An Evidentiary Hearing is a hearing where the judge decides about one part of the case.  This can include deciding which parent would be awarded custody of the children. A trial is considered the final hearing except for an appeal where the judge decides all remaining issues and can grant the final divorce. The trial […]

There have been significant studies that show the children that are removed or that the parents are unwilling to parent are much more stable and less traumatized if they are placed with a relative than with families that are not related to them and these studies have been recognized both by the courts and by […]

Even if you are not approved as a foster care provider and if you are nominated in Juvenile Court you can get a 3rd party custody through a 72-hour hearing or temporary custody hearing.  You can file for guardianship in Juvenile Court, custody or an adoption through the Juvenile Court or for a grandparent visitation.  […]

Kinship Care can mean a lot of things and it can mean a different thing in Juvenile Court or with DCF, in Probate and Family Court and informally.  Informally meaning not through the courts. It can mean being an informal caregiver and it can also mean doing something that is called a “Caregiver’s Affidavit” which […]

This is not official, but it appears that at least the Taunton DCF office is closed on Mach 16th and March 17th and the DCF offices in the state maybe closed or very limited because of the coronavirus.

Probate and Family Court Standing Order 1-20 District Court – [https://www.mass.gov/doc/district-court-standing-order-1-20-court-operations-under-the-exigent-circumstances-created-by/download] Please look at the links for the most up to date information. This is not official. It is still can change but it appears in District Court that Jury Trials that have not begun that are between March 13th and April 17th shall be […]

Probate and Family Court Standing Order 1-20 Juvenile Court – [https://www.mass.gov/doc/juvenile-court-standing-order-1-20-court-operations-under-the-exigent-circumstances-created-by/download] Please look at the links for the most up to date information. This is not official. Given the actual circumstances by the Coronavirus for Care & Protection matters or DCF cases the custody hearings the Judge may have done by video conference or telephone.  […]

Probate and Family Court Standing Order 1-20 Please look at the links for the most up to date information. This is not official. Probate Court – [https://www.mass.gov/doc/probate-and-family-court-standing-order-1-20-court-operations-under-the-exigent-circumstances/download] Triage or Standing Order regarding the Exigent Circumstances by Coronavirus by the Probate and Family Court. Again, the Probate and Family Court is closed along with all the […]