New Middlesex North Probate and Family Court division now open in Lowell Justice Center! (Subject to COVID19 procedures)
https://www.mass.gov/doc/memorandum-on-middlesex-county-division/download
MASS.GOV
www.mass.gov
“COVID-19 is not a basis in itself to modify a parenting plan,” Judge David King said. “As inconvenient as the parenting plan may be during this time, parents still must comply.”
https://www.concordmonitor.com/Child-visitation-and-parenting-plans-revisited-coronavirus-NH-33753472
CONCORDMONITOR.COM
N.H. parents seek guidance on child visitation and parenting plans amid coronavirus
New Battle for Those on Coronavirus Front Lines: Child Custody
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/07/us/coronavirus-child-custody.html
SEVEN GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS WHO ARE
DIVORCED/SEPARATED AND SHARING CUSTODY OF CHILDREN
DURING THE COVID19 PANDEMIC
https://files.constantcontact.com/6beb60a3701/3a7d5f42-0c95-4739-b563-eff9481b636b.pdf
FILES.CONSTANTCONTACT.COM
files.constantcontact.com
Do I have to facilitate parenting exchanges w/fear of the corona virus? In short - yes.
THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
THE TRIAL COURT
PROBATE AND FAMILY COURT ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE
Three Center Plaza, Suite 210
Boston, MA 02108
John D. Casey Chief Justice
March 24, 2020
Greetings,
These are challenging times for everyone, including all staff of the Probate and Family Court and those of the other Trial Court Departments. I want to publicly thank the staff, the bar associations, and all our partners for working together to ensure that we are able to administer justice for those individuals who need us.
It is times like this, when society faces threats once thought unimaginable, that the rule of law is more important than ever. Because of the great dedication and sacrifices of our staff, we remain available to enter orders and enforce existing orders in emergency situations. If you have exceptional/exigent circumstances, you should contact your local court.
Parenting orders are not stayed during this period of time. In fact, it is important that children spend time with both of their parents and that each parent have the opportunity to engage in family activities, where provided for by court order. In cases where a parent must self-quarantine or is otherwise restricted from having contact with others, both parents should cooperate to allow for parenting time by video conference or telephone.
To help parents, and in turn so that parents can help their children, we have amended the mandatory parent education requirements. Information about this can be found at: https://www.mass.gov/advisory/clarification-to-parent-education-procedures-in-section-h-1-of-probate-and-family-court.
There is information on our website about co-parenting during this stressful and difficult time. The link is: https://www.afccnet.org/Coronavirus. In addition, the leaders of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts and the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers published these seven guidelines for parents who are divorced/separated and sharing custody of children during the COVID 19 Pandemic. They can be found at: https://www.afccnet.org/Portals/0/COVID19Guidelinesfordivorcedparents.FINAL.pdf?ver=2020-03-17-202849-133 and on our website.
/s/ John D. Casey
John D. Casey
Chief Justice
Massachusetts Probate and Family Court
AFCCNET.ORG
www.afccnet.org
NAVIGATING THE HOLIDAYS WITH COVID-19:
CREATE A ROADMAP FOR SUCCESS
The following are useful tools to help divorced/separated parents sharing custody get through the upcoming holidays in the midst of a continuing pandemic with a minimum of conflict and stress.
https://www.mass.gov/letter/open-letter-regarding-co-parenting-during-the-holidays-from-chief-justice-john-d-casey
MASS.GOV
Open letter regarding co-parenting during the holidays from Chief Justice John D. Casey
