MIDDLESEX PROBATE AND FAMILY COURT
The Massachusetts Family Law Group represents clients across the Commonwealth who are involved in divorce, paternity, custody, or child support and alimony matters. We are one of the largest family law firms in the state, with Middlesex County offices in Woburn. For a FREE, no-obligation consultation, call (800) 763-1030 or contact us online.
The Middlesex Probate and Family Court has jurisdiction over all Middlesex County family matters such as divorce, paternity, child support, custody, parenting plans, termination of parental rights, and abuse prevention including 209A restraining orders.
A great majority of the cases surround divorce and custody issues in Arlington, Billerica, Burlington, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Everett, Lowell, Malden, Medford, Reading, Somerville, Tewksbury, Wakefield, Watertown, and Wilmington, Massachusetts.
Currently, the family court judges assigned to Middlesex County are: First Justice Peter C. DiGangi, Judge Edward F. Donnelly, Judge Dorothy M. Gibson, Judge Spencer M. Kagan, Judge Randy J. Kaplan, Judge William F. McSweeny III, and Judge Maureen H. Monks.
From our local offices in Woburn, Worcester, and Norwood, we watch the preferences of each judge and tailor our motion and trial strategies to fit these preferences. Do not underestimate the value of your attorney's exposure to all the courtroom players.
Judges Are Assigned Based on the Docket Number
All new cases (and cases in progress) are assigned to a particular judge. The last two digits from the four digit series in the middle of your docket number will ordinarily govern which judge will hear each of the proceedings related to your matter. In Middlesex, the assignments are as follows:
- Hon. William F. McSeeeny, III - 00-06, 56-61
- Hon. Spencer M. Kagan - 07-13, 62-67
- Hon. Edward F. Donnelly, Jr. - 14-20, 68-72
- Hon. Dorothy M. Gibson - 21-27, 73-77
- Hon. Peter C. DiGangi - 28-34, 78-82
- Hon. Leilah A. Keamy - 35-41, 83-87
- Hon. Randy J. Kaplan - 49-55, 94-99
- Hon. Maureen H. Monks - 42-48, 88-93
Based on each judge's schedule, matters are heard at one of these four courthouses:
- 208 Cambridge Street, Cambridge
- 121 Third Street, Cambridge
- 45 Williams Street, Marlborough
- 360 Gorham Street, Lowell
Thinking About Representing Yourself? Courtrooms Are Not the Place to Experiment. Get a Lawyer!
Middlesex County is the last place you'd want to represent yourself in any type of divorce or paternity matter. Judges hold self-represented litigants to the same standards as attorneys, and divorce lawyers are not known for putting on kid gloves and educating the opposing party on legal matters. Simply stated, if you try to represent yourself you'll get in over your head. If you think you can walk into court and talk common sense and expect the judge to rule in your favor because you are obviously right, you're dreaming because it isn't going to happen.
Don't go reinventing the wheel. Stick with what has worked for other men and women who have succeeded.
Middlesex County May Be The Busiest Family Court in the Commonwealth
Given the vast number of domestic relations cases entering the judicial pipeline in Middlesex County, the probation department (led by Chief Probation Officer Sophia C. O'Brien) can be a big help in making the case move more efficiently through the court because the process is less confrontational than dealing with the issues in litigation or in front of a judge.
The days are long when you're in Cambridge, waiting to get into family services, and then back before a judge. Notwithstanding this frustration, the Middlesex County Family Court has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to poor conduct. Parents who get caught up in shouting, swearing, name-calling, pushing, shoving, and door slamming are categorized as unfit parents, unstable, and perceived not to be good role models for their children. In most cases, their behavior is reported to the judge.
The "Best Interest" of the Child(ren)
If you and your spouse have children, no matter which judge handles your divorce, paternity, modification, or contempt matter, the hallmark "best interest of the child" principle will apply. Additionally, all parties to a new divorce action where there are minor children will be ordered to attend and participate in an approved Parent Education Program. No Pre-Trial Conference or trial will be held by the court until they receive a certificate of attendance from an approved program for each party to the action.
Choose Your Type of Divorce - Contested or Uncontested
There are several types of divorces, from default divorces to contested divorces and uncontested divorces. A contested divorce is one in which the parties don't agree and need a judge to make a ruling on one or more of the terms. An uncontested divorce is often viewed as a cost-saving and stress-saving option for divorcing couples who have reached agreement on all major issues.
Some people claim that the divorce is "uncontested" but it is actually minimally contested. In this scenario, the parties agree to most major issues but have some minor issues to work out. For example, the parties may agree that there will be reasonable visitation but not agree as to the actual dates and times. The parties may agree to child support or child custody but not agree to all the particulars. The parties may agree that the marital home is to be sold as soon as possible, but they have not agreed on the realtor, the listing price, or how the proceeds will be divided.
This type of case is usually more expensive than a true uncontested divorce because the lawyers will have to get more involved in negotiation and attempting to work out the points of contention. Furthermore, the lawyer may need to draft a property settlement agreement setting forth in writing issue concerning the marital domicile, equitable division of property, child custody, child support and visitation issues. Each of our attorneys offers a flat-fee in handling this type of divorce. Go to our sister firm, FlatFeeDivorceAttorney.com to learn more.
A Local Middlesex County Divorce Lawyer Can Make THE Difference in Your Case
Massachusetts divorce cases are handled at the local level. Although the law is the same throughout the Commonwealth, individualized judges and courthouses interpret the law and handle certain procedures a little differently from the others. For that reason, it is very important that you work with a divorce attorney with experience advocating and defending family law matters in the Middlesex Probate and Family Court.
Need Boston Divorce Help? Call Our Attorneys.
From our offices in Woburn and Norwood, and our offices in Cambridge, Framingham, Newton, and Lexington, we represent clients throughout all stages of the divorce process. This includes the drafting and filing of the initial divorce action, drafting Motions for Temporary Orders, drafting discovery requests, drafting appropriate responsive pleadings, drafting Pre-Trial Memorandums and attending all Court hearings including motion hearings, Pre-Trial Conferences and trial dates.
For a free, no-obligation consultation, call ( 800) 763-1030 or contact us online. When you arrive at your meeting, an attorney best suited for your case will review the facts of your matter, explain the divorce process specific to the judge and courthouse where your matter will be heard, and help you make a plan of action that improves your chances of an equitable settlement and winning resolution of your case.
