The Probate and Family Court
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Alternate service: how to serve a defendant if you can't do it in person
Usually, when you start a case in the Probate and Family Court, you need to let the other side know by “serving” them with notice of the case. Most of the time, this service takes the form of a sheriff or constable giving the defendant the...
How to Answer a Complaint in Probate and Family Court
If you get a Summons and Complaint that says you have to answer by a certain date, you are the "defendant" in this case. The person who filed the Complaint is the "plaintiff." The Complaint tells the court and you what they want the court...
How to change a judgment or order by agreement
You do not always need a hearing to change a judgment or temporary order of the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court. If you and the other party in the case agree about how the judgment or order should be changed, you can file your...
How to fill out a Financial Statement
The Massachusetts Probate and Family Court requires you to fill out a Financial Statement in divorce cases, separate support cases, custody cases, child support cases, and similar family law cases. You file the Financial Statement in person...
How to fill out an Affidavit of Indigency
If you can't afford to pay court costs in Massachusetts, you can file a form called an Affidavit of Indigency. In this Affidavit of Indigency, you ask the court to "waive" (not charge) you the fees. This article has step by step...
How to serve a defendant in a Probate and Family Court case
After you file a complaint at the Probate and Family Court, you have to “serve” the person you are taking to court. Usually service is done by a sheriff or constable, but you have to arrange for the sheriff or constable to make the service...
Protecting your address and information in Probate and Family Court
Sometimes, you need the Probate and Family Court to keep your information private so you can feel safe. This could include your contact information, papers in your case file, or your entire court file. If you need the court to keep this...