How to deal with a family court judge?

Never address the other party directly. Look the judge in the eye, but don’t eyeball him. If you bring witnesses or support people in the courtroom, tell them in advance to keep control of themselves. This means no interruptions, no head shaking or head nodding, no gasps, and no agitated movements.

When is the mother the only parent in Massachusetts?

“Permission to relocate… is not required when a child has only one legal parent. Such is the case for a nonmarital child prior to any proceedings to determine paternity or allocate custodial rights. When the paternity of a nonmarital child has not yet been established pursuant to G.L. c. 209C, § 2 , the mother is the child’s only parent.

Who is a de facto parent in Massachusetts law?

Explains the “standard to be used when a noncustodial parent, who is living out-of-State, seeks custody of a child and permission to move the child out-of-State.” E.N.O. v. L.M.M. , 429 Mass. 824 (1999). De Facto Parents “A child may be a member of a nontraditional family in which he is parented by a legal parent and a de facto parent.

When does a judge deny a parent visitation?

One exception would be if the courts believe visitation safety is an issue or could pose a physical or emotional threat to your children’s wellbeing. 1  In some cases, the judge may require parenting classes, anger management work, or drug or alcohol treatment before regular visitation continues.

What does Middlesex Probate and Family Court do?

The Probate and Family Court Department handles matters involving families and children, like divorce, child support, and wills.

Are there any unwritten rules in Family Court?

If you have been through divorce then you are familiar with the rules and procedures that govern the legal process. Divorce is a civil action, and every state has rules of civil procedure. What you don’t hear about but, have probably fallen victim to, are the unwritten family court rules.

How to get a court form in Massachusetts?

Search for the court forms you need by topic or court department. Learn about the electronic filing process in the Trial Court, Supreme Judicial Court, and Appeals Court. Find information on how the Massachusetts Court System operates, how to find a lawyer, and how to locate other services that might be available to you.

Where to send pleadings for probate and Family Court?

To learn more about the virtual registries and other virtual court services, please see the page Remote court services. Pleadings should be sent directly to the divisions, not to the Administrative Office.