Norfolk County Court Records
What Is Norfolk County Court Records
Norfolk County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute the comprehensive documentation of cases heard in Norfolk County courts, serving as the official account of judicial proceedings. Court records typically include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records.
Court records are distinct from other public records maintained by government agencies, such as:
- Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
- Tax records
- Voter registration information
In Norfolk County, Massachusetts, court records are maintained by several courts within the jurisdiction:
- Norfolk Superior Court
- Norfolk County Probate and Family Court
- District Courts (Dedham, Quincy, Stoughton, Wrentham)
- Boston Municipal Court - Brookline Division
- Norfolk County Juvenile Court
These courts handle various case types including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family matters, probate cases, and traffic violations. According to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66, § 10, court records are considered public records subject to disclosure unless specifically exempted by statute or court order.
The Massachusetts Court System maintains these records in accordance with the Supreme Judicial Court Rule 1:24, which governs public access to court records throughout the Commonwealth.
Are Court Records Public In Norfolk County
Court records in Norfolk County are generally public pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, G.L. c.66 § 10, which establishes the presumption that government records, including court records, are open to public inspection. This presumption of openness is further supported by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and common law principles favoring public access to judicial proceedings.
The following court records are typically available for public access:
- Most civil case files
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
- Final dispositions
It is important to note that Norfolk County courts operate within the Massachusetts state court system, not the federal court system. Federal court records for cases in Massachusetts are maintained separately through the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts and are accessible through the federal PACER system.
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has established specific rules governing access to court records through the Uniform Rules on Public Access to Court Records. These rules balance the public's right to access with privacy concerns and the efficient administration of justice.
However, certain records may be restricted or sealed by statute or court order, including:
- Records involving juveniles
- Certain family court matters
- Records sealed by court order
- Grand jury proceedings
- Certain mental health proceedings
- Cases involving sexual assault victims
How To Find Court Records in Norfolk County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Norfolk County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The Massachusetts Trial Court has established procedures for requesting and obtaining court records throughout the Commonwealth.
To obtain court records in person:
- Identify the specific court where the case was filed
- Visit the clerk's office during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form, providing as much case information as possible
- Present valid identification
- Pay any applicable search or copying fees
For written requests:
- Submit a detailed written request to the appropriate court clerk
- Include case number, party names, and approximate date of filing
- Provide contact information and preferred delivery method
- Enclose payment for applicable fees
Norfolk Superior Court
650 High Street
Dedham, MA 02026
(781) 326-1600
Norfolk Superior Court
Norfolk County Probate and Family Court
35 Shawmut Road
Canton, MA 02021
(781) 830-1200
Norfolk Probate and Family Court
Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66, § 10(a), custodians of public records must provide access to requested records within 10 business days. The Massachusetts Trial Court has implemented standardized request procedures to facilitate public access to court records while maintaining appropriate security and privacy protections.
How To Look Up Court Records in Norfolk County Online?
Norfolk County residents and interested parties may access certain court records through several online portals maintained by the Massachusetts Trial Court. These electronic systems provide convenient remote access to various court documents and case information.
The primary online resources for Norfolk County court records include:
-
MassCourts Public Internet Portal
- Provides access to docket information for all Massachusetts Trial Court departments
- Allows searches by case number, party name, or attorney
- Displays case type, filing date, party information, scheduled events, and docket entries
- Available at MassCourts Public Portal
-
eAccess
- Offers more detailed case information for Superior Court and District Court cases
- Includes access to certain filed documents in eligible cases
- Requires free registration
- Available through the Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access
-
Attorney Portal
- Provides enhanced access for attorneys of record
- Allows document filing in certain case types
- Requires attorney registration and Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers number
- Accessible via Massachusetts Attorney Portal
To search for court records online:
- Select the appropriate portal based on the type of information needed
- Create an account if required
- Enter search criteria (case number is most effective)
- Review search results and select the desired case
- View available case information and documents
- Pay any applicable fees for document copies
The Massachusetts Trial Court continues to expand electronic access to court records while balancing public access with privacy considerations. Currently, not all documents are available online, and certain case types have restricted access in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66, § 10 and court rules.
How To Search Norfolk County Court Records for Free?
Massachusetts law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. According to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 262, § 38, which governs court fees, the public has the right to inspect public records without paying a fee.
Free options for accessing Norfolk County court records include:
-
In-Person Inspection
- Visit the clerk's office at the appropriate courthouse
- Request to view specific case files
- No fee for inspection of physical records
- Available during regular business hours
-
MassCourts Public Internet Portal
- Free online access to basic case information
- Search by case number, party name, or attorney
- View docket entries and scheduled events
- Available at MassCourts Public Portal
-
Public Access Terminals
- Located in courthouse lobbies or law libraries
- Provide more comprehensive access than online portals
- Available during court business hours
- No fee for use
-
Norfolk Law Library
649 High Street
Dedham, MA 02026
(781) 326-6300
Trial Court Law Libraries- Offers free access to legal research databases
- Staff available to assist with court record searches
- Provides access to public terminals
The Massachusetts Trial Court is committed to providing reasonable public access to court records while maintaining the security and integrity of these documents. While inspection is free, fees may apply for copies, certified documents, or extensive searches in accordance with the Uniform Fee Schedule established by the Trial Court.
What's Included in a Norfolk County Court Record?
Norfolk County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type and court. These records serve as the official account of judicial actions and typically include several standard components.
Civil case records generally contain:
- Complaint or petition initiating the case
- Summons and proof of service
- Answers and counterclaims
- Motions and supporting memoranda
- Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
- Affidavits and declarations
- Court orders and judgments
- Hearing and trial transcripts
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Appeal documents
Criminal case records typically include:
- Charging documents (indictments, complaints)
- Arraignment information
- Bail and pretrial release documentation
- Motions and responses
- Evidence lists and exhibits
- Plea agreements
- Sentencing information
- Probation reports (may be confidential)
- Appeal documents
Probate and family court records may contain:
- Petitions for divorce, custody, or guardianship
- Financial statements
- Parenting plans
- Guardian ad litem reports
- Adoption documents
- Wills and inventories
- Estate accountings
- Conservatorship reports
Each court record also includes a docket sheet, which serves as a chronological index of all filings and court actions. The docket contains case numbers, party names, attorney information, filing dates, hearing schedules, and brief descriptions of each document filed.
Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 221, § 14, court clerks are responsible for maintaining these records and ensuring their accuracy and accessibility in accordance with court rules and procedures.
How Long Does Norfolk County Keep Court Records?
Norfolk County courts retain records according to the Massachusetts Judicial Records Retention Schedule established by the Supreme Judicial Court. This schedule specifies retention periods for various document types across all courts in the Commonwealth.
Key retention periods include:
Criminal Cases:
- Felony cases: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor cases: 20 years after case closure
- Motor vehicle infractions: 6 years after disposition
Civil Cases:
- Cases with judgments: 20 years after judgment
- Dismissed cases: 10 years after dismissal
- Small claims: 6 years after disposition
Probate and Family Court:
- Divorce records: Permanent retention
- Adoption records: Permanent retention
- Guardianship records: Permanent retention
- Estate administration: Permanent retention
Juvenile Court:
- Delinquency cases: Until subject reaches age 27, then destroyed
- Care and protection cases: Permanent retention
These retention periods are mandated by the Records Conservation Board in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 221, § 27A, which authorizes the Supreme Judicial Court to establish records management procedures for the courts.
After the retention period expires, records may be:
- Transferred to the Massachusetts Archives
- Microfilmed or digitized for permanent storage
- Destroyed according to secure destruction protocols
Certain historically significant cases may be preserved permanently regardless of the standard retention schedule. The Massachusetts Archives maintains older court records that have been transferred from the courts after their active retention period.
Types of Courts In Norfolk County
Norfolk County's judicial system consists of several courts, each with specific jurisdiction and authority. These courts operate within the Massachusetts Trial Court system and handle various case types according to their statutory authority.
Norfolk Superior Court
650 High Street
Dedham, MA 02026
(781) 326-1600
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Norfolk Superior Court
Norfolk County Probate and Family Court
35 Shawmut Road
Canton, MA 02021
(781) 830-1200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Norfolk Probate and Family Court
Dedham District Court
631 High Street
Dedham, MA 02026
(781) 329-4777
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Dedham District Court
Quincy District Court
1 Dennis F. Ryan Parkway
Quincy, MA 02169
(617) 376-5400
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Quincy District Court
Stoughton District Court
1288 Central Street
Stoughton, MA 02072
(781) 344-2131
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Stoughton District Court
Wrentham District Court
60 East Street
Wrentham, MA 02093
(508) 384-3106
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wrentham District Court
Norfolk County Juvenile Court
55 Allied Drive
Dedham, MA 02026
(781) 329-1500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Norfolk Juvenile Court
The court hierarchy in Massachusetts proceeds from District Courts to Superior Courts, then to the Massachusetts Appeals Court, and finally to the Supreme Judicial Court, which is the highest court in the Commonwealth. Each level has progressively broader authority and jurisdiction over more serious or complex matters.
What Types of Cases Do Norfolk County Courts Hear?
Norfolk County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their statutory jurisdiction. Each court within the county's judicial system handles specific case types as established by Massachusetts law.
Norfolk Superior Court handles:
- Serious criminal cases (felonies carrying potential state prison sentences)
- Civil matters with claims exceeding $25,000
- Medical malpractice cases
- Complex commercial litigation
- Land use and zoning appeals
- Administrative agency appeals
- Jury trials in both civil and criminal matters
Norfolk County Probate and Family Court adjudicates:
- Divorce and separation proceedings
- Child custody and support matters
- Paternity determinations
- Adoption cases
- Guardianship of minors and incapacitated adults
- Conservatorship proceedings
- Estate administration
- Will contests
- Name change petitions
District Courts (Dedham, Quincy, Stoughton, Wrentham) handle:
- Criminal misdemeanors
- Felonies punishable by less than 5 years imprisonment
- Civil cases with claims up to $25,000
- Small claims (up to $7,000)
- Mental health commitments
- Harassment prevention orders
- Restraining orders
- Traffic violations
- Housing matters (in courts without a Housing Court division)
Norfolk County Juvenile Court presides over:
- Delinquency proceedings (juveniles accused of criminal offenses)
- Youthful offender cases
- Care and protection petitions
- Child requiring assistance (CRA) cases
- Adoption of children in DCF custody
- Guardianship of minors
Boston Municipal Court - Brookline Division handles:
- Criminal misdemeanors
- Lesser felonies
- Civil matters up to $25,000
- Small claims
- Mental health proceedings
- Traffic violations
- Municipal ordinance violations
Case assignment is determined by several factors including the nature of the case, the amount in controversy, the severity of the alleged offense, and the geographic location where the incident occurred or where the parties reside, in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 218, § 19.
How To Find a Court Docket In Norfolk County
Court dockets in Norfolk County provide a chronological index of all filings and actions in a case. These official records are maintained by court clerks and are available through several channels.
To locate a court docket in Norfolk County:
Online Access:
- Visit the MassCourts Public Internet Portal
- Select the appropriate court department
- Search by case number, party name, or attorney
- Review the docket entries displayed for the case
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the clerk's office at the courthouse where the case is filed
- Complete a docket request form
- Provide identifying information (case number, party names, approximate date)
- Review the docket at public terminals or request printed copies
Written Requests:
- Submit a written request to the appropriate court clerk's office
- Include case information and specific docket entries needed
- Provide contact information and preferred delivery method
- Enclose payment for any applicable fees
By Telephone:
- Contact the clerk's office during business hours
- Provide case information to the clerk
- Request basic docket information (limited information may be available by phone)
For criminal cases, the Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) system may provide access to certain docket information, though complete access requires proper authorization.
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds maintains records related to property transactions, which may be relevant to certain court proceedings involving real property.
Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 221, § 23, court clerks are required to maintain dockets and make them available for public inspection during regular business hours, subject to applicable privacy restrictions and court rules.
Which Courts in Norfolk County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Massachusetts, a "court of record" is defined as a court whose proceedings are permanently recorded, with the authority to fine or imprison for contempt, and generally possesses a seal. Conversely, courts not of record typically do not maintain official transcripts of proceedings and have limited authority.
Within Norfolk County, the following are not courts of record:
Small Claims Sessions
- Operate within District Courts
- Handle civil matters with claims up to $7,000
- Proceedings are summary in nature
- No verbatim record of proceedings is maintained
- Governed by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 218, § 21
Clerk-Magistrate Hearings
- Preliminary hearings for criminal complaints
- Determine if probable cause exists to issue criminal complaints
- Informal proceedings without verbatim records
- May result in application for complaint being denied or accepted
- Authorized under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 218, § 35A
Show Cause Hearings
- Preliminary hearings for certain civil infractions
- Informal proceedings without court reporters
- May be conducted by clerk-magistrates
- No formal record of proceedings maintained
It is important to note that while these proceedings are not courts of record in the traditional sense, the courts in which they take place (District Courts) are courts of record. The distinction applies to specific sessions or proceedings within these courts rather than to the courts themselves.
Appeals from these non-record proceedings typically result in a de novo hearing (new hearing) in a court of record, rather than a review of the proceedings below, since no official record exists to review.
The Massachusetts Trial Court maintains information about all court proceedings, including those that are not courts of record, and can provide guidance on the appropriate procedures for each type of proceeding.