suffolk probate court

The Suffolk Probate and Family Court is a specialized court that handles a range of legal matters related to families and estates. The court is located in Boston, Massachusetts and serves the citizens of Suffolk County. The purpose of the court is to provide a fair and impartial forum for resolving disputes in a prompt and efficient manner.

Types of Cases Heard in the Suffolk Probate and Family Court

The Suffolk Probate and Family Court hears a variety of cases related to families and estates. Some of the most common types of cases include:

Divorce Cases

The suffolk county probate court hears divorce cases where the parties are seeking to dissolve their marriage. The court will make decisions regarding the distribution of assets and liabilities, alimony, and child custody and support.

Child Custody Cases

The court hears cases related to the custody of minor children. The court will make decisions regarding the primary physical custody of the children and the parenting schedule.

Guardianship Cases

The court hears cases related to the appointment of a guardian for minors or individuals with disabilities. The court will determine who is best suited to serve as the guardian and make decisions regarding the care and well-being of the individual.

see also Kennebec County District Court – Augusta

Estate Administration Cases

The court hears cases related to the administration of an estate. This includes the appointment of an executor or administrator, the distribution of assets, and the settlement of debts and taxes.

Adoption Cases

The court hears cases related to the adoption of minors. The court will make decisions regarding the suitability of the adoptive parents and the best interests of the child.

How to File a Case in the Suffolk Probate and Family Court

If you have a legal matter related to your family or estate, you may file a case in the Suffolk Probate and Family Court. Here are the steps involved in filing a case:

1. Determine the appropriate court. Make sure that the Suffolk Probate and Family Court has jurisdiction over your case.
2. Prepare the necessary documents. This may include a complaint, petition, or motion, among others.
3. File the documents with the court. You may file the documents in person or by mail.
4. Pay the filing fee. The amount of the fee will depend on the type of case you are filing.

It is important to note that the court rules and procedures can be complex, so it may be helpful to seek the assistance of an attorney.

see suffolk probate and family court photos

Representing Yourself in the Suffolk Probate and Family Court

You have the right to represent yourself in the Suffolk Probate and Family Court. However, self-representation can be challenging and may not be the best option for everyone. Here are some things to consider if you are considering self-representation:

• Pros: Representing yourself can save you money on legal fees and allow you to have more control over your case.
• Cons: Representing yourself can be time-consuming and stressful, and you may not have the legal knowledge or skills necessary to effectively present your case.

If you decide to represent yourself, it is important to prepare thoroughly. Here are some resources to help you prepare:

• The court’s website, which provides information on the court rules and procedures.
• Legal self-help centers, which provide free legal information and assistance.
• Books and online resources, which can help you learn more about the legal process and your rights.

Hiring an Attorney for your case in the Suffolk Probate and Family Court

While you have the right to represent yourself in the Suffolk Probate and Family Court, it may be beneficial to hire an attorney to represent you. Here are some reasons to consider hiring an attorney:

• An attorney can provide you with legal advice and guidance.
• An attorney can help you navigate the court rules and procedures.
• An attorney can represent you in court and negotiate on your behalf.

If you decide to hire an attorney, it is important to find a suitable attorney. You can start by asking for recommendations from friends and family, or by searching online for attorneys who specialize in the area of law relevant to your case.

The cost of hiring an attorney will depend on several factors, including the complexity of your case and the experience and qualifications of the attorney.

Mediation in the Suffolk Probate and Family Court

Mediation is an alternative to traditional court proceedings in which a neutral third party helps the parties reach a mutually agreed-upon resolution to their dispute. Mediation can be a faster and less expensive option than going to court, and it can also help the parties maintain a more positive relationship.

In the Suffolk Probate and Family Court, mediation is available for certain types of cases, including divorce and child custody cases. If you are interested in mediation, you can request it by contacting the court’s mediation coordinator.

Jury Trials in the Suffolk Probate and Family Court

In some cases, the parties may request a jury trial in the Suffolk Probate and Family Court. A jury trial is a formal court proceeding in which a jury decides the outcome of the case. Jury trials are available in certain types of cases, such as civil cases or certain criminal cases.

Pros of jury trials include the opportunity for a jury of your peers to hear your case and make a decision based on the evidence presented. Cons of jury trials include the time and expense involved in selecting a jury and the possibility of an unfavorable outcome.

If you are interested in a jury trial, you must make a formal request to the court. The court will then determine if a jury trial is appropriate for your case.

Appealing a Decision of the Suffolk Probate and Family Court

If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of your case in the Suffolk Probate and Family Court, you may have the option to appeal the decision. An appeal is a request to a higher court to review the decision of the lower court.

The appeals process can be complex and time-consuming, and it is important to understand your rights and options if you are considering an appeal. You can start by reviewing the court’s rules and procedures for appeals, and by seeking the assistance of an attorney if necessary.

Probate and Suffolk Family Court Case Lookup

The Probate and Family Court Case Lookup is a service that allows you to access probate and family court case records online. This service provides information on the status of probate and family court cases, including the parties involved, the court dates, and the decisions made by the court.

When accessing probate and family court case records, it is important to consider privacy considerations. Personal information, such as addresses and telephone numbers, may be included in the records.

suffolk probate and family court forms

Suffolk County Family Court Phone Number

The Suffolk County Family Court can be reached by phone at the following number:  +1 617-788-8300. The court provides a range of services over the phone, including information on court cases, court dates, and court procedures.

When calling the Suffolk County Family Court, it is important to have all relevant information, including the case number, readily available. This will help to ensure that your call is handled efficiently and effectively.

see also Richland County Family Court

Suffolk Probate Court Docket

The Suffolk Probate Court Docket is a record of all probate cases filed in the Suffolk Probate and Family Court. The docket provides information on the parties involved in the case, the court dates, and the decisions made by the court.

The Suffolk Probate Court Docket can be accessed online or in person at the court. When accessing the docket, it is important to consider privacy considerations, as personal information, such as addresses and telephone numbers, may be included in the records.

Suffolk Probate and Family Court Virtual Registry

The Suffolk Probate and Family Court Virtual Registry is a service that allows individuals to access court records and information from the comfort of their own homes. The virtual registry provides information on court cases, court dates, and court procedures, and it also allows individuals to file documents and pay fees online.

The virtual registry is a convenient and efficient way to access court records and information, and it can save individuals time and money compared to visiting the suffolk probate family court in person.

Access suffolk probate court virtual registry

Conclusion

The Suffolk Probate and Family Court is a specialized court that handles a range of legal matters related to families and estates. Whether you are filing a case, representing yourself, or appealing a decision, it is important to understand the suffolk family and probate court rules and procedures and to seek the assistance of an attorney if necessary.

FAQs

What is the Suffolk Probate and Family Court?

The suffolk county family and probate court is a specialized court located in Boston, Massachusetts that handles a range of legal matters related to families and estates.

What types of cases are heard in the Suffolk Probate and Family Court?

The Suffolk Probate and Family Court hears a variety of cases related to families and estates, including divorce cases, child custody cases, guardianship cases, estate administration cases, and adoption cases.

How do I file a case in the Suffolk Probate and Family Court?

To file a case in the Suffolk Probate and Family Court, you must prepare the necessary documents, file the documents with the court, and pay the filing fee.

Can I represent myself in the Suffolk Probate and Family Court?

Yes, you have the right to represent yourself in the Suffolk Probate and Family Court. However, self-representation can be challenging, and it may be beneficial to hire an attorney to represent you.

Why should I hire an attorney for my case in the Suffolk Probate and Family Court?

You may want to hire an attorney for your case in the Suffolk Probate and Family Court for several reasons, including to receive legal advice and guidance, to navigate the court rules and procedures, and to represent you in court and negotiate on your behalf.