Massachusetts public records are a wealth of information for anyone interested in the history and current happenings of the state. These records include court and property records, as well as a variety of other documents that are open to the public for viewing and inspection. In this article, we will delve into the different types of public records available in Massachusetts and how to access them.
The Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. c.66, §10) provides that all records created or maintained by the state or local government agencies in Massachusetts are considered public records unless they fall under certain specific exemptions. This means that any member of the public has the right to request access to these records, subject to certain limitations and restrictions.
Birth records in Massachusetts are maintained by the Department of Public Health and the Registry of Vital Records and Statistics. Birth records are considered public records in Massachusetts and are available to the public. To obtain a copy of a birth record in Massachusetts, you will need to provide the following information: the full name of the person listed on the birth record, the date of birth, the place of birth, and the mother's maiden name. You may also need to provide proof of your relationship to the person listed on the birth record, such as a copy of your driver's license or a government-issued identification card.
Death records in Massachusetts are also maintained by the Department of Public Health and the Registry of Vital Records and Statistics. Death records are considered public records in Massachusetts and are available to the public. To obtain a copy of a death record in Massachusetts, you will need to provide the following information: the full name of the person listed on the death record, the date of death, and the place of death. You may also need to provide proof of your relationship to the person listed on the death record, such as a copy of your driver's license or a government-issued identification card.
Marriage records in Massachusetts are maintained by the Department of Public Health and the Registry of Vital Records and Statistics. Marriage records are considered public records in Massachusetts and are available to the public. To obtain a copy of a marriage record in Massachusetts, you will need to provide the following information: the full names of both spouses, the date of the marriage, and the place of the marriage. You may also need to provide proof of your relationship to one of the spouses, such as a copy of your driver's license or a government-issued identification card.
Divorce records in Massachusetts are maintained by the Massachusetts Trial Court. Divorce records are considered public records in Massachusetts and are available to the public. To obtain a copy of a divorce record in Massachusetts, you will need to provide the following information: the full names of both spouses, the date of the divorce, and the place of the divorce. You may also need to provide proof of your relationship to one of the spouses, such as a copy of your driver's license or a government-issued identification card.
Criminal records in Massachusetts are maintained by the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services. Criminal records are considered public records in Massachusetts and are available to the public. To obtain a copy of a criminal record in Massachusetts, you will need to provide the following information: the full name of the person listed on the criminal record, the date of the offense, and the place of the offense. You may also need to provide proof of your relationship to the person listed on the criminal record, such as a copy of your driver's license or a government-issued identification card.
Court records in Massachusetts are open to the public and can be accessed through the state's online court records system or by visiting the courthouse in person. These records include criminal cases, civil cases, and probate cases, as well as a variety of other legal proceedings. Court records provide a wealth of information about the legal history of individuals and organizations, including details about lawsuits, judgments, and settlements. To access court records, you will need to visit the Massachusetts courts website and search for the case you are interested in by name or case number. You can also visit the courthouse in person and request copies of court records from the clerk's office.
Property records in Massachusetts are also open to the public and can be accessed through the state's online land records system or by visiting the county registry of deeds in person. These records include information about real estate transactions, including property sales, mortgage records, and property tax records. Property records provide valuable information about the ownership and value of real estate in Massachusetts, as well as the history of a particular property. To access property records in Massachusetts, you will need to visit the county registry of deeds website or visit the registry in person. You can search for property records by name, address, or property identification number. You can also request copies of property records from the registry of deeds office in person or by mail.
Overall, Massachusetts public records provide a wealth of information about the state's history, individuals, and organizations. Whether you are researching your family tree, trying to understand a legal dispute, or simply curious about the history of a particular property, public records can be an invaluable resource. By accessing these records online or in person, you can learn more about the history and current events of Massachusetts and make informed decisions about your own life and future.