Essex County Family Court Filing Guide

How and where to file family court papers in Essex County, Massachusetts: the clerk of court, e-filing, filing fees, and self-help for custody, child support, and divorce.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I file family court papers in Essex County, Massachusetts?

Family court matters arising in Essex County are filed with the clerk of court for the Essex county in Massachusetts. Begin at the Essex County court website to confirm the division that handles family cases, the courthouse location, hours, and accepted filing formats. FamilyCourtHelp.com is a self-help resource and not a law firm.

Can I e-file my Essex county family case online?

Massachusetts uses eFileMA for electronic court filings. Availability for self-represented filers can vary by court and case type, so confirm with the Essex county clerk before you submit. Where e-filing is not open to you, the clerk will accept paper filings in person or by mail.

How much does it cost to file in Essex County?

Divorce filing fee: ~$200-$215. Exact Essex county amounts are set by the clerk and change over time, so verify the current schedule with the clerk before filing. If you cannot afford the fee, Massachusetts courts let you ask for a fee waiver based on income.

Is there free self-help for self-represented parents in Massachusetts?

Yes. Massachusetts maintains a statewide self-help resource for people without a lawyer, and many county clerks run a local self-help center too. Use those official resources for forms and procedure, and use FamilyCourtHelp.com to organize your case, draft documents, and prepare. This page is educational and not legal advice.