New Filings in
Non-Emergency Matters

The
recent Standing Order OE-144 has closed courthouses off to the public other
than for emergency situations. This order goes into effect May 4, 2020 and will
be in effect until at least June 1, 2020.

This
is applicable to new filings in non-emergency matters, which should be filed by
email, mail, or fax unless otherwise told.

Non-Emergency Virtual Hearings

Temporary Custody Orders, Orders for
Anti-Psychotic Medication and Extraordinary Medical Treatment

The
recent Standing Order OE-144 has closed courthouses off to the public other
than for emergency situations. This order goes into effect May 4, 2020 and will
be in effect until at least June 1, 2020.

This
may be applied to temporary custody orders, orders for anti-psychotic medication
and extraordinary medical treatment. These cases, if set to expire, will be
held virtually, according to Mass.gov.

A
party may file a motion to bring the matter forward if there are extreme
circumstances. If this is you, you must note on the title page of the motion
that there are extreme circumstances and that you are hoping to have the motion
reviewed before June 1, 2020. The court will decide whether this motion will be
permitted or not.

Permanency Hearings and Hearings to
Nominate a Custodian (3rd Party Hearings)

The
recent Standing Order OE-144 has closed courthouses off to the public other
than for emergency situations. This order goes into effect May 4, 2020 and will
be in effect until at least June 1, 2020.

This
order may be applicable to permanency hearings, which will be held virtually.

It
may also be applied to hearings to nominate a custodian (3rd party custody
hearings). These hearings may take place virtually if the parties are able to
show the court they can meet under the requirements of the court. Hearings
where parties aren’t able to demonstrate they can meet the requirements will be
held at discretion of the judge, according to Mass.gov.