Press Release
Probate and Family Court Department

CONTACT:

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

FOR RELEASE ON: December 11, 2001

PROBATE AND FAMILY COURT RELEASES
INFORMATIONAL PAMPHLETS FOR SPANISH AND
PORTUGUESE SPEAKING LITIGANTS

          Probate and Family Court Chief Justice Sean M. Dunphy has announced that two of the court's uniform informational pamphlets, "Before Going into Court..." and "Before Asking for Help...", are now available in Spanish and Portuguese. The Spanish translations are entitled "Antes de Solicitar Ayuda..." and "Antes de Entrar al Tribunal...". The Portuguese titles are "Antes de Pedir Ajuda..." and "Antes de Ir O Tribunal...". The first pamphlet educates litigants about basic courtroom procedures and terminology. The second pamphlet explains what specific assistance litigants can and can not expect to receive from the staff at the Registry of Probate. Although these pamphlets are addressed to litigants, they also serve as useful references for court personnel who assist unrepresented court users.

          Chief Justice Dunphy said "Although the Probate and Family Court has been working with the bar to encourage litigants to obtain legal representation and advice, many people represent themselves, either by choice or out of necessity. Many of these people are unfamiliar with court processes, procedures and the language used in the courtroom. These translations allow us to provide this useful information to a much wider audience from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds."

          The Probate and Family Court Administrative Office released "Before Going into Court...", "Before Asking for Help..." and "Looking for Legal Assistance?"(a compilation of Lawyer Referral Services, free legal resources and legal service agencies) this summer. All of the pamphlets are available at the Registries of Probate and Probation Offices of the fourteen Divisions of the Probate and Family Court and will soon be posted on the Trial Court's website at www.state.ma.us/courts.