HAMPDEN COUNTY PROBATE AND FAMILY COURT
With local offices in Springfield, The Massachusetts Family Law Group provides experienced and aggressive family law representation across the Commonwealth. Learn more about our offices, schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, or contact us by calling (800) 941-DIVORCE.
The Hampden County Probate and Family Court has jurisdiction over all Springfield divorces and paternity matters, along with all child support and custody matters, parenting plans, termination of parental rights, and restraining orders of its residents residing in Hampden County including, but not limited to, Agawam, Chicopee, Longmeadow, Holyoke, Palmer, Westfield, and Wilbraham.
The courthouse is in downtown Springfield at 50 State Street. Most matters are heard on the fourth floor.
The family court judges assigned to the Bristol Division of the Probate and Family Court Department are: First Justice Anne M. Geoffrion, Judge David M. Fuller, Judge David G. Sacks, and Judge Linda S. Fidnick.
Learn About the "Home Court Advantage"
Whether you are a sports fan or not, most people are familiar with the phrase, "home court advantage" and the benefits that coincide with the team that has this luxury. The advantage helps teams to stay relaxed, comfortable and confident as they are accustomed to their surroundings. The advantage is similar to retaining a local Springfield divorce attorney, Chicopee divorce lawyer, or Holyoke divorce law firm to handle your divorce. In fact, this advantage is imperative when facing any type of domestic relations matter as it is not a simple and fun game; it is a complex and often daunting task for litigants which can ultimately affect their entire future. Why is this so important?
Not all local attorneys who claim to practice divorce law or paternity law are equipped to properly handle your case. There are some exceptions to this rule; for instance, if you hire one of the big divorce firms out of the Boston area. These attorneys are certainly knowledgeable, experienced and typically provide quality representation. Keep in mind, these attorneys often confer with the local attorneys in our office to assist in your case.
What Happens the Day You Go to Court?
In Springfield, the Probate and Family Court is busy. Each year, the court hears close to 18,000 different matters - close to 5,000 probate matters, 2,500 divorce and separate support complaints, over 3,000 new paternity matters, over 2,000 allegations of contempt, and more than 5,000 requests to modify prior court orders and judgments.
To streamline the process, once you appear in court for the first time, your case will first be heard by a probation officer. He or she will help you identify the issues you and your spouse agree on, cannot agree on, and help you prioritize the importance of each. Within time, the hope is that most - if not all - matters will result in a resolution. Those that are not agreed-upon between you will go before your judge.
Massachusetts Divorce Law Is Applied Locally
While our main office is in downtown Springfield, we offer our clients an even stronger home-field advantage in Hampden County with our offices in Chicopee, Agawam, East Longmeadow, Ludlow, Holyoke, and Westfield.
For a free, no-obligation consultation, call (800) 941-DIVORCE or contact us. We meet with clients 7 days a week, and each of our attorneys carries a Blackberry which avails us to answer your questions by phone or e-mail anytime - not just during office hours.
