Essex County Probate and Family Court Case Search & Court Records
Official step-by-step guide to search probate cases, access court records, retrieve documents, and file probate matters in Essex County, Massachusetts
Visit Probate & Family Court
Massachusetts Case Search (eAccess)
(978) 744-7890
36 Federal St, Salem, MA 01970
Essex County Probate and Family Court case search and court records access is essential for estate administration, guardianship cases, wills, divorces, and family-related legal matters in Massachusetts. The state provides an online eAccess system for searching case information across probate and family courts.
🔎 Essex County Probate Court Case Search (Official Workflow)
Massachusetts provides a statewide electronic case search system known as eAccess.
- Go to → Massachusetts eAccess Portal
- Select “Probate & Family Court”
- Choose search type:
- Party name search
- Case number search
- Enter required details
- View case results and docket entries
What You Can View Online
- Case number and filing date
- Parties involved
- Case type (probate, guardianship, divorce, etc.)
- Docket entries and hearing updates
Common Search Issues & Fixes
- No results → try different name variations
- Recent case → allow 1–2 business days
- Too many results → narrow by case type
📂 How to Get Essex County Probate Court Records
Full probate records must be requested directly from the Probate & Family Court.
- Search case and note case number
- Request records:
- In person at court location
- By mail request
- Provide:
- Case number
- Party name
- Document requested
- Pay copy or certification fees
Available Records
- Wills and estate filings
- Letters of Authority
- Guardianship records
- Divorce and family court records
Records NOT Public
- Adoption records
- Certain guardianship reports
- Sealed court files
📄 Probate Forms & Filing (Massachusetts Process)
Download Massachusetts Probate Forms
- Select filing type:
- Informal Probate
- Formal Probate
- Guardianship / Conservatorship
- Divorce / Family filings
- Complete forms accurately
- File electronically or in person
- Pay filing fees
- Incorrect form selection
- Missing documentation
- Incomplete party information
📍 Court Location & Map
Main Address: 36 Federal St, Salem, MA 01970
Additional Locations
- Lawrence Probate & Family Court
Office Hours
- Monday–Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Visit Strategy
- Best time: Morning hours
- Check correct courthouse location
- Bring ID and case information
⚖️ What Essex County Probate and Family Court Handles
This court handles both probate and family law matters under Massachusetts law.
- Decedent estates and wills
- Guardianships and conservatorships
- Trust administration
- Divorce and family law cases
- Name changes and adoptions
It is part of the Massachusetts Trial Court system, combining probate and family jurisdiction.
❓ FAQs (Search-Intent Optimized)
How do I search Essex County Probate Court cases?
Use the Massachusetts eAccess portal to search probate and family cases.
Can I view probate documents online?
No, only case summaries are available online.
Are probate court records public?
Yes, except sealed or confidential cases.
Where is Essex Probate Court located?
Main location is in Salem, Massachusetts, with an additional location in Lawrence.
What types of cases does this court handle?
Probate, guardianship, divorce, and family law matters.
How long does probate take?
It varies, typically several months to over a year depending on complexity.