Hampden Probate and Family Court
Quick Reference Information
Main Location:
Hampden County Hall of Justice
50 State Street, PO Box 559
Springfield, MA 01102
Contact Information:
- Phone: 413-748-7760
- Fax: 413-781-5605
- Website: https://www.mass.gov/locations/hampden-probate-and-family-court
Hours of Operation:
- Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Weekends: Closed
Satellite Office:
Chicopee City Hall
274 Front Street
Chicopee, MA 01013
- Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Introduction to Hampden Probate and Family Court
The Hampden Probate and Family Court serves as the primary legal resource for residents of Hampden County, Massachusetts dealing with family matters, probate issues, and related legal concerns. This comprehensive guide covers everything from accessing services to navigating the court’s resources both in-person and online.
Getting to the Court
Parking Options
Multiple paid parking garages are located near the courthouse, along with metered street parking. This variety ensures convenient access regardless of your transportation preferences.
Public Transportation
The court is accessible via several Pioneer Valley Transit Authority routes, including:
- Blue 6 and 7
- Green 1, 2, 5, and 8
These routes make the courthouse easily accessible for those who prefer not to drive.
Court Services
In-Person Services
The Hampden Probate and Family Court offers comprehensive assistance for various legal matters, including:
- Family law cases
- Probate proceedings
- Estate administration
- Guardianships and conservatorships
Digital Services
The court has embraced technology to make legal processes more accessible:
- Virtual Registry Assistance: Get help with court-related matters remotely
- eFiling System: Submit documents electronically to save time and paper
- eReminder Notifications: Stay updated about upcoming court dates and deadlines
Accessibility Accommodations
The court prioritizes accessibility for all visitors. For specific accessibility needs, contact the ADA coordinators:
Olivia Strohman
- Phone: 413-748-8634
- Fax: 413-781-5605
- Email: [email protected]
Thomas LeBlanc
- Phone: 413-748-7754
- Fax: 413-781-5605
- Email: [email protected]
Key Court Officials
For specific inquiries, you can reach out to these court officials:
- Judge’s Lobby: Hon. Barbara Hyland, First Justice
- Register’s Office: Rosemary Saccomani, Register
- Probation Department: John Gilpatrick, Chief Probation Officer
Online Resources
Court Case Records
- View case record information at public access computers and courthouses
- Search Superior, District, Probate and Family, Housing, Land, and Boston Municipal Court case records online
- Access the court’s digital records database
Forms and Documentation
- Download court forms organized by topic or department
- Access legal templates not filed in court (tax forms, contracts, wills, etc.)
- Find Massachusetts Trial Court Law Library resources
Self-Help Resources
The court provides extensive self-help materials for those navigating the legal system without an attorney:
- Elder abuse resources
- Domestic violence assistance
- Victim/witness support services
- Information on specialty court sessions
- Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) guidance
- Child support services (applications, payments, modifications)
- Self-representation guidance for civil cases
- Fee waiver request information
- Legal terminology glossary
Law Libraries and Legal Research
Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries offer:
- Extensive legal materials and services
- “Ask a Law Librarian” assistance
- Multilingual legal information
- Self-help resources
Legal Research Tools
- Massachusetts General Laws search
- Uncodified session laws access
- Legislative history research
- Legal topic information for self-represented individuals
Additional Legal Support in Hampden County
Hampden County Lawyer Referral and Legal Services
- Lawyer referral service
- Reduced fee programs
- Free civil legal clinic
- Arbitration and mediation services
Hampden County Legal Assistance
- Online legal resources
- Form completion assistance
- Legal research guidance
- Limited Assistance Representation options
Community Resources
- Community Legal Services and Counseling Center (legal aid with mental health counseling)
- Consumer protection services
- Massachusetts attorney directory
- Fee dispute resolution services
- Free telephone legal advice
- Directory of free/low-cost legal service organizations
FAQs
How can I access court case records online?
You can search case records through the court’s website using the online records search system.
What resources are available for self-representation?
The court provides comprehensive guidance materials, forms, and procedural information for self-represented litigants.
How do I file a complaint against an attorney?
Complaints can be filed through the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers, with information available through the court.
What services does the Community Legal Services and Counseling Center provide?
This organization offers integrated legal assistance and mental health counseling services.
How can I find an attorney in Massachusetts?
Use the Lawyer Directory provided by the Board of Bar Overseers to search by name, bar number, or location.
How do I access the virtual registry?
Visit the court’s website or contact the court office directly for virtual registry access instructions.
What types of cases does this court handle?
The court handles family law matters, probate proceedings, estate administration, guardianships, and related legal issues.
Are there fees for court services?
Yes, filing fees apply to many services. Contact the court directly for specific fee information, and ask about fee waiver options if needed.
Can I file documents electronically?
Yes, the court’s eFiling system allows electronic document submission for most case types.
Is the court accessible by public transportation?
Yes, multiple Pioneer Valley Transit Authority routes serve the courthouse location
