. |
| Request your Massachusetts criminal record | Massachusetts CORI | CORI is a name-and-date-of-birth criminal record check. |
| Use the iCORI portal | iCORI | Use the official DCJIS/iCORI system for authorized criminal record requests. |
| Find court date for a criminal case | Mass.gov docket/calendar search | Schedules change, so confirm close to hearing date. |
Micro steps for Massachusetts criminal case lookup
- Use the docket number if you have it Criminal name searching can be restricted online. The docket number gives a cleaner search.
- Choose the correct court department Criminal matters may appear in District Court, Boston Municipal Court, Superior Court, Juvenile Court or appellate courts depending on case type and stage.
- Check case status and next event Look for arraignment, pretrial conference, compliance date, hearing, trial date, disposition, sentencing, probation or appeal entries.
- Use CORI for official criminal history needs If the question is “what is on my Massachusetts criminal record,” use CORI/iCORI instead of only reading a docket search page.
Massachusetts Civil, Small Claims and Superior Court Records
Massachusetts civil court records may include contract disputes, debt collection, personal injury claims, business disputes, restraining-order-related civil filings, small claims, tort claims, and other non-criminal disputes. Civil records may appear in District Court, Boston Municipal Court, Superior Court, Housing Court or other departments depending on claim type and amount.
Common civil court searches in Massachusetts
| Search Intent | Likely Court Department | Best Search Method |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts civil case lookup by name | District Court, Boston Municipal Court or Superior Court | Name search or docket number search. |
| Massachusetts small claims records search | District Court or Boston Municipal Court | Search by party name or docket number when available. |
| Massachusetts Superior Court civil records | Superior Court | Use docket number, party name or court location. |
| Debt collection lawsuit search | District Court or Boston Municipal Court | Search plaintiff, defendant or docket number. |
| Judgment or disposition check | Correct Trial Court department | Open the docket and review final entries or orders. |
Massachusetts Probate and Family Court Records
Probate and Family Court handles divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, guardianship, conservatorship, estate, will, trust, paternity, name change and related matters. Some information may be public, but many family, child-related, adoption, medical, financial and protected-person records can be restricted.
How to search Probate and Family Court records
- Start with the docket number Divorce, custody, estate and guardianship matters are easier to locate with docket number.
- Choose Probate and Family Court in MassCourts Select the right department and court division if known.
- Search by party name when allowed Try current name, former married name, maiden name, estate name or fiduciary name.
- Request copies from the correct court If you need a divorce judgment, decree, letter of authority, appointment, guardianship order, or estate document, use the court’s copy request process.
Divorce records and Certificate of Divorce Absolute
For divorce proof, many users need a certified copy of a judgment or a Certificate of Divorce Absolute rather than a docket printout. Start with the official copy request form and the Probate and Family Court clerk for the county where the divorce case was handled.
Massachusetts Housing Court and Land Court Records
Housing Court records may include summary process eviction cases, code enforcement matters, housing conditions, small claims tied to housing, and landlord-tenant disputes. Land Court records may include registered land, title, boundary, tax lien, foreclosure-related and real property matters.
Massachusetts eviction and housing case search
For “Massachusetts eviction records search,” “summary process case lookup,” or “Housing Court docket search,” begin with MassCourts and select the correct court department. If the record is not available online, contact the Housing Court division that serves the city or town where the property is located.
Massachusetts Land Court case search
For “Massachusetts Land Court records,” use MassCourts for docket details when available and confirm document access with the Land Court or applicable registry system. Real estate records may also require registry of deeds searches, which are separate from Trial Court docket records.
Massachusetts Court Dates, Calendars and Hearing Lookup
Mass.gov provides a search page for court dockets, calendars and case information. It is designed to help members of the public and attorneys find basic case information and scheduled court dates. Still, court calendars can change quickly, especially when hearings are continued, converted to virtual hearings, reassigned or rescheduled.
How to find a Massachusetts court date online
- Open the official court dockets page Use Search Court Dockets, Calendars and Case Information.
- Search by docket number if possible A docket number reduces wrong matches and makes event lookup faster.
- Check the court location and event type Look for courtroom, session, hearing type, judge, time, remote or in-person status and any instructions.
- Confirm close to the hearing If the event is important, check again before attending and call the clerk’s office if information conflicts with your notice.
Massachusetts Court Copies, Certified Copies and Fees
If you need official proof of a Massachusetts court record, an online docket screen is usually not enough. You may need a certified, attested, exemplified, or otherwise official copy from the clerk’s office. Fees depend on the document, court department, certification type and request method.
Common copy request situations
| Needed Record | Where to Request | Practical Note |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce judgment or certificate | Probate and Family Court clerk | Use docket number and party names. |
| Civil judgment or order | Correct Trial Court clerk’s office | Ask whether you need certified or attested copy. |
| Criminal docket or disposition | Court where the criminal case was heard | For criminal history, also check CORI rules. |
| Transcript of hearing | Official transcript ordering process | Rush and regular turnaround times differ. |
| Federal court documents | PACER or federal clerk | Federal copy fees are separate from Massachusetts Trial Court fees. |
- Find the docket number The clerk can work faster when you provide docket number, court department, party names and filing date.
- Use the official copy request form when applicable Start with the official Request for Copies form or contact the correct clerk’s office.
- Check the uniform fee schedule Use Uniform Schedule of Fees and Court Filing Fees & Payment Information for current fee guidance.
- Ask for the right certification Do not order a plain copy if a government agency, licensing office, school, immigration attorney, employer or bank asked for a certified or attested copy.
Remote Hearings and Virtual Court Help in Massachusetts
Massachusetts courts continue to use remote and virtual court services in many situations. Some hearings may happen by video or phone, while others require in-person attendance. The hearing notice, judge’s order, clerk’s instructions and court department rules control what you must do.
How to prepare for a Massachusetts virtual hearing
- Read the hearing notice first Check whether the hearing is remote, in person or hybrid.
- Review official virtual hearing guidance Use Guide to virtual hearings and Remote/virtual court services.
- Test your phone, camera and internet Join from a quiet place and use your legal name so court staff can identify you.
- Follow courtroom rules Do not record, interrupt, broadcast or share hearing links unless the court allows it.
Free help for court users without lawyers
Massachusetts Court Service Centers can answer basic questions, help with court forms, explain court rules and procedures, and connect people with resources. The Virtual Court Service Center can help users who want or need to file cases in the court system.
eFiling in Massachusetts Trial Court
Massachusetts Trial Court eFiling lets eligible users file certain court documents online through eFileMA. Availability depends on court department, case type, form type and local rules. Not every case can be filed electronically, and not every user should file without checking instructions first.
How eFiling works for Massachusetts court records
- Check whether your form can be eFiled Start with eFiling in the Trial Court.
- Register through eFileMA Use eFileMA or the official Odyssey File & Serve portal.
- Upload the correct PDF documents Follow formatting, signature, service and filing-fee instructions carefully.
- Save confirmation receipts Keep filing confirmation, envelope number, service receipt and any rejection notice.
Sealed, Impounded and Confidential Massachusetts Court Records
Massachusetts public access rules are designed to provide public access to court records while protecting the security and privacy of litigants and non-litigants. That means some records are public, some are partly redacted, some are impounded, and some are confidential by statute, rule or court order.
Records that may be restricted
- Juvenile records and many child-related court records
- Adoption records and sensitive family records
- Impounded documents sealed by court order
- Medical, mental health and treatment records
- Financial statements and protected personal identifiers
- Abuse prevention, victim and protected-address information
- Sealed criminal records after approved sealing or expungement
Massachusetts Record Sealing and Expungement
Massachusetts allows some criminal records to be sealed or expunged, but eligibility is strict and depends on the case type, outcome, waiting period, age, offense, and statutory basis. Sealing and expungement are not the same. Sealing limits public access. Expungement is narrower and may remove records more completely in specific situations.
Official routes to review
| Need | Official Resource | Basic Use |
|---|---|---|
| Seal a criminal record | Seal Your Criminal Record | Review eligibility and petition process. |
| Check sealing eligibility | Find out if you can seal | Understand whether the conviction or record may qualify. |
| Expunge a criminal record | Expunge Your Criminal Record | Review time-based and non-time-based expungement options. |
| Criminal record forms | Court forms for criminal records | Find sealing and expungement forms. |
Micro steps before filing to seal or expunge
- Get your docket details Use MassCourts and CORI/iCORI if needed to understand what record exists.
- Confirm eligibility Read official sealing or expungement guidance before filing.
- Use the correct form Sealing and expungement use different forms and legal standards.
- File in the right court Follow the instructions for the court that handled the original case or the proper reviewing authority.
Federal Court Records in Massachusetts
Federal court records in Massachusetts are separate from Massachusetts Trial Court records. Federal civil, criminal, bankruptcy and appellate records are searched through PACER, the federal electronic public access system. The federal trial court is the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts.
How to search Massachusetts federal court records
- Create or use a PACER account Go to pacer.uscourts.gov.
- Search the District of Massachusetts Use PACER court lookup for Massachusetts District Court.
- Search by party, case number or filing date Federal cases can often be searched nationwide or by court.
- Download federal documents carefully PACER fees may apply. Save documents immediately if you need them later.
District of Massachusetts official court
Official website: mad.uscourts.gov
Federal records: PACER
Federal court case information is not searched through MassCourts.
Massachusetts Court Locations and Courthouse Lookup
Massachusetts has many courthouses serving cities and towns across the state. If you need in-person help, public terminal access, certified copies, clerk assistance, filing help or a hearing location, use the official courthouse locator instead of guessing a court address.
John Adams Courthouse — statewide appellate court location
1 Pemberton Square, Boston, MA 02108
Supreme Judicial Court and Appeals Court contact page: Mass.gov appellate court contact
Find local trial courts: Massachusetts Courthouse Locator
Useful Massachusetts courthouse links
| Need | Official Page |
|---|---|
| Find the courthouse serving your city or town | Find a courthouse serving you |
| Browse courthouses by county | Courthouses by county |
| Use the courthouse locator | Courthouse Locator |
| Get self-help support | Court Service Centers |
| Use remote court services | Remote/virtual court services |
Practical Search Tips for Massachusetts Court Records
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search Massachusetts court records online for free?
Start at the official Mass.gov court docket search page or go directly to MassCourts.org. Search by docket number when possible, then confirm court department, case type, party names and hearing dates.
What is MassCourts?
MassCourts is the Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access portal. It lets users look up basic case information, scheduled court dates and some court fee payment options.
Is MassCourts the official court record?
No. MassCourts is an online public access tool, but the portal states that information on the site is not the official record of the court. For official proof, request a copy from the proper clerk’s office.
Can I search Massachusetts court records by name?
Sometimes. Name searching may be available for certain case types, especially non-criminal records, but criminal online searches can be more limited. Docket number search is usually more reliable.
How do I find a Massachusetts court docket number?
Look at the top of your complaint, summons, hearing notice, order, judgment, payment notice or other court paperwork. The docket number is the best search key for MassCourts.
Are Massachusetts criminal records public online?
Some criminal docket information may be publicly accessible, but online criminal searching has limits. For an official Massachusetts criminal record check, use CORI/iCORI through the authorized official process.
What is CORI in Massachusetts?
CORI means Criminal Offender Record Information. It is Massachusetts criminal record information searched through official DCJIS/iCORI processes, usually using name and date of birth.
How do I get certified copies of Massachusetts court records?
Contact the clerk’s office for the court where the case was handled or use the official request for copies form when applicable. Ask whether you need a plain, attested, certified or other official copy.
How do I find my Massachusetts court date?
Use the Mass.gov court dockets, calendars and case information page or search MassCourts by docket number. Always confirm close to the hearing date because schedules can change.
How do I search Massachusetts Probate and Family Court records?
Use MassCourts and choose Probate and Family Court if available. For divorce judgments, probate orders, guardianship documents or official copies, contact the Probate and Family Court clerk’s office for the correct county.
Are Massachusetts divorce records online?
Some docket information may be searchable online, but official divorce documents usually require a copy request through Probate and Family Court. Sensitive family information may be restricted.
How do I search Massachusetts Housing Court records?
Use MassCourts and select Housing Court where available, or contact the Housing Court division serving the property location. Eviction and summary process records may require correct court department and docket number.
Are juvenile court records public in Massachusetts?
Many juvenile records are restricted or confidential. Access depends on the case type, law, court order and requester role. Contact the court for official access rules.
Can Massachusetts court records be sealed?
Yes. Some criminal and other court records may be sealed or impounded by statute, rule or court order. Use official Massachusetts sealing guidance before filing any request.
How do I expunge a Massachusetts criminal record?
Start with the official Mass.gov expungement pages. Expungement eligibility is limited and depends on the record type, facts, timing and statutory basis.
How do I search Massachusetts federal court records?
Use PACER for federal court records. Federal District of Massachusetts and federal bankruptcy records are separate from Massachusetts Trial Court records and are not searched through MassCourts.
Where do I find the correct Massachusetts courthouse?
Use the official Massachusetts Courthouse Locator or the “Find a courthouse serving you” page. This is safer than guessing by county or city name.
What is the official Massachusetts court records website?
The official statewide court system website is Mass.gov under the Massachusetts Court System. The main Trial Court electronic case access portal is MassCourts.org.
Final Summary
For massachusetts court records, start with Mass.gov’s docket search page and MassCourts/eAccess. Use docket number search first whenever possible, then confirm court department, case type, court location, parties and hearing dates. For official copies, use the proper clerk’s office or official copy request process.
For criminal history, do not rely only on docket search. Use CORI/iCORI when you need an official Massachusetts criminal record check. For federal court records, use PACER. If a record is missing online, it may still exist but be sealed, restricted, filed under another department, available only through the courthouse, or part of a federal court system.