This story is part of MassLive’s ongoing housing court guide series. You can read other stories in the series here.
If you are appealing your case, you will often need a transcript or an audio recording of your trial, which you can request from the court.
To order a transcript, you will need the name of the case and the docket number, the name of the judge, the courtroom number and the date and approximate time of the hearing. Fill out the online transcript order form here.
Transcripts usually arrive within 90 days of your request. If you need it sooner, you can request a rush transcript, which will arrive in one to seven days. Regular transcripts cost $3 per page and rush transcripts cost $4.50 per page. If a transcript of the hearing already exists, copies will cost $1 per page or $1.50 for a rush transcript.
When your request is received, you will get an estimated cost and expected delivery date. You will need to pay a deposit within five days, or one day for rush delivery.
If you can’t afford the fee for a transcript, you can request the fees be paid for you by filing an affidavit of indigency (see “How do I get my court fees waived?”) and wait for it to be approved before submitting your transcript request.
You can also request an audio recording of your trial or hearing. You can get a digital file for $10 or a CD for $50.50.
Use the For the Record app linked here to request a digital copy of the audio recording. It will be accessible online for one year.
If you are requesting a CD, you will need to fill out this form and bring it to the clerk’s office with a check for $50.50 written out to “Commonwealth of Massachusetts.”
