Press Release
Probate and Family Court Department

CONTACT:

Hon. Sean M. Dunphy, Chief Justice (617) 788-6600

FOR RELEASE ON: August 29, 2001

          Probate and Family Court Chief Justice Sean M. Dunphy has announced the release of a pamphlet entitled "Antes de Solicitar Ayuda...", a Spanish translation of "Before Asking for Help...", which will be available in all Divisions to inform litigants about what steps court staff can and cannot take in providing information about court processes and procedures. Although the English and Spanish pamphlets are addressed to litigants, they also serve as useful references for court personnel who assist unrepresented court users.           

          Chief Justice Dunphy said "We have been working to provide useful information to pro se litigants which will help them to obtain legal counsel and to have realistic expectations as to what court staff can and cannot do for them. By providing translations of these materials, we are making the information available to more court users."           

          "Before Asking for Help..." and two other general information pamphlets entitled "Looking for Legal Assistance?" and "Before Going into Court..." were released in June. All of the pamphlets are available at the Registries of Probate and Probation Offices of the fourteen Divisions of the Probate and Family Court. The pamphlets will soon be posted on the Trial Court's website at www.state.ma.us/courts.