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Probate
and Family Court Department
ALTERNATIVE
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Probate and Family Court
Department
Alternative Dispute Resolution, or "ADR", is the general term for
ways of settling disputes other than by the traditional trial. In
Massachusetts, court-connected dispute resolution services involve
a neutral third party (a "neutral") helping the people in the case
(the "parties") to settle their dispute without
a trial. In some types of ADR, such as mediation, conciliation and
dispute intervention, the neutral helps the parties create their
own resolution. In other forms of ADR, such as arbitration, the
neutral makes a decision for the parties. You may want to speak
with an attorney to help you decide which process would be appropriate
in your particular situation.
Although some neutrals are attorneys
who also practice law, ethical rules prohibit neutrals serving in
court-connected ADR programs from providing legal advice in connection
with the dispute resolution process. Because any agreement that
you make will have long-lasting effects, you should consult with
an attorney during the ADR process and a lawyer should review any
agreement before you sign it. If you reach an agreement in a case
which is in the Probate and Family Court, the agreement is subject
to review by a judge. If the judge approves the agreement, it will
become part of a court order or judgment which either party can
ask the court to enforce in the future.
The Probate and Family Court has approved
court-connected programs to receive referrals for ADR services from
judges and other court staff. While individuals may seek ADR services
from programs which are not court-connected, a primary benefit of
obtaining services from the approved programs is that they have
met a recognized threshold of quality. The programs monitor quality
and compliance with ethical rules established for court-connected
dispute resolution services.
There are fourteen "Divisions" of the
Probate and Family Court, one for each county. A list of the individuals
who are serving as Local Dispute Resolution Coordinators appears
below. These individuals can provide information about ADR programs
approved for use in their Division and may refer you to one or more
programs which may help you resolve your dispute.
LOCAL DISPUTE RESOLUTION COORDINATORS
Revised: September 2011 |
Barnstable
Division
Michael Stevens
Barnstable Probate and Family Court
Main Street - P.O. Box 346
Barnstable, MA 02630
(508) 375-6718
FAX: (508)-362-3662 |
Berkshire
Division
Clement Ferris
Berkshire Probate and Family Court
44 Bank Row
Pittsfield, MA 01201
(413) 442-6941 ext. 7209
FAX: (413) 443-3430 |
Bristol
Division
Christopher J. Carey
Bristol Probate and Family Court
289 Rock Street
Fall River, MA 02723
(508) 672-1751 ext. 209
FAX: (508) 822-9837 |
Essex
Division
Julie Stiles Matuschak
Essex Probate and Family Court
36 Federal Street
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 744-1020 ext. 324
FAX: (978) 741-2957 |
Franklin
Division
Jodie Nolan
Franklin Probate and Family Court
P.O. Box 590
Greenfield, MA 01302
(413) 774-7011
FAX: (413) 774-3829 |
Hampden
Division
Lynn A. Sears
Hampden Probate and Family Court
50 State Street
Springfield, MA 01103
(413) 748-7782
FAX: (413) 788-6664 |
Hampshire
Division
Mark Ames
Hampshire Probate and Family Court
33 King Street;
Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 586-8500 ext. 107
FAX: (413) 584-1132 |
Middlesex
Division
Alison McCrone & Krishna Butaney
Middlesex Probate and Family Court
208 Cambridge Street;
P.O. Box 410-480
E. Cambridge, MA 02141
(617) 768-5843 (Alison McCrone)
(617) 768-5853 (Krishna Butaney)
FAX: (617) 494-6710 |
Norfolk
Division
Clare Gamberoni
Norfolk Probate
and Family Court
35 Shawmut Road
Canton, MA 02021
(781) 830-1220
FAX: (781) 830-4310 |
Plymouth
Division
Cynthia Gates
Plymouth Probate and Family Court
215 Main Street - P.O. Box 7277
Brockton, MA 02303-7277
(508) 897-5405
FAX: (508) 897-5435 |
Suffolk
Division
Daniel Gibson
Suffolk Probate and Family Court
24 New Chardon Street
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 788-8359
FAX: (617) 788-8962 |
Worcester
Division
Joan Arnold
Worcester Probate and Family Court
225 Main Street
Worcester, MA 01608
(508) 831-2200 ext.2205
Fax (508) 720-0820 |
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ADR List of Approved Programs
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