Middlesex County Public Records /Middlesex County Court Records

Middlesex County Court Records

What Is Middlesex County Court Records

Middlesex County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records serve as the comprehensive documentation of court activities and legal matters processed through the various courts operating within Middlesex County jurisdiction.

Court records typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and supporting documentation
Docket sheets chronicling case events and filing chronology
Court orders and judicial decisions
Judgments and decrees
Hearing and trial transcripts
Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
Sentencing information in criminal matters
Settlement agreements in civil cases

Court records are distinct from other public records maintained by government entities. While property records document land ownership and transactions, and vital records capture births, deaths, and marriages, court records specifically document judicial proceedings and legal disputes resolved through the court system. Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66, § 10, these records are maintained as part of the Commonwealth's public records framework.

The following courts within Middlesex County maintain official court records:

Middlesex Superior Court
200 Trade Center, Woburn, MA 01801
781-939-2700
Massachusetts Trial Court

Middlesex Probate and Family Court
208 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA 02141
617-768-5800
Massachusetts Trial Court

Middlesex District Court (multiple locations)
Central Division: 40 Thorndike Street, Cambridge, MA 02141
617-494-4500
Massachusetts Trial Court

Middlesex Juvenile Court
121 Third Street, Cambridge, MA 02141
617-494-4100
Massachusetts Trial Court

Middlesex Housing Court
370 Jackson Street, Lowell, MA 01852
978-689-7833
Massachusetts Trial Court

These courts collectively maintain records for civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, housing, and small claims matters originating within Middlesex County.

Are Court Records Public In Middlesex County

Court records in Middlesex County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Massachusetts Public Records Law, M.G.L. c. 66, § 10, and the common law presumption of public access to judicial records. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has consistently upheld the principle that court records are presumptively open to public inspection, with certain statutory exceptions.

The following court records are typically available for public access:

Civil case files (with limited exceptions for impounded matters)
Criminal case files (post-arraignment)
Judgments and court orders
Docket sheets and indices
Hearing and trial schedules
Final dispositions

However, Massachusetts law provides for certain restrictions on public access. Under M.G.L. c. 276, § 100C, records of criminal cases resulting in dismissals or not guilty findings may be sealed after specified waiting periods. Additionally, the Massachusetts Uniform Rules on Public Access to Court Records establish comprehensive guidelines governing record access.

Records that may be restricted from public access include:

Juvenile court proceedings (with exceptions)
Certain domestic relations matters
Mental health commitment proceedings
Adoption records
Records specifically impounded by judicial order
Grand jury proceedings
Records containing sensitive personal information as defined by statute

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts (which has jurisdiction over Middlesex County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state provisions. These records are accessible through the federal PACER system rather than state court databases.

How To Find Court Records in Middlesex County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Middlesex County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The Massachusetts Trial Court maintains multiple access points for record retrieval.

For in-person requests:

Identify the specific court where the case was filed
Visit the clerk's office during regular business hours (typically 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday)
Complete a record request form providing case information
Present valid identification
Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for standard copies)
Wait for staff to retrieve records (same-day service for readily available records)

For written requests:

Prepare a written request including:
- Case name and docket number (if known)
- Approximate date of filing
- Names of parties involved
- Type of case
- Specific documents requested
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope
Enclose payment for estimated copy fees
Mail request to the appropriate court clerk's office

For electronic access:

Visit the Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access portal
Select the appropriate court department
Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date)
Review available case information
Request copies of specific documents if needed

For certified copies of court records, requesters must specifically indicate the need for certification and pay additional certification fees (typically $6.00-$10.00 per document). Certification is required for legal purposes such as immigration proceedings, foreign use, or official verification.

The Massachusetts Trial Court provides a standardized Records Request Form that may be used for all courts within Middlesex County. Requesters should note that research fees may apply for requests requiring extensive staff time to locate historical records.

How To Look Up Court Records in Middlesex County Online?

The Massachusetts Trial Court provides digital access to court records through several online portals, each serving different court departments and record types. These systems allow for remote access to case information without requiring in-person visits to courthouses.

The primary online access points include:

MassCourts Public Internet Portal This system provides access to docket information for most Massachusetts Trial Court departments, including those in Middlesex County. Users may:

Navigate to the MassCourts website
Select the appropriate court department (Superior, District, Probate, etc.)
Search by case number, party name, or attorney
View basic case information, docket entries, and scheduled events
Access certain publicly available documents (not all documents are available online)

eAccess for Criminal Cases For criminal case information:

Visit the Massachusetts Criminal Record Search
Create a user account if required
Enter search criteria (name, date of birth, case number)
Pay applicable search fees
View available criminal case information

Probate and Family Court Records For certain probate and family court matters:

Access the Virtual Registry portal
Select Middlesex County from the location options
Complete required fields for case search
View available case information and document listings

Attorney Portal Attorneys registered with the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers can access additional case information through the Attorney Portal, which provides enhanced access to cases where they are counsel of record.

The Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access system currently provides varying levels of information depending on case type and court department. While docket information is generally available, full document access is limited for many case types. The Trial Court continues to expand electronic access in accordance with the Massachusetts Trial Court Strategic Plan.

How To Search Middlesex County Court Records for Free?

Massachusetts law provides for free public inspection of court records at courthouse locations during regular business hours. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 66, § 10(a), every person has the right to inspect public records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or extensive search assistance.

Free access options include:

In-Person Courthouse Access

Visit the appropriate Middlesex County courthouse during business hours
Request to view specific case files at the clerk's office
Present identification and complete any required request forms
Use public access terminals to view electronic records
Take notes from records without incurring fees

Public Access Terminals Each Middlesex County courthouse provides public access computer terminals where visitors may search court databases at no cost:

Middlesex Superior Court
200 Trade Center, Woburn, MA 01801
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
781-939-2700

Middlesex Probate and Family Court
208 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA 02141
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
617-768-5800

Online Free Access Options The following online resources provide free access to certain court information:

MassCourts Public Internet Portal - Basic case information and docket entries
Massachusetts Trial Court Case Information - Daily court calendars and scheduling information
Supreme Judicial Court and Appeals Court Public Case Information - Appellate case information

While basic case information is available without charge, fees apply for:

Printed copies of documents ($1.00 per page)
Certified copies ($6.00-$10.00 per document)
Staff research assistance for complex or historical searches
Criminal record checks through CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information)

The Massachusetts Trial Court has implemented the Access to Justice Initiative which aims to expand free public access to court information while balancing privacy concerns and resource limitations.

What's Included in a Middlesex County Court Record?

Middlesex County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with content varying by case type and court jurisdiction. These records provide an official account of all matters brought before the courts.

Civil Case Records typically include:

Complaint or petition initiating the action
Summons and proof of service
Defendant's answer or response
Motions filed by either party
Affidavits and supporting documentation
Discovery materials (when filed with the court)
Court orders and rulings on motions
Judgment or final decree
Post-judgment filings
Appeal documentation (if applicable)

Criminal Case Records typically include:

Criminal complaint or indictment
Arraignment information
Bail determination documents
Pretrial motions and rulings
Evidence suppression hearings
Plea agreements
Trial transcripts (when prepared)
Verdict or finding
Sentencing information
Probation reports (may be restricted)
Appeal documentation

Probate and Family Court Records typically include:

Petitions for divorce, custody, or support
Financial statements
Parenting plans
Guardian ad litem reports (may be impounded)
Temporary and final orders
Judgments of divorce
Wills and testamentary documents
Inventories of estates
Guardianship and conservatorship filings
Adoption petitions (typically impounded)

Housing Court Records typically include:

Summary process (eviction) complaints
Tenant answers and counterclaims
Inspection reports
Compliance orders
Judgment and execution documents
Agreement for judgment forms

Each court record also contains a docket sheet, which serves as a chronological index of all filings, appearances, and actions taken in the case. The docket provides case numbers, party names, attorney information, filing dates, and brief descriptions of each document or court event.

Pursuant to Massachusetts Rules of Civil Procedure 79, court clerks are required to maintain these records in a systematic and accessible manner.

How Long Does Middlesex County Keep Court Records?

Middlesex County courts retain records according to schedules established by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court and the State Records Conservation Board. Retention periods vary based on case type, disposition, and historical significance.

The Massachusetts Judicial Records Retention Schedule governs the preservation and disposition of court records throughout the Commonwealth. Key retention periods include:

Superior Court Records:

Civil cases: 20 years after final disposition
Criminal cases:
- Felonies resulting in incarceration: Permanent
- Other felonies: 25 years after final disposition
- Misdemeanors: 10 years after final disposition
First-degree murder cases: Permanent

District Court Records:

Civil cases: 10 years after final disposition
Criminal cases:
- Felonies: 20 years after final disposition
- Misdemeanors: 10 years after final disposition
- Motor vehicle infractions: 6 years after final disposition

Probate and Family Court Records:

Divorce cases: Permanent
Paternity cases: Permanent
Guardianship/Conservatorship: Permanent
Estate administration: Permanent
Adoption records: Permanent (sealed)

Housing Court Records:

Summary process (eviction) cases: 7 years after final disposition
Code enforcement cases: 10 years after final disposition
Small claims cases: 6 years after final disposition

Juvenile Court Records:

Delinquency cases: Until subject reaches age 27, then reviewed
Care and protection cases: Permanent
Child requiring assistance: Until subject reaches age 21

Records designated for permanent retention are eventually transferred to the Massachusetts Archives, where they are preserved for historical and research purposes. Digital preservation initiatives are increasingly being implemented to maintain electronic versions of court records beyond their physical retention periods.

Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 221, § 27A, court clerks are responsible for maintaining records according to these schedules and may not destroy records except as authorized by law. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has established a Records Management Policy that provides additional guidance on records retention and destruction protocols.

Types of Courts In Middlesex County

Middlesex County's judicial system encompasses multiple court types, each with specific jurisdiction and authority. These courts operate within the Massachusetts Trial Court system and handle various legal matters according to their designated functions.

Middlesex Superior Court
200 Trade Center, Woburn, MA 01801
781-939-2700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Massachusetts Trial Court

Middlesex Probate and Family Court
208 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA 02141
617-768-5800
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Massachusetts Trial Court

Middlesex District Courts:

Cambridge District Court
4040 Mystic Valley Parkway, Medford, MA 02155
781-306-2710
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Massachusetts Trial Court

Concord District Court
305 Walden Street, Concord, MA 01742
978-318-3000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Massachusetts Trial Court

Framingham District Court
600 Concord Street, Framingham, MA 01702
508-875-7461
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Massachusetts Trial Court

Lowell District Court
41 Hurd Street, Lowell, MA 01852
978-459-4101
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Massachusetts Trial Court

Malden District Court
89 Summer Street, Malden, MA 02148
781-322-7500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Massachusetts Trial Court

Marlborough District Court
45 Williams Street, Marlborough, MA 01752
508-485-1493
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Massachusetts Trial Court

Middlesex Juvenile Court
121 Third Street, Cambridge, MA 02141
617-494-4100
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Massachusetts Trial Court

Middlesex Housing Court
370 Jackson Street, Lowell, MA 01852
978-689-7833
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Massachusetts Trial Court

The Massachusetts court system follows a hierarchical structure:

District, Juvenile, Housing, and Probate & Family Courts (trial level)
Superior Court (higher trial court for serious matters)
Massachusetts Appeals Court (intermediate appellate court)
Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (highest state court)

Cases may progress through this hierarchy through the appeals process. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, established in 1692, is the oldest continuously operating appellate court in the Western Hemisphere and has final authority on questions of Massachusetts law.

What Types of Cases Do Middlesex County Courts Hear?

Middlesex County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their respective jurisdictions. Each court type is authorized to hear specific categories of cases as established by Massachusetts law.

Superior Court handles:

Serious criminal cases (felonies carrying potential state prison sentences)
Major civil litigation (claims exceeding $25,000)
Medical malpractice cases
Complex commercial disputes
Land use and zoning appeals
Civil rights violations
Administrative agency appeals
Jury trials in both civil and criminal matters

District Courts 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)
Traffic violations
Municipal ordinance violations
Restraining orders and harassment prevention orders
Mental health commitments
Preliminary hearings in felony cases

Probate and Family Court handles:

Divorce and separation proceedings
Child custody and support matters
Paternity determinations
Alimony and property division
Adoptions
Guardianships and conservatorships
Wills and estate administration
Name changes
Elder protection matters

Juvenile Court handles:

Delinquency proceedings (under age 18)
Youthful offender cases (serious offenses by juveniles)
Care and protection petitions
Children requiring assistance cases
Child welfare matters
Juvenile guardianships

Housing Court handles:

Landlord-tenant disputes
Eviction proceedings (summary process)
Code enforcement matters
Sanitary code violations
Small claims related to housing
Discrimination in housing
Lead paint violations

Case assignment follows jurisdictional rules established by M.G.L. c. 218 for District Courts, M.G.L. c. 212 for Superior Courts, and related statutes for specialized courts. The Massachusetts Trial Court has implemented specialized sessions within these courts to address specific issues, including:

Drug courts
Veterans treatment courts
Mental health sessions
Homeless court sessions
Domestic violence sessions

These specialized sessions employ therapeutic jurisprudence principles to address underlying issues while maintaining accountability through the court process.

How To Find a Court Docket In Middlesex County

Court dockets in Middlesex County are accessible through multiple channels, providing the public with information about scheduled hearings, case status, and filed documents. A docket serves as the official chronological record of all proceedings in a case.

To locate a court docket:

Online Access:

Visit the Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access portal
Select the appropriate court department
Search using one of the following criteria:
- Docket number (most precise method)
- Party name (last name, first name)
- Attorney's Board of Bar Overseers (BBO) number
Review the docket sheet showing all case events and filings
Note that document attachments may not be available for all entries

In-Person Access:

Visit the clerk's office at the courthouse where the case is filed
Complete a docket request form providing case information
Present identification if required
Request to view the physical docket or case file
Public access terminals are available for electronic docket searches

Daily Court Calendars: Court calendars listing cases scheduled for hearing are available:

Online through the Massachusetts Trial Court Case Information page
Posted daily at courthouse locations
At clerk's offices upon request

By Telephone: Limited docket information may be obtained by calling the appropriate clerk's office:

Superior Court: 781-939-2700
Cambridge District Court: 781-306-2710
Lowell District Court: 978-459-4101
Probate and Family Court: 617-768-5800

When requesting docket information, be prepared to provide:

Case name (parties involved)
Approximate filing date
Case type
Docket number (if known)

For historical dockets (cases over 10 years old), additional research time may be required as older records might be archived off-site. The Massachusetts Archives maintains historical court records that have been transferred from the courts according to retention schedules.

Pursuant to Massachusetts Trial Court Rule VIII, docket information is presumptively public unless specifically impounded or sealed by judicial order.

Which Courts in Middlesex County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Massachusetts, "courts of record" are judicial bodies that maintain formal records of proceedings, have the authority to fine and imprison, and whose judgments can be appealed to higher courts. Conversely, "courts not of record" typically handle minor matters with simplified procedures and may not maintain comprehensive transcripts of proceedings.

Within Middlesex County, the following are classified as courts not of record:

Small Claims Sessions Small claims sessions operate within District Courts to resolve minor civil disputes. These proceedings are governed by M.G.L. c. 218, § 21 and feature:

Informal procedures without strict adherence to rules of evidence
Claims limited to $7,000 ($15,000 for property damage from motor vehicle accidents)
Parties typically represent themselves without attorneys
No verbatim transcript of proceedings unless specifically requested
Limited right of appeal (defendant only) to District Court jury session

Clerk-Magistrate Hearings Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 218, § 35A, clerk-magistrates conduct preliminary hearings to determine if probable cause exists to issue criminal complaints for misdemeanors. These hearings:

Are typically not recorded unless requested by a party
Follow informal procedures
Allow representation but with relaxed evidentiary standards
Do not constitute formal criminal proceedings
Result in decisions that are not appealable in the traditional sense

Civil Motor Vehicle Infraction (CMVI) Hearings First-tier hearings for contested traffic citations are conducted before clerk-magistrates under M.G.L. c. 90C, § 3:

No formal record of proceedings is maintained
Informal rules of procedure apply
Decisions may be appealed to a judge for a de novo hearing
No right to jury trial at this level

All other courts in Middlesex County—including Superior Court, District Court (for matters other than those listed above), Probate and Family Court, Juvenile Court, and Housing Court—function as courts of record. These courts maintain official transcripts of proceedings, follow formal rules of evidence and procedure, and issue decisions that may be appealed through the standard appellate process.

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record affects:

The formality of proceedings
Record-keeping requirements
Appellate rights
Precedential value of decisions
Procedural protections afforded to parties

This classification system allows for efficient resolution of minor matters while preserving more formal procedures for cases with significant legal or financial implications.