Framingham Court Records
Framingham court records are maintained by the Framingham District Court and Middlesex County courts, covering civil, criminal, and family cases filed in this part of western Middlesex County. This page explains how to search for records, what courts serve the area, and how to get copies of case documents.
Quick Facts
| City Population | Approx. 73,000 |
|---|---|
| County | Middlesex |
| Main District Court | Framingham District Court |
| Superior Court | Middlesex Superior Court, Woburn |
| Probate Court | Middlesex Probate, Woburn |
Framingham District Court
The primary court for Framingham is the Framingham District Court at 600 Concord Street, Framingham, MA 01702. The phone number is (508) 875-7461. Hours run Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. This court handles criminal cases, small claims, civil matters, and summary process (eviction) cases.
Framingham District Court serves a broad area. Towns in its jurisdiction include Natick, Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton, Sherborn, and Wayland in addition to Framingham itself. If your case involves someone from one of those towns, it likely landed here too.
| Court | Framingham District Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 600 Concord Street, Framingham, MA 01702 |
| Phone | (508) 875-7461 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
The Framingham District Court portal page on mass.gov lists current contact details, directions, and any service changes. Check there before making a trip, since hours can shift around holidays.
The mass.gov location page for Framingham District Court shows current hours, parking info, and contact numbers.
Searching Records Online
Massachusetts runs a free public search tool called MassCourts at masscourts.org. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You do not need an account or a fee to search civil case records by name. The system covers civil dockets from all trial courts, including Framingham District Court.
There are some limits to keep in mind. Criminal records are not searchable by name for the general public through MassCourts. You can search by case number or citation number if you have those. The date-range search for case type is capped at 30 days. For deeper criminal record lookups, you need to go through the Criminal History Systems Board (CHSB) or submit a request at the courthouse.
Public terminals at the Framingham District Court clerk's office let you access the same MassCourts system in person. Clerks can also print records on request.
The Massachusetts Trial Court case search is the main free tool for civil docket lookups across Framingham and all Middlesex County courts.
Middlesex County Courts Serving Framingham
Framingham sits in western Middlesex County, which means some county-level courts are located in Woburn rather than nearby Cambridge or Lowell. For felony criminal cases and large civil matters, the Middlesex Superior Court at 200 Tradecenter Drive, Woburn handles the caseload. Family law matters such as divorce, custody, and adoption go to the Middlesex Probate and Family Court, also at 10-U Commerce Way, Woburn, reachable at (781) 865-4000.
The Middlesex County court records directory provides an overview of all courts, clerks, and contact details for the county. It is a useful starting point if you are not sure which court holds a particular case.
This Middlesex County records overview page covers all courts, from district to superior to probate, that handle cases from Framingham and surrounding communities.
Getting Copies of Court Records
You can request copies in person or by mail from the Framingham District Court clerk's office. Walk-in requests are handled at the counter during regular hours. Bring the case name, docket number, and names of the parties if possible. The clerk will pull the file and print what you need while you wait, or you can leave a written request.
Mail requests take longer. Write a clear letter that includes the case name, docket number, party names, filing date if known, and the specific documents you want. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a money order or attorney's check made out to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Processing typically runs 7 to 14 business days.
Copy fees are set by the state. Unattested copies cost $0.05 per page. Certified copies run $2.50 per page. A certificate of order is $20. If you need a summons, the fee is $5. Citations cost $15. These fees apply across all Massachusetts trial courts, not just Framingham.
Public Records Law and Sealed Records
Most court records in Massachusetts are public. M.G.L. c. 66, Section 10 gives any person the right to inspect or copy public records. You do not need to give a reason. The law applies to court records held by clerks just as it applies to other government documents, with some limits for sealed cases and certain protected categories.
Some records are sealed or restricted. Juvenile records, certain domestic violence files, and impounded cases are not available to the public. Adults who qualify may petition to seal their criminal records under M.G.L. c. 276, Section 100A. Once sealed, those records do not appear in name searches. If you believe a record has been improperly withheld, you can file a complaint with the Secretary of State's office.
Legal Help in Framingham
If you need guidance navigating the court system, several resources are available. MassLegalHelp.org is a free statewide resource with plain-language guides on civil cases, housing, family law, and more. The site has step-by-step instructions for common court tasks and links to legal aid organizations by county.
Court Service Centers are another option. These centers are staffed by court employees who can help you find forms, understand the process, and figure out which court handles your case. They do not give legal advice, but they can point you in the right direction. Find the nearest one at mass.gov/court-service-centers.
For people who qualify based on income, legal aid programs in Middlesex County offer free representation or advice. Check masslegalhelp.org for a current list of providers serving the Framingham area.
Nearby Cities
Other Massachusetts cities with court record pages:
Framingham court records are filed under Middlesex County. See the Middlesex County court records page for information on all courts in the county, including superior court, probate, and housing court contacts.