The court at this point is encouraging any non-emergency
matters to be filed by mail or by e-filing if that is available. The filing
will still be docketed but they are not going to add an actual court hearing
until on or after May 1st unless it is an emergency matter.
Again, you want to speak to an attorney or confirm
with the court as everything can be in a state of flux and can changed.
COVID-19 – For
Emergency Scheduling
In emergency
situations in Massachusetts Family and Probate Court will be considered on a
case by case basis. It needs to be brought to a Judicial Case Manager, Assistant
Judicial Manager, Assistant Register or a Magistrate to determine whether there
is an actual emergency or there can be help in another matter.
Some of the emergency
matters that can be filed and heard unless the court requires notice can include
Petitions and Motions for Do Not Resuscitate, Authorization of Medical Treatments
or Antipsychotic Medication, Petition Seeking or Permission of Temporary Guardian
or Conservator; other protective services; Healthcare Proxy Actions; Appointment
of Special Representatives; Petition for Marriage without Delay; Complaints for
Dependency for a child who turns 21 prior to May 1, 2020; civil Temporary Restraining
Orders and Motion for Temporary Orders relative to custody or support exigent circumstances.
These are possibilities it does not mean necessarily that automatically address
these as an emergency scheduling and even if they are addressing there is an emergency
scheduling there might be some significant restrictions and you want to contact
your attorney about the different options and/or the court before seeing what
you perceived as a emergency and will still be considered by the court.
Again, you want to speak to an attorney or confirm
with the court as everything can be in a state of flux and can changed.
