Get your certified Massachusetts Divorce Certificate

Fees for obtaining a Massachusetts divorce decree vary by court. Contact the specific Probate and Family Court where the divorce was finalized for exact pricing. Massachusetts does not issue short-form divorce certificates through its Vital Records office.

Massachusetts does not issue a separate short-form divorce certificate. Instead, you must obtain a divorce decree (judgment) from the Probate and Family Court where the divorce was finalized. This document contains the full details of the divorce including property division, custody, and support orders.

In Massachusetts, eligible requesters include either party named in the divorce, their attorney, or a legal representative. If you need someone else to request the record on your behalf, they may use a notarized Power of Attorney (PoA) from an authorized party.

Massachusetts divorce records are generally public records unless sealed by court order. You can request divorce documents from the Probate and Family Court in the county where the divorce was finalized.

The design and security elements of these certificates can differ significantly from state to state.

• Full Name of the Person: The full legal names of the spouses.
• Date of Birth: The exact date of divorce of the spouses.
• State Seal: A raised, embossed, or printed multicolor or black and white seal of the issuing authority, which validates the document.
• Signature of State Registrar: The signature of the state registrar or authorized official responsible for issuing the divorce certificate.
• Printed on Security Paper: Printed on specialized paper to prevent counterfeiting.

In some instances, a certified divorce certificate may also include:

If your Massachusetts divorce certificate is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must request a replacement from the county where the divorce was recorded.

If you lose your divorce certificate:

1. Apply for a certified replacement copy in person, by mail, or online through VRO. You must complete the application, gather the required identification and documents, and pay the fees determined by the COUNTY.
2. 1. For in-person applications: Present the completed application and required documents to the county health department. Some counties may accept walk-ins; check with the specific county where the divorce record is filed.
   2. For applying by mail: Send your application, documents, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the County.
   3. For online submissions: Complete the application and upload your documents through the VRO website (payable by credit card online).
2. The county will mail the certified copy(s) after processing.

Corrections and amendments are usually handled by the county clerk’s office that issued the certificate. Divorce certificates can be amended if information was entered incorrectly at the time the certificate was created. You must follow county law requirements and provide documentation to support any changes. Some amendments may also require court orders.

Common errors that may need correction include:

• Misspelled names
• Incorrect dates
• Wrong location information

The County may require you to provide legal documentation to verify changes and obtain court orders for specific amendments, along with original or certified copies of supporting documents.

When filing a vital record with a foreign government, an apostille certification is often required. An apostille for Massachusetts vital records can be acquired through the Secretary of the Commonwealth or Vital Records Online (VRO).

VRO offers online apostille services that are accepted by governments and organizations in over 100 countries. Their service includes professional assistance for obtaining apostilles for divorce certificates in all 50 states, starting at $149, plus government fees.
Once the apostille is issued, it will be sent to you by FedEx or DHL for global delivery. This ensures that your documents arrive at your doorstep regardless of location, whether in the US or internationally.

If you request by mail, you’ll need to provide the following:

1. Completed form.
2. Payment (check or money order of $6.00 per document, made payable to Commonwealth of Massachusetts).
3. The original documents to be authenticated.
4. Self-addressed envelope, stamped (USPS) or with prepaid label (express)—pick-up in person at the office also available.

Authentications can only be obtained for documents with an original signature of the Secretary of the Commonwealth or a valid Massachusetts:

• Notary Public
• Justice of the Peace
• City/Town Clerk or assistant
• Court clerk or assistant
• Registrar of Vital Records

Standard Mail/Express Courier/Walk-in Submissions:

Secretary of the Commonwealth, Commissions Section
One Ashburton Place
Room 1719
Boston, MA 02108

Secretary of the Commonwealth
436 Dwight Street
Room 102
Springfield, MA 01103

Secretary of the Commonwealth
218 South Main Street
Suite 206
Fall River, MA 02721