BARNSTABLE COUNTY PROBATE & FAMILY COURT
The Massachusetts Family Law Group handles Barnstable County divorce and family law related matters out of the Plymouth office. To schedule an appointment, call (800) 299-DIVORCE or contact us for a no-obligation consultation. We meet clients early in the morning, late at night, or over the weekend at any of our local offices.
The Barnstable Probate and Family Court has jurisdiction over Bourne, Brewster, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Harwich, Hyannis, Mashpee, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, and Yarmouth family matters such as divorce, paternity, child support, custody, parenting plans, termination of parental rights, and abuse prevention including, but not limited to, 209A restraining orders.
The family court judges assigned to the Barnstable Division of the Probate and Family Court Department are First Justice Robert A. Scandurra and the Honorable Arthur C. Ryley. Each judge schedules each type of matter on a different day of the week, and you can find out each judge's schedule by calling the divorce desk at (508) 375-6722.
All matters are heard at the courthouse itself, which is at 3195 Main Street, Barnstable, MA 02630.
Procedural Rules on Cape Cod
When it comes to scheduling motions and other court appearances, Barnstable County is particularly insistent that lawyers and their clients follow proper procedure. For example, motions, contempts, and trials are only heard at certain times and on certain days. Ex parte sessions are held every day at 10:00 a.m., but the party must sign-up for their hearing at least 40 minutes before the beginning of the morning or afternoon session. All matters must be properly scheduled in advance through the Trial Assignment Desk, and all paperwork and pleadings must be filed once their corresponding motion or hearing dates have been set.
As First Justice of the Court, the Honorable Justice Scandurra is particular with respect to Complaints for Modification insomuch as no temporary orders will be entertained except when an emergency is alleged. In those cases, an affidavit must accompany the motion, and must state the alleged emergency and harm sought to be avoided.
When both sides to a dispute can resolve their matter with one of the probation officers, it avoids the matter needing to go before the judge. A visit to the Barnstable County Probate and Family Court, and watching how Judge Scandurra and Judge Ryley spend their days wading through self-serving statements, different versions to the same story, hysterical parents, biased witnesses, and bald-faced liars will convince you that you're better-off resolving the matter between you and your spouse rather than take the chance that one of the judges misidentify your problem and apply an incorrect solution.
If You Have Children...
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.
Call Our Hyannis and Falmouth Divorce Lawyers and Paternity Attorneys For a Free, No-Obligation Consultation
The best way to protect your family and your financial future is to take advantage of our invitation to take part in a case analysis with one of our attorneys. Our representation is aggressive, smart, tough, and tenacious. Each client gets the benefit of our 40+ years of combined experience. This approach helps to ensure that each issue is examined from different perspectives, so that no stone remains unturned.
Call (800) 299-DIVORCE to schedule your appointment, or contact us. We meet with clients at night, over the weekend, or at a time and location that is convenient for you.
