Massachusetts · Probate & Family Court

Court Preparation Checklist

Everything you need before walking into MA Probate & Family Court. Print this checklist, check off each item, and bring it with you. Don't skip steps — the judge notices who's prepared.

⚠️ This is a template, not legal advice. DadHelp is not a law firm. Every case is different. Have a qualified MA family law attorney review your preparation. Court rules change — verify at mass.gov.

Your Hearing Details

Court / County

Hearing Date

Time

Courtroom / Session

Docket Number

Judge (if known)

Type of Hearing

Attorney (if any)

2+ Weeks Before: Documents

Financial Statement filed & currentCJD 301S (income < $75K) or CJD 301L (income > $75K). Must be within 45 days of hearing. Signed under pains & penalties of perjury.
Rule 410 mandatory self-disclosure completedPay stubs (last 3–4), tax returns (last 3 years), W-2s/1099s, bank statements, retirement account statements — organized and copied.
Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (CJD 304)Filled out using the 2025 guidelines (effective Dec 1, 2025). If support is at issue.
Affidavit Disclosing Care or Custody ProceedingsRequired in ALL cases involving children. Make sure it's current.
Parenting journal / overnight logUp to date, printed, organized chronologically. Shows your involvement and any denied access.
Evidence binder organizedChronological, labeled tabs, 3 copies of everything (you, judge, other parent). Include school records, medical records, communication records, photos, receipts.
Proposed parenting plan (if seeking custody)Shared custody implementation plan per M.G.L. c. 208, § 31 — education, health care, dispute resolution, residential schedule.
Witness list preparedNames, contact info, what they'll testify about. Witnesses wait outside courtroom until called.
Motion for Temporary Orders filed (if needed)CJD 400 — must be filed at least 10 days before hearing (ex parte for emergencies).
Co-parenting course completed"Two Families Now" (twofamiliesnow.com, $49, 4 hours online). Required within 30 days of service. Certificate printed.

1 Week Before: Logistics

Confirm hearing date & courtroomCall the court or check MassCourts.org. Dates sometimes move — verify.
Check courthouse phone policyMany MA courthouses ban phones entirely. Call the court or check mass.gov. If banned, leave it in your car.
Plan your route & parkingMap it. Arrive 30+ minutes early. Courthouse security takes time. Don't risk being late.
Arrange childcareChildren should NOT be in the courtroom unless the judge specifically ordered it. Line up a sitter or family member.
Prepare your outfitSuit or sport coat with tie, collared shirt, slacks with belt. Clean, pressed, neutral colors. No sneakers, hats, ripped jeans, or casual wear.
Write your statementWhat changed, what you want, why it's in the child's best interests. Practice saying it in under 2 minutes. Clear, concise, factual.
Review all court orders & documentsKnow your case inside and out. Read through every document you filed and everything the other parent filed.
Meet with attorney (if you have one)Go over strategy, evidence, what to expect, and what questions they'll ask you.

Night Before: Final Prep

Pack your bagEvidence binder (3 copies), financial statement, court orders, photo ID, notebook, pen, parenting journal, witness list, co-parenting certificate.
Do NOT pack: phone, food, drinks, weapons, kidsPhone (if banned by your courthouse), food/drinks, pocket knives, nail clippers, large bags, your children.
Set your clothes outSuit, tie, belt, dress shoes with socks. Ironed. Ready to go.
Set multiple alarmsDon't risk being late. Being late signals disrespect to the judge.
Get sleepYou need to be sharp, calm, and focused. Don't stay up stressing — read your statement once and go to bed.

Day of Court: What to Do

Arrive 30+ minutes earlySecurity screening, finding your courtroom, signing in with the clerk. Being early gives you time to breathe.
Check in with the clerkSign in, confirm your case is on the docket, ask which courtroom. Wait for your case to be called.
Stand when the judge entersThe clerk says "All rise." Stand. Sit when the judge invites you.
Stand when your case is calledIdentify yourself: "Ready, Your Honor. [Your name], appearing pro se" (if self-represented).
Address the judge as "Your Honor"Always. Not "Judge," not "Sir/Ma'am." Say "Yes, Your Honor" / "No, Your Honor" — not "yeah."
Don't interrupt — everNot the judge, not the other parent, not opposing counsel. Wait your turn.
Control your facial expressionsNo eye-rolling, sighing, head-shaking, or muttering — even when the other parent is lying. The judge watches you the entire time.
Answer only what's askedDon't volunteer information. Don't ramble. Clear, concise, truthful answers.
Never badmouth the other parentRefer to them as "the other parent" or "plaintiff/defendant." The judge wants to see co-parenting ability, not hostility.
Don't use profanity — even quoting the other parentUse "the other parent used inappropriate language" instead of repeating the words.
Take notes during the hearingWrite down what the judge says, any orders issued, deadlines, follow-up requirements.

After Court: Follow-Through

Read the order carefullyThe court issues a written order. Understand every detail: custody schedule, support amount, drop-off times, communication rules.
Follow the order immediatelyEven if you disagree or plan to appeal. Violating damages credibility for future modifications.
Keep a copy with you at all timesIf there's a dispute about parenting time, you need to show the order.
Document complianceTrack every exchange, payment, and communication in your custody journal.
Complete any requirements orderedParenting classes, counseling, drug screens — do them on time, keep proof of completion.
If you want to appeal — 30 daysFile a notice of appeal with the MA Appeals Court within 30 days. Talk to an attorney immediately.

DadHelp · Document Pack for Massachusetts · Not legal advice · dadcourthelp.com