COURT RECORDS
Massachusetts Court Record Retrieval and Apostille
Need a certified copy of a divorce judgment, name change decree or other court record for use abroad? We request the properly certified copy from the court, get it apostilled or legalized, and ship it wherever it needs to go.
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COURT RECORDS
Retrieved and apostilled
Certified copies from Massachusetts courts.
- Probate and Family Court records
- Divorce judgments and name changes
- Apostille or embassy legalization
- Certified translation available
Why the right copy matters
Records we help retrieve
- Divorce judgments and decrees
- Name change decrees
- Probate records and letters of authority for estates
- Guardianship and conservatorship decrees
- Civil and criminal case records
- Records from other states through our nationwide network
Some records, such as adoption files, are sealed and available only to authorized people.
How it works
- 1
Tell us the case
The court, case number if you have it, and the names involved.
- 2
We request the certified copy
With your written authorization where required.
- 3
Apostille or legalization
From the Secretary of the Commonwealth, then the embassy if needed. See Embassy Legalization.
- 4
Translate and ship
We arrange translation and tracked shipping.
Good to know
Divorce decrees
See Divorce Decree Apostille for details.
Estates abroad
Letters of authority are often needed for foreign banks and property.
Background checks
For criminal history checks, see CORI Apostille and FBI Apostille.
Timelines vary
Courts set their own processing times. We'll give you a realistic estimate.
How the process works behind the scenes
Situations we handle often
Remarrying abroad
A foreign registry asks for your certified, apostilled divorce judgment before the wedding.
Updating a passport or ID abroad
Your home country wants proof of a name change decreed in Massachusetts.
Settling an estate overseas
A foreign bank or land registry asks for letters of authority from the Probate Court.
Immigration and residency
A consulate wants certified court records as part of a visa or residency file.
Mistakes we help you avoid
- Ordering a plain copy. A photocopy or printout from an online docket can't be apostilled.
- The wrong document. A foreign office may want the final judgment, not the agreement or docket sheet. We confirm which one they need.
- Name changes that aren't documented. If your name changed after the case, bring the decree or record that links the names.
- Missing translations. Many countries want the apostilled record translated. We arrange it after the apostille so the translation covers both.
Official sources
- Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth: apostille and certification information
- Hague Conference: list of Apostille Convention countries
We link to official sources so you can check the current rules yourself. Requirements change, and the receiving office always has the final word.
How long it takes
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be a party to the case?
For many records, no. Sealed and confidential records are limited to authorized people.
Can you apostille a court record I already have?
If it's a properly certified copy, yes. Send us a photo and we'll check.
Do you retrieve records from other states?
Yes, through our nationwide network.
Can you give legal advice about my case?
No. We're notaries and document specialists, not attorneys, so we can't give legal advice, draft documents or explain their legal effect.
Can you get a record from a closed or old case?
Often, yes. Older files may be archived, which can take longer.
Do I need to come with you to the court?
Usually not. We'll tell you if the court requires your written authorization.
Can you send the finished documents directly abroad?
Yes, by tracked international shipping to you, your attorney or the receiving office.
Need a court record for use abroad?
Tell us the court and the country.