Are Courts Open in Massachusetts?

Are Courts Open in Massachusetts?

Divorce Bankruptcy Family Law

The Supreme Judicial Court issued an order on May 26, 2020 regarding the operation of Massachusetts state courts and courthouses in June, 2020 during the ongoing pandemic. Under the order, all courts in Massachusetts will remain physically closed to the general public,  but will continue to conduct emergency and non-emergency business, in both civil and criminal cases virtually (by telephone, videoconference, etc.) until at least July 1.

Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Ralph Gants said “We will physically open courthouses to the public only when we are confident that we have protocols in place that will allow court users and court personnel to both be safe and feel safe, and even then we will open only in stages, focusing first on those matters that can only be addressed in person.”

Even after the courts initially open, most court business will still be conducted virtually, again to keep the public and personnel safe.

If you need the advice of an experienced attorney, please call our offices at 413-732-8356.