Dukes County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Dukes County in 2026
DukesRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Dukes County, Massachusetts. Members of the public may find case filing dates, party names, final decrees, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories include dissolution petitions, final judgments, property settlement agreements, child custody orders, and support determinations. Access and completeness may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Divorce records in Dukes County may be searched through official court resources, the Clerk of Court's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by the Massachusetts court system. The primary repository for divorce case files is the Dukes County Probate and Family Court, which handles all family law matters for the county.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Massachusetts Trial Court maintains an online case search portal through the Massachusetts Court System's case search tool, which allows members of the public to search for divorce cases by party name or case number. Basic case information is available at no charge, though fees apply for obtaining copies of documents.
2. State Court System Portal
The Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Filing System provides a consolidated database for searching cases across jurisdictions statewide. Users may search by party name, case number, or filing date to locate divorce proceedings filed in Dukes County.
3. State Vital Records
The Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics maintains divorce records as vital records under state law. Members of the public may request divorce certificates through the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics. Fees apply for certified copies of divorce certificates.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Dukes County Probate and Family Court:
Dukes County Probate and Family Court
81 Main Street
Edgartown, MA 02539
Phone: (508) 627-4703
Dukes County Probate and Family Court
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance for locating records
Records Department:
The Clerk's office maintains both active and archived case files. Historical records predating electronic filing may be stored in paper format and may require additional retrieval time. Certified copy requests for archived cases should be submitted directly to the Clerk's office.
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Dukes County Probate and Family Court, 81 Main Street, Edgartown, MA 02539
- Include the following with each request:
- Full names of both parties, including maiden names where applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately one to two weeks, subject to volume and record availability.
By Phone
Limited Information:
- Clerk of Court: (508) 627-4703
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys
An attorney of record may access divorce case files, including documents that may be subject to restricted access for the general public. Attorneys may petition the court for access to sealed records upon a showing of good cause. The Massachusetts Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals for members of the public seeking legal representation in family law matters.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Prior addresses in Massachusetts
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Divorce proceedings in Massachusetts are filed in the Probate and Family Court in the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple county courts. Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 208, at least one spouse must have been domiciled in Massachusetts for one year prior to filing, or the cause of divorce must have arisen in Massachusetts.
Time Considerations
- Recent divorces may not appear in online systems immediately following the final hearing; allow several days to weeks for processing.
- Older divorces, particularly those predating electronic filing, may be archived in paper format and require additional retrieval time.
- Cases that have not yet been finalized will not appear as completed divorce records.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
- Verify the correct county of filing
- Attempt alternate spellings of party names, including maiden names
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records for a divorce certificate
- Contact the Clerk's office directly at (508) 627-4703 for assistance
What Are Dukes County Divorce Records?
Dukes County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings in the Dukes County Probate and Family Court. These records constitute part of the public court file and are maintained by the Clerk of Court as the primary custodian.
Types of Divorce Records
Court Case Files:
- Petition for divorce or dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer filed by the respondent
- Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, orders, and hearing notices
- Transcripts of court proceedings
- Final judgment of divorce
Final Decree:
The final judgment of divorce is the official court order dissolving the marriage. It serves as legal proof of divorce and establishes:
- The date the marriage was legally dissolved
- Division of marital property and debts
- Alimony or spousal support terms, if any
- Child custody and parenting time arrangements, if applicable
- Child support orders, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Clerk of Court.
Supporting Documents:
- Marriage certificate submitted as evidence
- Financial disclosure statements
- Property inventories and appraisals
- Parenting plan attachments
- Post-judgment modification orders
Purpose of Divorce Records
Legal Purposes:
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Name change documentation
- Property transfer and title recording
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Immigration proceedings
- Social Security benefit determinations
Personal Purposes:
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal record-keeping
- Verification of divorce terms and obligations
Who Maintains Divorce Records
The Dukes County Probate and Family Court Clerk's office serves as the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics also maintains divorce records as vital records under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 46, which governs the registration of vital events including divorces. The Registry provides divorce certificates that contain summary information distinct from the full court case file.
Are Dukes County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Dukes County Probate and Family Court are public court records subject to the Massachusetts public records law. As the Massachusetts Trial Court states, court records are presumptively open to the public, though certain categories of information within those records may be restricted or redacted pursuant to court rules and statute.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties and attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and docket entries
- Court orders and judgments
- Final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers (redacted from public filings)
- Bank account and credit card numbers (redacted)
- Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal)
- Certain financial disclosure statements (limited access)
Children's Information:
- Addresses where minor children reside
- Schools children attend
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children
- Child custody evaluation reports (may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
Sealed Records:
A court may seal divorce records upon motion by a party demonstrating good cause. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Mediation records are confidential under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 233, § 23C and are not part of the public court file.
Who Can Access Records:
- General public: May access most case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees.
- Parties to the case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents subject to restricted access for third parties.
- Attorneys: May access case files and petition for access to sealed records upon a showing of good cause.
- Researchers and media: May access public portions of case files; court permission is required for sealed records.
Prohibited Uses:
Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use them for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or any purpose that violates a protective order issued by the court.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Dukes County?
The Dukes County Probate and Family Court charges standard fees for copies and certified documents in accordance with Massachusetts court fee schedules. Current fees are as follows:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies of court documents (per page) | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copy of final divorce decree | $20.00 |
| Certified copy of other court orders | $20.00 |
| Divorce certificate (Registry of Vital Records) | $20.00 per copy |
| Inspection of records (in-person viewing) | No charge |
- Accepted payment methods at the courthouse include cash, money order, and checks made payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Credit card acceptance may vary; members of the public should confirm with the Clerk's office prior to visiting.
- Fees for divorce certificates obtained through the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records are governed by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 46, § 19, which establishes the standard fee schedule for vital records copies.
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent parties who qualify under the court's indigency standards. Members of the public seeking a fee waiver should inquire directly with the Clerk's office.
- Basic case information, including case number, filing date, and party names, is available at no charge through the online case search portal.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Dukes County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Dukes County Probate and Family Court contains the following categories of documents:
Basic Case Information:
- Case number, court name, and division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record and their contact information
- Filing date and case type
Initial Pleadings:
- Petition for divorce, including marriage date and location, grounds for divorce, children's information, and relief requested
- Response or answer filed by the respondent, including any counterpetition
- Financial affidavits from both parties detailing income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory covering real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property
- Debt inventory covering mortgages, loans, and credit obligations
- Appraisals and expert valuations of real property, businesses, and personal property
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, timesharing schedules, holiday provisions, and decision-making responsibilities
- Child support calculation worksheets, income information, and support orders
- Custody evaluation reports, if ordered by the court
- Guardian ad litem reports, if a guardian was appointed
Support Documents:
- Alimony or spousal support orders specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Income and standard-of-living analysis supporting support determinations
Settlement Documents:
- Marital settlement agreement resolving all issues including property division, support, and child-related matters
- Mediation agreement, if the case was mediated (note: mediation communications themselves are confidential)
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders for custody, support, and use of property
- Final judgment of divorce containing findings of fact, conclusions of law, and all final orders
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts, if applicable
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify custody or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders
What Is Typically Confidential or Redacted:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence evidence and related protective measures
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Mediation communications
- Trade secrets contained in business valuations
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Dukes County?
Proof of divorce in Dukes County may be obtained in the form of a certified copy of the final judgment of divorce from the Probate and Family Court, or as a divorce certificate from the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics.
To obtain a certified copy of the final divorce decree:
- Visit the Dukes County Probate and Family Court Clerk's office in person at 81 Main Street, Edgartown, MA 02539, during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
- Submit a written request by mail to the same address, including the names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, the case number if known, and payment of the $20.00 certification fee
- The certified copy bears the court seal and the Clerk's signature, making it acceptable for legal purposes including remarriage, name changes, and immigration proceedings
To obtain a divorce certificate from the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records:
Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
150 Mount Vernon Street, 1st Floor
Dorchester, MA 02125
Phone: (617) 740-2600
Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
- Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or online through the Registry's ordering system
- The fee is $20.00 per certified copy
- The divorce certificate contains summary information including the names of the parties, date of divorce, and county of filing
Members of the public who require proof of divorce for legal proceedings should obtain a certified copy of the final judgment directly from the Probate and Family Court, as it contains the full terms of the court's order.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Dukes County?
Divorce proceedings in Dukes County are presumptively public, but certain records or entire cases may be made confidential under specific legal circumstances. The court retains authority to seal records upon a showing of good cause by a party.
Circumstances under which divorce records may be confidential:
- Domestic violence cases: Records containing the address or identifying information of a domestic violence victim may be sealed or redacted to protect the safety of the individual.
- Children's information: Names, addresses, schools, and medical or psychological information pertaining to minor children are subject to heightened protection and may be redacted from public filings.
- Mental health and substance abuse records: Medical records, psychological evaluations, and substance abuse treatment information submitted in connection with divorce proceedings are protected under both state and federal law.
- Mediation records: Communications made during court-connected mediation are confidential and not part of the public court file under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 233, § 23C.
- Sealed by court order: A judge may seal an entire case file or specific documents upon motion by a party demonstrating that the privacy interest at stake outweighs the public's interest in access.
- Confidential settlements: Settlement terms that the parties agree to keep confidential may be incorporated by reference into the final judgment without being filed as a public document.
Members of the public seeking to seal divorce records must file a motion with the Dukes County Probate and Family Court and demonstrate a legally sufficient basis for sealing.
How Long Does Dukes County Keep Divorce Records?
The Dukes County Probate and Family Court retains divorce records in accordance with the Massachusetts Trial Court's records retention schedule and applicable state law.
Retention periods for divorce records:
- Final judgments of divorce: Retained permanently as part of the official court record. These documents are never destroyed and remain accessible to the public indefinitely.
- Complete case files (active and recently closed): Maintained in the Clerk's office for a period of years following the close of the case before transfer to archival storage.
- Archived paper records: Older case files that predate electronic filing are maintained in archival storage and may require additional retrieval time for access requests.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the Massachusetts court case management system and are accessible through the online case search portal.
- Post-judgment modification records: Retained as part of the original case file for the same period as the underlying divorce record.
- Vital records (divorce certificates): The Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records retains divorce certificates permanently under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 46.
The Massachusetts Trial Court publishes records retention schedules governing the management of court records across all departments. Members of the public seeking records from cases filed many years ago should contact the Clerk's office directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.