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Massachusetts Court Records Online

Are Court Records in Massachusetts Open to the Public?

Yes, court records in Massachusetts are generally open to the public. According to the Massachusetts Public Record Law, any resident has the right to access and copy public records, including court records. To receive these records, a requester must provide specific information such as the case number, names of the parties involved, and the type of court record sought.

The Massachusetts Public Record Law, established in 1966, ensures that documents generated or received by state agencies or municipalities in their official duties are accessible to the public. This law mirrors the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and has undergone amendments to improve public access, such as the 2016 "An Act to Improve Public Records."

What Information Appears in a Massachusetts Court Records Search?

  • Dockets
  • Case files
  • Transcripts
  • Pleadings
  • Judgments
  • Names of parties involved
  • Charges or claims made
  • Outcomes of the cases

How To Find Court Records in Massachusetts

To find court records in Massachusetts, you must first identify the specific court that heard the case. The Massachusetts court system includes appellate courts and seven trial court departments, such as the Superior Court, District Court, Land Court, Housing Court, Juvenile Court, Probate and Family Court, and the Boston Municipal Court.

Once the relevant court is identified, you can contact the court clerk's office, which is the custodian of court records. The courthouse locator tool can help you find court locations or contact details. Requests for records can be made in person, by mail, or through the Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access website. While many records are available online, recent records and actual case documents often require an in-person visit. Fees for copying and certifying records may apply.

Public Access to Massachusetts Court Records

After identifying the specific court, contact the office of the court clerk, who is the custodian of the records. Massachusetts courts provide public access computers at various courthouse locations, allowing individuals to search for case information using the Masscourt (eAccess) system. This system enables searches by name, case number, and type of court case.

For appellate court records, individuals can use the Public Case Search portal. Most case information is accessible online, but recent records and actual documents may need to be inspected in person at the respective court office.

Searching Massachusetts Court Records by Name

To search Massachusetts court records by name, you can use the Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access website. Follow these steps:

  • Visit the MA Trial Court Electronic Case Access webpage.
  • Read the notice and click "search public records."
  • Select the court department and division.
  • Choose the "name search" tab and input the required information. The last name requires a minimum of 2 characters, and the first name requires 1 character.
  • Specify the type of court case and add more search criteria if available.
  • Click "search" to retrieve the records and review the relevant case information.

State law restricts public access to records containing sensitive information. Some records may only be available in person due to delays in uploading to the electronic database.

How To Access Court Records Online for Free in Massachusetts

Massachusetts courts provide public access computers at various courthouse locations, allowing individuals to search for records without any cost. To use this service, visit the courthouse and utilize the designated public access terminals.

Another option is to use low-cost services like PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records), which charges a small fee per page viewed or downloaded. While third-party websites offer search services, their accuracy and completeness may vary compared to government sources.

Exemptions for Massachusetts Court Case Lookup

Certain court case information is exempt from public disclosure in Massachusetts. Examples include:

  • Juvenile court records and proceedings
  • Mental health commitments
  • Adoption records
  • Grand jury proceedings
  • Certain criminal offender record information, such as sealed and expunged records
  • Domestic violence restraining orders

These exemptions are in place to protect sensitive information and ensure privacy. Accessing restricted records without authorization can lead to legal consequences.

Finding a Court Docket in Massachusetts

A court docket in Massachusetts is a record of all events and filings in a court case. To search for a court docket, visit the trial court's website or the courthouse in person. You can search by case number or other identifying information.

Court dockets provide a summary of the case history and list the filed documents. Some dockets may also offer access to the filed documents themselves.

What Information Is Found in Massachusetts Judgment Records?

  • Litigants' names
  • Judge's name
  • Judgment date
  • Brief description of the matter
  • Court's decision on contested issues

To obtain these records, visit the clerk's office in person with the necessary case information. Administrative fees for searching, copying, and certifying documents may apply.

Are Bankruptcy Records in Massachusetts Publicly Accessible?

Yes, bankruptcy records in Massachusetts are publicly accessible. These records provide information on debtors who have filed for bankruptcy. Requesters must provide details such as the case number, names of the parties involved, and the type of bankruptcy filed.

Bankruptcy records are available through the PACER system or by visiting the relevant bankruptcy court in person. Fees for accessing these records may apply.

How To Search Bankruptcy Records in Massachusetts

To search bankruptcy records in Massachusetts, create or log in to a PACER account and select "Search for Case." Enter the search criteria and review the results to find the relevant bankruptcy case. The fee for PACER is $0.10 per page, up to $3.00 for a single document.

Alternatively, visit the relevant bankruptcy court with case details to conduct a search in person. Fees may apply for in-person searches, and the amount may vary.

Different Types of Courts in Massachusetts

  • Supreme Judicial Court (SJC)
  • Appeals Court
  • Superior Court
  • District Court
  • Housing Court
  • Probate and Family Court
  • Juvenile Court

Understanding the Differences Between Civil and Small Claims Courts in Massachusetts

Civil courts handle disputes between parties, which can be individuals, corporate entities, or public agencies. The jurisdiction of civil cases depends on the amount to be recovered:

  • Superior Court: Jurisdiction over civil cases with recoverable amounts exceeding $50,000.
  • District Court: Jurisdiction over civil cases with amounts of $50,000 or less.
  • Small Claims Court: Handles cases with recoverable amounts of $7,000 or less.

Small claims sessions are held in every Massachusetts District Court and the Boston Housing Court. They are designed for individuals who do not require legal representation and involve simpler procedures. Examples of small claims cases include back-owed rent, damaged property, unpaid bills, and security deposit returns.

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