Bristol County Court Records Search
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Bristol County is situated in southeastern Massachusetts, anchored by the cities of Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton, and Attleboro. The county’s judicial system falls within the Massachusetts Trial Court and is organized across several court departments, each with its own jurisdiction and record-keeping practices. Five trial court departments operate within Bristol County: the Superior Court, the District Court, the Probate and Family Court, the Juvenile Court, and the Housing Court. These departments collectively process criminal prosecutions, civil lawsuits, family law disputes, probate administration, housing matters, and juvenile proceedings. Because each department maintains its own case files, knowing which court handled a particular matter is the essential first step in any record search.
Court records generated in Bristol County can be located through multiple channels, including clerk’s offices at individual courthouses, public-access computer terminals available in courthouse lobbies, and online search tools maintained by the Massachusetts Trial Court. MassachusettsCourts.us may also assist users in finding publicly available court case information across the state. The sections below explain where specific types of records are held, how to request them, what fees to expect, and which records carry access restrictions.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Bristol County?
Bristol County case information can be accessed online, in person at any of the county’s courthouses, or by contacting the appropriate clerk’s office directly.
Online Search — Massachusetts Trial Court Case Access
The Massachusetts Trial Court Case Access portal provides free, around-the-clock access to docket information for cases in the Superior Court, District Court, Probate and Family Court, Housing Court, and Boston Municipal Court departments statewide. To search for a Bristol County case:
- Navigate to the portal and click “Search Public Records”.
- Select the court department (e.g., Superior Court, District Court, or Probate and Family Court).
- Choose Bristol County or the specific court division from the drop-down menus.
- Set the maximum number of results you want displayed.
- Under the Name tab, enter the party’s last and first name (beginning with a capital letter followed by lowercase). Business names can also be searched.
- Alternatively, search by case number, case type, or ticket/citation number using the corresponding tabs.
- Click Search to view results.
Results include docket entries, party names, case types, scheduled hearing dates, and dispositions. The portal does not provide downloadable copies of filed documents — those must be obtained from the clerk’s office.
In-Person Access
Every Bristol County courthouse maintains public computer terminals where visitors can search case information during regular business hours. Visitors may also request to inspect non-impounded case files at the clerk’s counter by providing the case number or party names.
Contact by Phone or Email
Each clerk’s office accepts telephone inquiries for basic case-status information. The Bristol County Probate and Family Court also operates a Virtual Registry via Zoom, available weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., offering full registry services remotely.
Electronic Filing
Parties and attorneys can file documents electronically through eFileMA, the Trial Court’s statewide e-filing platform, which is accepted at multiple Bristol County court locations.
Bristol County Courthouse Directory
| Court | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superior Court – Taunton | 9 Court St., Taunton, MA 02780 | (508) 823-6588 | Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. |
| Superior Court – Fall River | 186 S. Main St., Fall River, MA 02721 | (508) 491-3300 | Mon–Fri 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. |
| Superior Court – New Bedford | 441 County St., 1st Floor, New Bedford, MA 02740 | (508) 996-2051 | Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. |
| Attleboro District Court | 88 N. Main St., Attleboro, MA 02703 | (508) 222-5900 | Mon–Fri 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. |
| Fall River District Court | 186 S. Main St., 5th Floor, Fall River, MA 02720 | (508) 491-3200 | Mon–Fri 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. |
| New Bedford District Court | 75 N. 6th St., New Bedford, MA 02740 | (508) 999-9700 | Mon–Fri 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. |
| Taunton District Court | 40 Broadway, Taunton, MA 02780 | (508) 977-6000 | Mon–Fri 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. |
| Probate & Family Court – Taunton | 40 Broadway, Suite 240, Taunton, MA 02780 | (508) 977-6040 | Mon–Fri 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. |
| Probate & Family Court – Fall River | 289 Rock St., Fall River, MA 02720 | (508) 672-1751 | Mon–Fri 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. |
| Probate & Family Court – New Bedford | 505 Pleasant St., New Bedford, MA 02740 | (508) 999-5249 | Mon–Tue, Thu–Fri 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (closed Wed) |
Are Court Records Public in Bristol County?
Massachusetts recognizes a strong presumption that court records are open to public inspection. This principle is rooted in the state’s common law tradition — dating back to the Massachusetts Body of Liberties of 1641 — and is reinforced by constitutional protections and modern court rules. The Uniform Rules on Public Access to Court Records, adopted effective November 1, 2016, govern how the Trial Court provides access to case files and electronic case data.
What Is Publicly Available
Any court record in the custody of a clerk is available for inspection and copying during regular business hours unless it has been impounded, sealed, or otherwise restricted. This includes:
- Complaints, motions, and other pleadings
- Docket sheets and case summaries
- Judgments, orders, and decrees
- Jury verdicts and sentencing information
- Audio recordings of proceedings (for a fee)
- Most civil, criminal, and probate filings
What Is Restricted
Certain categories of records are prohibited from public disclosure by statute, court rule, standing order, or judicial order:
- Juvenile proceedings — confidential under G.L. c. 119, § 60A
- Adoption records — sealed under G.L. c. 210
- Grand jury records
- Impounded records — restricted by court order under Trial Court Rule VIII (Uniform Rules on Impoundment Procedure)
- Medical and mental health records
- Paternity case records
- Records containing certain personal identifiers (Social Security numbers, financial account data)
- Sealed records, which are accessible only to the court itself unless otherwise ordered
It is important to note that the Massachusetts Public Records Law (G.L. c. 66, § 10) applies to executive-branch records and does not govern judicial records. Court record access is instead controlled by the Uniform Rules on Public Access and common-law principles interpreted by the Supreme Judicial Court.
Impoundment vs. Sealing
A judge may impound an otherwise public record upon a showing of good cause. Impounded records remain accessible to the parties and their attorneys but are closed to the general public. Sealed records, by contrast, are available only to the court.
Bristol County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Bristol County are adjudicated in both the Superior Court and the District Court, depending on the severity of the charges.
Jurisdictional Breakdown
- Superior Court — has jurisdiction over all criminal matters, including first-degree murder, serious felonies, and cases transferred from the District Court. The Bristol County Superior Court – Fall River location handles criminal matters exclusively.
- District Court — hears misdemeanors, certain felonies punishable by up to five years, motor vehicle offenses, municipal ordinance violations, and restraining-order matters. Bristol County has four District Court divisions: Attleboro, Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton.
Searching Criminal Case Records
- Online: Use the Trial Court Case Access portal. Select either “Superior Court” or “District Court” as the department, choose the Bristol County division, and search by case number, name, or case type.
- In person: Visit the clerk’s office at the courthouse where the case was filed. Public terminals are available for self-service searches. Staff can also retrieve physical case files for inspection.
- By phone: Contact the criminal department at the relevant court. For example, the Fall River District Court criminal department can be reached at (508) 491-3225.
Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI)
The Trial Court’s online docket is not a substitute for an official criminal background check. The Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS) maintains statewide criminal offender record information. Individuals and organizations can access CORI through the iCORI portal, which provides name-based checks of Massachusetts arraignment data. The fee for a CORI check is $25, though fee waivers are available for qualifying individuals and nonprofit organizations. Registration is required to use the iCORI system.
Bristol County Sheriff’s Office
The Bristol County Sheriff’s Office maintains inmate records and booking information for the county correctional facility. The office is located at 400 Faunce Corner Road, North Dartmouth, MA 02747, and can be contacted at (508) 995-6400.
Bristol County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Bristol County is divided between the Superior Court and the District Court based on the amount in controversy and the type of relief sought.
Jurisdictional Summary
| Court | Civil Jurisdiction |
|---|---|
| Superior Court | Civil actions with claims of $50,000 or more; equitable relief; injunctions; medical malpractice tribunals; appeals |
| District Court | Civil actions with claims up to $50,000; small claims; summary process (evictions); abuse prevention orders; mental health proceedings |
Accessing Civil Case Records
Civil case files can be searched through the Trial Court Case Access portal by selecting the appropriate court department and Bristol County division. In-person access is available at each courthouse during regular business hours by requesting files through the clerk’s office or using public computer terminals.
Requesting Copies
The Uniform Schedule of Fees establishes statewide charges for court document copies:
- Attested (certified) copy: $2.50 per page
- Unattested copy or printout: $0.05 per page
- Certificate of orders, decrees, rulings, or judgments: $20.00
- Transcript of judgment: $50.00
- Audio recording (CD or cassette): $50.50 plus postage per 90 minutes
- Electronic access to audio recording: $10.00 per case, per day
- PDF or electronically formatted document: $5.00 (plus $4.00 if mailed on CD)
Property Records
Real property records in Bristol County — including deeds, mortgages, liens, homestead declarations, and plans — are maintained by two registries of deeds:
- Northern Bristol County Registry of Deeds — 11 Court St., Taunton, MA 02780; Phone: (508) 822-0502; hours Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; email registry@tauntondeeds.com
- New Bedford Registry of Deeds (Southern District) — 25 N. Sixth St., New Bedford, MA 02740; hours Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Both registries offer online record search tools. The Northern District provides a Recorded Land Inquiry database with index data dating back to 1735. The Southern District offers a Record Search on its website and accepts copy orders through an online order form.
Bristol County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Bristol County fall under the jurisdiction of the Probate and Family Court, which operates three locations: Taunton (main office), Fall River, and New Bedford. The Register of Probate for Bristol County is Thomas Hoye.
Types of Family Cases
The Probate and Family Court handles divorce, annulment, separate support, child custody, child support, parenting time, paternity, adoption, termination of parental rights, abuse prevention orders, alimony, grandparent visitation, and name changes filed in connection with divorce.
Searching Family Case Records
- Online: The Trial Court Case Access portal includes Probate and Family Court dockets. Select “Probate and Family” as the court department and choose the Bristol County division.
- In person: Case files may be inspected at the Taunton office (40 Broadway, Suite 240). Visitors may view up to three cases per day at the courthouse. A valid case docket number is required.
- Research requests: To access up to 12 case files, submit a completed Research Request Form by email to bristolprobate@jud.state.ma.us. The form must be submitted in advance; the court will notify the requester when files are ready for review.
Filing Fees (Selected Family Matters)
| Filing Type | Fee | Surcharge |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce complaint | $200 | $15 |
| Complaint for custody/support/parenting time | $100 | $15 |
| Complaint for parentage | $100 | $15 |
| Modification (child support, custody, parenting time) | $50 | — |
| Modification (non-child-related issues) | $150 | — |
| Annulment | $200 | $15 |
| Separate support | $100 | $15 |
| Abuse prevention petition | No fee | — |
| Name change (standalone petition) | $150 | $15 |
Full fee details are published on the Probate and Family Court filing fees page.
Marriage and Divorce Certificates
Divorce records, including decrees and settlement agreements, are maintained by the Probate and Family Court where the action was filed. Certified copies of a divorce decree can be requested using the Request for Copies form available online. The fee for a certified copy of a Certificate of Divorce Absolute is $20.00.
Marriage certificates are issued by the city or town clerk where the ceremony took place. They are not maintained by the court system.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates are held by the clerk’s office of the city or town where the event occurred. Statewide copies can also be ordered through the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics (RVRS). Mail requests should be sent to:
Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
150 Mount Vernon Street, 1st Floor
Dorchester, MA 02125-3105
The RVRS office is open weekdays from 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. for walk-in requests. Under Massachusetts law, birth records are restricted to eligible individuals such as the person named on the record, parents, and legal representatives. Death records are generally treated as public records.
Bristol County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Bristol County — including estate administration, will filings, guardianships, conservatorships, and trust proceedings — are handled exclusively by the Bristol Probate and Family Court. The main office for probate filings and record retrieval is in Taunton.
Types of Probate Records
Records maintained by the Register of Probate include petitions for formal and informal probate, wills filed for safekeeping or admitted to probate, letters of appointment, inventories, accountings, guardianship petitions and orders, conservatorship filings, trust registrations, and closing statements.
Searching Probate Cases
- Online: Select “Probate and Family” on the Trial Court Case Access portal and search by case number, party name, or case type. Probate cases carry specific case-type designations that help narrow results.
- In person: Visit the Taunton office at 40 Broadway, Suite 240 during regular hours (Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.). Staff can retrieve case files for inspection at the counter.
- Virtual Registry: The court’s Virtual Registry (available via Zoom weekdays, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.) can assist with probate record inquiries remotely.
Selected Probate Filing Fees
| Filing Type | Fee | Surcharge |
|---|---|---|
| Informal probate of will and/or appointment of personal representative | $375 | $15 |
| Formal probate of will, adjudication of intestacy, and appointment | $375 | $15 |
| Voluntary administration | $100 | $15 |
| Appointment of guardian | No fee | — |
| Appointment of conservator | $240 | $15 |
| Filing a will for safekeeping | $75 | — |
| Allowance of account | $75 | $15 |
| Closing statement / small estate closing statement | $75 | — |
| Subsequent letter of appointment | $25 | — |
Account fees scale with the gross value of the estate, ranging from no fee (estates of $1,000 or less) up to $3,500 (estates exceeding $10,000,000).
Copy Fees for Probate Documents
- Attested copy: $2.50 per page
- Unattested copy: $0.05 per page
- Exemplified copy: $50.00 plus $1.00 per additional page
- Audio recording: $50.50 plus postage per 90-minute segment
- Certificate of court proceedings: $20.00
Checks should be made payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Payment methods accepted may vary by location — contact the Taunton registry at (508) 977-6040 to confirm.