Massachusetts Probate & Family Court Suspends Requirement for Parenting Education Classes

by Stephen McDonough

On July 8, 2021 Chief Justice John Casey of the MA Probate and Family Courts announced a suspension to the requirement for divorcing parents to complete the mandatory parent education program specified in the court’s Standing Order 2-16, Parent Education Program Attendance, issued in 2016. 

The announcement surprised many...

3 Credits in the “American Rescue Plan” Mediators Must Know About

by J. Anthony Licciardello

"I knew him well, first through soccer and then through my history of working four years for the SJC on trying to improve court administration 1974 to 1978, and also through his relationship with Massachusetts Justice of the Federal District Court Dennis Saylor, my son in law. Chief Justice Gants was a big supporter of mediation and its role in helping the courts in Massachusetts serve justice for all.  He helped to put in place the two amazing Chief Justices that we interact with more often in the area of family law and mediation: Chief Justice of the Trial Court Paula Carey and Chief Justice of the Probate and Family Court John Casey. They too are both strong supporters of mediation and will surely carry on his great legacy.  We are indebted to him as a community for the work that he has done and we mourn his passing." - John Fiske

eFiling Has Arrived for 1A Joint Petition Divorces in Massachusetts

by Ellen Waldorf

The Massachusetts Probate and Family Court announced this week thathttps://mcfm.org/mediator-profile/372 its eFiling system can now be used to file 1A divorces. eFiling is currently available in all counties in the Probate & Family Court.  Pro se mediation clients as well as attorneys representing mediating clients can use the system. There is a $22 case fee plus processing fees for eChecks and credit cards used to pay the court filing fee. Indigent clients can seek to waive the fees. Documents need to be uploaded individually in PDF formats.  eFiling may be appropriate for some clients and not others.  For more information, see  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/learn-about-efiling-in-the-trial-court.