Hampshire Family Court
Overview of the Hampshire Probate and Family Court
The Hampshire Probate and Family Court is located at 15 Atwood Drive in Northampton, Massachusetts and serves all cities and towns in Hampshire County. This court handles a variety of legal matters including probate cases, family law cases, adoptions, conservatorships, and name changes.
Location and Jurisdiction
The Hampshire Probate and Family Court is conveniently located just off Route 5 near Exit 18 off of Interstate 91. This court has jurisdiction over all probate and family law cases arising in Hampshire County, including:
- Amherst
- Belchertown
- Chesterfield
- Cummington
- Easthampton
- Goshen
- Granby
- Hadley
- Hatfield
- Huntington
- Middlefield
- Northampton
- Pelham
- Plainfield
- South Hadley
- Southampton
- Ware
- Westhampton
- Williamsburg
- Worthington
Services Provided
The Hampshire Probate and Family Court provides a wide array of services related to probate and family law matters including:
Probate Cases
- Wills and estates
- Guardianships
- Conservatorships
- Trusts
- Name changes
Family Law Cases
- Divorce
- Custody
- Child support
- Alimony
- Modifications of prior orders
Name Changes
- Adult name changes
- Minor name changes
The court also has an accessible Registry of Probate where you can access probate records and receive certified copies of documents.
Accessibility
The Hampshire Probate and Family Court strives to provide full accessibility to all members of the community. The facility includes accessible parking and entrances. Individuals who need ADA accommodations should contact the court’s ADA Coordinator prior to their visit.
Visiting the Hampshire Probate and Family Court
If you have business before the Hampshire Probate and Family Court, here are some tips for your visit:
Hours of Operation
The court is open from 8:30am to 4:30pm on Mondays and 8:00am to 4:30pm Tuesday through Friday. It is closed on state and federal holidays. Be sure to plan your visit during normal business hours.
Parking Information
There is free ample parking available in the lot adjacent to the courthouse. The parking lot can be accessed from Atwood Drive just off Route 5 near Exit 18 off Interstate 91.
Public Transportation Options
The courthouse is accessible by public transportation. PVTA buses stop regularly at Atwood Drive on weekdays. Check the PVTA website for schedules and plan your trip accordingly.
Filing with the Hampshire Probate and Family Court
Many probate and family law case procedures can be initiated and handled online through the court’s eFiling system.
Documents That Can Be eFiled
- New case petitions
- Motions
- Complaints for contempt
- Modifications
- Oppositions
- Temporary orders
You can also electronically file for a new estate tax certificate or file an estate tax return extension.
Registration for eFiling
To utilize eFiling, you must first register as an eFiler on the court’s website. The registration process only takes a few minutes. Once registered, you can immediately begin eFiling documents 24 hours a day.
Probate and Family eFiling
For probate and family law cases, eFiling is available to self-represented litigants as well as attorneys. The system guides you through the filing process step-by-step.
Estate Tax eFiling
Estate tax eFiling is limited to attorneys at this time. Attorneys can file for a new estate tax certificate and file estate tax return extensions electronically.
Fees for Filing
The court charges standard filing fees based on the type of document you are filing. These fees can be paid directly through the eFiling system via credit card or electronic check.
Forms
Most court forms are available on the website and can be filled out digitally before uploading through the eFiling system. This allows you to complete forms efficiently without multiple trips to the courthouse.
Contact Information for the Hampshire Probate and Family Court
If you need to get in touch with court personnel, here is the contact information:
Phone Numbers
- Register’s Office: (413) 586-8500
- Probation Department: (413) 586-8503
Email and Fax
- Email: [email protected]
- Register’s Office Fax: (413) 584-1132
- Probation Department Fax: (413) 586-5670
Documents can be mailed to:
Hampshire Probate and Family Court
15 Atwood Drive
Northampton, MA 01060
ADA Coordinator
To request ADA accommodations, contact:
Mark Ames
Phone: 413-587-5229
Email: [email protected]
Whether you are filing a new case or have an upcoming court date, the Hampshire Probate and Family Court is committed to serving the residents of Hampshire County. Contact the court with any questions or to learn more about their services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of cases does the Hampshire Probate and Family Court handle?
The Hampshire Probate and Family Court handles probate cases such as wills, estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and trusts. It also handles family law cases including divorce, custody, child support, alimony, and modifications of prior orders.
How can I access probate records for Hampshire County?
You can access probate records and obtain certified copies of documents through the Registry of Probate at the Hampshire Probate and Family Court. Give them a call to learn more.
Is there parking at the courthouse?
Yes, there is free ample parking available in the lot adjacent to the courthouse, accessible from Atwood Drive near Exit 18 off Interstate 91.
When is the courthouse open?
The court is open Monday from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Tuesday through Friday it is open from 8:00am to 4:30pm. It is closed on state and federal holidays.
Can I eFile documents with the court?
Yes, many probate and family law documents can be eFiled through the court’s website 24 hours a day. You must first register as an eFiler before utilizing the system.
