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Norfolk County Courts

Over 700,000 people reside in Norfolk County, which is approximately 10% of Massachusetts's total population of 7 million. The administrative center of the county is located in Dedham. Each year, the county's courts process an estimated 82,000 case filings, which include 27,502 civil matters, 12,715 criminal cases, 852 juvenile matters, 4,619 domestic relations issues, and 5,532 probate proceedings.

The Norfolk County court system administers justice through various trial courts, including the Superior Court, District Courts, Probate and Family Court, Housing Courts, and Juvenile Courts.

  • Norfolk County Superior Court has jurisdiction over felonies and civil cases over $50,000. It hears appeals from administrative agencies and other lower courts.
  • District Courts in Norfolk County handle a wide range of matters, including misdemeanors, juvenile cases, mental health issues, violations of municipal ordinances, and civil disputes of less than $50,000.
  • Norfolk Probate and Family Court addresses family law matters, domestic relations, and probate matters.
  • HousingCourtsinNorfolkCounty handle matters such as evictions, small claims, and civil actions involving property damage, breach of contract, and personal injury.
  • Juvenile Courts in Norfolk County handle certain matters, including child protection, adoptions, termination of parental rights, and juvenile delinquency.

Norfolk County trial courts are located in different parts of the county.

How To Access Norfolk County Court Records

According to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and the Uniform Rules on Public Access to Court Records Rule 1, anyone may access Norfolk County court records unless the records are sealed by statute or court order. Some court records, including sealed records, juvenile records, and child protection orders, are exempt from public disclosure. Sensitive details, such as financial statements, medical information, and trade secrets, are typically redacted from court records.

Generally, an Individual must provide a case number and a valid, government-issued photo ID to access a court record in Norfolk County. They may access these court records in any of the following ways:

Online

Individuals may access Norfolk County court records online through the Massachusetts Trial Court Case Access Portal. Individuals may use the case number, case type, or name (for civil cases only) as the search criteria to search case information on the portal.

Interested persons may also find Norfolk County Court records through CourtCaseFinder, a website that compiles publicly available court records from all courts nationwide.

To access federal court cases heard in Norfolk County, anyone may use the PACER Case Locator service. They must register for an account and pay specific fees to access sought court documents.

In-Person

In Norfolk County, record seekers may visit the clerk's office at the appropriate courthouse where the case was heard. Upon arrival at the courthouse, a requester may be asked to submit a written request or application form.

Individuals may view and obtain copies of court records in Norfolk County through the public access terminals in the clerk's office. Individuals must pay a $2.50 per-page fee for attested copies prepared by the clerk and a $0.05 per-page fee for unattested copies.

Old and Archived Court Records

Individuals may access old court records that are unavailable online or at the clerk's office at the Massachusetts Archives. The archives typically collect and preserve public records, which include court records for all counties in the state. Individuals may access such court records by contacting the State Archives at:

Massachusetts Archives

220 Morrissey Blvd.

Phone: (617) 727-2816

Email: archives@sec.state.ma.us

Alternatively, record seekers may request old court records in Norfolk County at the Trial Court Record Centers.

How To File a Case in Norfolk County

To file a case in Norfolk County, an individual must identify the appropriate court that has jurisdiction to handle their case. The plaintiff may contact the court clerk to determine whether the court can handle their case. They may decide to file their case online, in person, or by mail with the clerk of the court.

In Norfolk County, individuals may file cases online through eFileMA. They may also file the case by mail or in person at the clerk's office of the court.

Filing a court case in the county may incur certain fees, which generally vary depending on the court and the type of case. However, individuals who are unable to pay the filing fee may be eligible to apply for a waiver. They must submit a completed Affidavit of Indigency and Supplement to Affidavit of Indigency (if applicable) to the clerk of the court. The clerk or judge will review the application and decide the outcome of the waiver.

The following steps generally outline the process to file a case in the county:

  • Determine the appropriate courthouse - Identify the proper courthouse that handles their case type.
  • Complete all necessary documents and approved forms
  • Pay the Filing Fee and file the case- Pay the filing fees and file the case in person, by mail, or electronically
  • Remember to serve the opposing party with a copy of the filed documents

Legal Help and Self-Help Resources

Across the United States, county court systems play a crucial role in delivering access to justice. Residents, particularly self-represented litigants, must understand the procedures in the court system, especially when navigating civil, family, probate, or small claims matters. There are several resources, including self-help centers, online portals, legal aid organizations, and libraries, where people may seek knowledge.

In Norfolk County, individuals who are unable to afford paid legal representation may seek assistance from local courthouses, legal aid organizations, or bar associations. Examples of these organizations include the following:

Furthermore, interested individuals may turn to self-help resources and legal help offered at the state level, which generally include the following:

Other legal aid services and self-help resources available to Norfolk County residents include the following:

Types of Courts in Norfolk County, Massachusetts

The court system in Norfolk County comprises several county courts, including Superior, District, Probate and Family, Housing, Land, and Juvenile Court. Also, there are two federal courts in the county that handle federal cases. The jurisdiction of each court and contact information are listed below:

Norfolk County Superior Court

  • Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Exclusive original jurisdiction of first-degree murder cases, felonies, matters where parties seek equitable relief, civil actions over $50,000, and actions including labor disputes in which parties seek injunctive relief.
  • Address and Contact Information -

Norfolk County Courthouse

650 High Street

Dedham, MA 02026

Phone: (781) 326-1600 (Clerk's Office)

District Courts in Norfolk County

  • Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Handle a wide range of matters, including misdemeanors, juvenile cases, mental health issues, violations of municipal ordinances, small claims, traffic infractions, and civil disputes less than $50,000.

The District Court locations in Norfolk County are listed below:

Brookline District Court

360 Washington Street

Brookline, MA 02445

Phone: (617) 332-4660 (Clerk's Office)

Phone: (617) 277-9032 (Probation Department)

Dedham District Court

631 High Street

Dedham, MA 02026

Phone: (781) 329-4777 (Clerk's Office & Probation Department)

Milford District Court

161 West Street

Milford, MA 01757

Phone: (508) 473-1260 (Clerk's Office)

Phone: (508) 473-4541 (Probation Department)

Quincy District Court

1 Dennis Ryan Parkway

Quincy, MA 02169

Phone: (617) 471-1650 (Clerk's Office)

Stoughton District Court

1288 Central Street

Stoughton, MA 02072

Phone: (781) 344-2131 (Clerk's Office)

Phone: (781) 341-9052 (Probation Department)

Wrentham District Court

60 East Street

Wrentham, MA 02093

Phone: (508) 384-3106

Norfolk County Probate and Family Court

  • Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - family law cases such as divorce, child support, child custody, adoptions, as well as probate-related matters including wills, guardianships, trusts, and administration of decedents' estates.
  • Address and Contact Information -

Norfolk County Courthouse

35 Shawmut Road

Canton, MA 02021

Phone: (781) 830-1200 (Clerk's Office)

Phone: (781) 830-1249 (Probation Office)

Housing Courts in Norfolk County

  • Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - handle all cases relating to residential housing, such as small claim cases, eviction cases, and civil actions involving breach of contract, personal injury, and property damage.

The Housing Court locations in Norfolk County are listed below:

Central Housing Court - Worcester Session

225 Main Street

Worcester, MA 01608

Phone: (508) 831-2050 (Clerk's Office)

Eastern Housing Court - Boston Session

24 New Chardon Street

Boston, MA 02114

Phone: (617) 788-8486 (Clerk's Office)

Phone: (617) 788-6500 (Administrative Office)

Land Court

  • Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - A wide range of matters involving land use and real estate.
  • Address and Contact Information -

3, Pemberton Square

Boston, MA 02108

Juvenile Courts in Norfolk County

  • Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - handle all cases relating to residential housing, such as small claim cases, eviction cases, and civil actions involving breach of contract, personal injury, and property damage.

The Juvenile Court locations in Norfolk County are listed below:

Dedham Juvenile Court

55 Allied Drive

Dedham, MA 02026

Phone: (781) 329-1500 (Clerk's Office and Probation Department)

Quincy Juvenile Court

1 Dennis Ryan Parkway

Quincy, MA 02169

Phone: (617) 984-4198 (Clerk's Office)

Phone: (617) 376-7505 (Probation Department)

Stoughton Juvenile Court

1288 Central Street

Stoughton, MA 02072

Phone: (781) 341-9162 (Clerk's Office)

Federal Courts in Norfolk County

These federal courts serve the residents of the county:

United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts

  • Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - These courts handle matters such as civil rights violations, immigration matters, federal crimes, intellectual property disputes, and lawsuits involving federal agencies.
  • Address and Contact Information -

1 Courthouse Way

Boston, MA 02210

Phone: (617) 748-9152

United States Bankruptcy Court - District of Massachusetts

  • Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Bankruptcy cases
  • Address and Contact Information -

United States Bankruptcy Court

John W. McCormack Post Office and Courthouse

5 Post Office Square, Suite 1150

Boston, MA 02109-3945

Phone: (617) 748-5300

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Norfolk County Courts

The following is a compilation of questions commonly asked about courts in Norfolk County:

Are Court Records Public in Norfolk County?

Yes. Norfolk County court records are accessible to the public under the Massachusetts Public Records Law and the Uniform Rules on Public Access to Court Records Rule 1. However, certain records, including sealed records, adoption records, and juvenile records, are exempt from public disclosure.

How Do I Search for a Criminal Case in Norfolk County?

Record seekers may search for Norfolk County criminal case records online through the Massachusetts Trial Court Case Access Portal. Alternatively, a person may obtain criminal records by visiting the Norfolk County Superior Court clerk's office and submitting a formal request.

Where Can I Find Eviction Records in Norfolk County?

Individuals may search for eviction records in Norfolk County online through the Massachusetts Trial Court Case Access Portal. Alternatively, they may visit the clerk's office at the Norfolk County Housing Court or Probate and Family Court in person to access the records.

Can I File a Small Claims Case Online?

Yes, Interested individuals may file small claims cases online in Norfolk County using the Guide and File Portal.

Do Norfolk County Courts Offer Public Computers for Case Searches?

Yes, in Norfolk County, individuals may search for court cases at the public computers available at the courthouse. These terminals are available at the clerk's office in the Superior, District, Housing, Probate and Family Courts, and Land Court.

How Do I Appeal a Court Decision in Norfolk County?

There are different requirements for starting an appeal in each trial court. To appeal a case in Norfolk County, file a Notice of Appeal with the clerk of the trial or lower court where the decision was made within 10 and 30 days of the original judgment. Afterward, pay the filing fee or apply for a waiver if you are unable to pay the fee. Remember to serve a copy of the notice on the opposing parties involved in the matter.

How Do Norfolk County Courts Handle Traffic Tickets?

If you decide to contest a traffic ticket in Norfolk County, check your notice to find out how and where the magistrate will conduct the hearing. The magistrate will allow you to defend yourself and give evidence to support your position. After all the evidence has been presented, the magistrate will make a decision. You may appeal the magistrate's ruling to an appellate court.

How Do I Obtain a Copy of a Divorce Record in Norfolk County?

The Probate and Family Court handles all divorce proceedings in Norfolk County. Interested individuals may request copies of a divorce record in person or by mail from the clerk's office. The acquisition of divorce records incurs a fee of $20, with an additional $20 required for certification.

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