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Hampshire County, Massachusetts State Court Records

The clerk of the court that handled a case maintains court records in Hampshire County. According to Rule 1(e) of the Uniform Rules on Public Access to Court Records, these records include all or part of court orders, documents, papers, exhibits, dockets, recordings, and other materials entered, created, filed, or maintained by the clerk.

Hampshire County records stem from court proceedings and hearings and offer a window into the application of law and the day-to-day workings of the local justice system.

Statutory provisions, including the Massachusetts Court Rules and the Uniform Rules on Public Access to Court Records, govern the creation, maintenance, and dissemination of court records. Although court records are considered open, the judiciary is not subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, unlike other types of public records, such as vital or arrest records.

Are Hampshire County Court Records Public?

Yes. Rule 2 of the Uniform Rules on Public Access to Court governs access to court records in Hampshire. Under this rule, any member of the public may request access to court records, and the clerk is obligated to provide access in a reasonable manner, whether in person or through other available means.

Notwithstanding, certain categories of records, or portions of them, are restricted from disclosure. This includes impounded and sealed records, juvenile records, some family law matters, adoption records, child welfare records, and sensitive personal information. Such records are not available for public access unless authorized by law or court.

What Information is Available in Hampshire County Court Records?

Hampshire County court records include comprehensive details about a particular case proceeding. These details vary across case types but often fall into common categories: party information, events, docket entries, and case disposition.

A civil court record may capture

  • Names of the parties involved
  • Case type and status
  • Filing date
  • Initiating action
  • Status date
  • Presiding judge
  • Upcoming events
  • Party details, including aliases and attorney contact information
  • Event details (date, text, file reference number, and available image)
  • Docket entries (date, text, amount owed, file reference number, and images)
  • Case disposition and date

Meanwhile, a criminal court record often shows

  • Defendant’s name and attorney
  • Charges (counts, statute, and date of offense)
  • Event details (date, session, location, type, and presiding judge
  • Docket entries (date, text, amount owed, file reference number, and images)
  • Case disposition and date

Hampshire County Court Records Search

The channels through which Hampshire County court records are provided are outlined below.

  • Online Access: The Massachusetts Judiciary maintains an online case management database (MassCourts) where the public can access court records from any county, including Hampshire. The database provides access to civil, criminal, and probate cases. To search, users must first select the court department, then the court division (the county where the case was heard-Hampshire County, in this case). Next, they choose a search type: name, case type, case number, or ticket number, and enter the required details. Results matching the provided parameters are then displayed. Searches are free of charge.
  • In-Person Access: Court records are available onsite through the clerk’s office in accordance with Rule 2(f) and (j)(1) of the United Rules on Public Access to Court Records. The clerk provides a computer or terminal for accessing electronic records in person and may limit usage time to ensure fair access. Requesters may also take photographs or videos with handheld devices, provided they do not disrupt office operations. While basic searches are typically free, copies may incur a fee.
  • Mail Requests: Court records may also be requested by mail. Requesters can often send a written application to the clerk’s office, including identifying details such as a party’s name or case number, to facilitate retrieval. Fees apply for copies requested by mail.

Fees for Court Records in Hampshire County

In accordance with Rule 2(i) of the Uniform Rules on Public Access to Court Records and G.L. c. 262, § 4B, the clerk of court may charge fees as outlined in the Trial Court’s Uniform Schedule of Fees. Under this schedule, the following fees apply:

  • Certified copy of decrees, orders, rulings, judgments, or other records: $20 per certification
  • Attested copy of court documents, records (including docket sheets), or other papers held by the clerk, register, or recorder: $2.50 per page
  • Unattested copy: 5 cents per page
  • Transcript of judgement: $50
  • PDF or other electronic document: $5, plus an additional $4 fee if a CD copy is mailed

Hampshire County Courthouse Locations

Hampshire County has several courts: Superior, District, Probate and Family, Housing, and Juvenile Courts.

The Superior Court is the court of general jurisdiction, handling major criminal and civil cases. District Courts have limited jurisdiction over certain criminal and civil matters. Probate and Family, Housing, and Juvenile Courts are specialized courts. Probate and Family Court handles wills and domestic-related matters such as divorce, paternity, and name changes. Housing Courts handle residential housing matters, including small claims, eviction cases, discrimination claims, and code enforcement. Juvenile Courts handle matters involving minors.

The Hampshire County courts are located at the addresses below.

Superior Court

Hampshire County Superior Court

15 Gothic Street

Northampton, MA 01061

Phone: (413) 584-5810

Fax: (413) 586-8217

District Courts

Eastern Hampshire District Court

205 State Street

Route 202

Belchertown, MA 01007

Phone: (413) 323-4056

Fax: (413) 323-6803

Northampton District Court

15 Gothic Street

Northampton, MA 01060

Phone: (413) 584-7400

Fax: (413) 584-9479 (Civil)

Fax: (413) 586-1980 (Criminal)

Probate and Family Courts

Hampshire Probate and Family Court

33 King Street

Suite 3

Northampton, MA 01060

Phone: (413) 586-8500

Fax: (413) 584-1132

Housing Courts

Western Housing Court - Hadley Session

116 Russell Street

Hadley, MA 01035

Phone: (413) 748-7838

Fax: (413) 732-4607

Western Housing Court - Springfield Session

37 Elm Street

Springfield, MA 01102

Phone: (413) 748-7838

Fax: (413) 732-4607

Juvenile Courts

Belchertown Juvenile Court

205 State Street

Belchertown, MA 01007

Phone: (413) 323-4056

Hadley Juvenile Court

116 Russell Street

Route 9

Hadley, MA 01035

Phone: (413) 584-7686

Criminal Records Access in Hampshire County

The Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS), not the judiciary, maintains Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) covering all counties, including Hampshire. To obtain these records, members of the public may contact the agency.

For local criminal case records in Hampshire County, the appropriate starting point is the court where the case was heard. Courts maintain records of the cases they have handled and are legally required to provide access to them. With a case number, a party’s name, or a relevant timeframe, individuals may inspect or obtain records.

Requests may also be made by mail to the respective court clerk (where the case was originally filed), including sufficient case details to help locate the record. In addition, records are available through the state judiciary’s case management system (MassCourts). After selecting the court and county from the system’s drop-down menu and choosing the search type, users can enter the required details to locate the record.

Hampshire County Probate Records

Hampshire County probate records are maintained by the Probate and Family Court, which also handles these matters. This court oversees wills, estate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, protective proceedings, and family matters. Public probate records include party names and attorneys, docket sheets, a summary of asset distribution, the executor’s name, and other related data/documents.

Although probate records are considered public, access may be limited in certain instances to safeguard privacy. These documents can be obtained through these channels:

  • MassCourts system: This online platform provides remote access to probate case records. Users can search Probate and Family Court cases in Hampshire County by name or case number.
  • In Person: Records are available at the courthouse where the case was filed. Individuals may review electronic or paper files at the clerk’s office and request copies for a fee.
  • By Mail: Requests may be submitted to the clerk’s office with sufficient identifying details. Staff will locate the record and respond accordingly.

Members of the public can also call the court for assistance. Some historic wills are available online.

Hampshire County Family Court Records

Probate and family cases in Hampshire County are handled by the same court: the Hampshire County Probate and Family Court. Family law cases include name changes, paternity, and domestic matters such as divorce, custody, support, visitation, adoption, and abuse prevention. While some records, such as adoption files and certain child support, custody, and visitation details, are restricted, most family court files are publicly accessible.

Available records may be obtained online through the MassCourt case management system, in-person at the clerk’s office using public access terminals, or by reviewing files and making copies with approved handheld scanners. Copies, including certified documents, are available for a fee. Requests may also be submitted by mail with sufficient identifying details, and the clerk’s office can be contacted by phone for further assistance.

Federal Court Records in Hampshire County

Most federal cases occurring in Hampshire County are handled by the trial division of the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. This court hears both civil and criminal matters, and its decisions may be appealed to the appropriate federal appellate court.

Federal court records are available online by searching the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) tool. Requests may also be made to the federal clerk’s office that received the original filing. In-person inquiries are available for those who wish to review or obtain physical copies of case documents. Federal case searches typically require knowledge of the case number or a case participant’s name. Fees may apply for access or copies.