Complaint for custody-support-parenting time (formerly known as visitation), pursuant to G.L. c. 209C form
- See G.L. c.209C
- Probate and Family Court Uniform Guide to Filings
- Use this form only if child who is the subject of this complaint was born out of wedlock.
- If either party signed a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity, attach a copy to this complaint.
Required at initial filing
- Complaint for Support-Custody-Parenting Time (CJD 109)
- Certified Copy of Birth Certificate OR signed Voluntary Acknowledgment of Parentage Form OR Certified Copy of Adjudication of Parentage
- If not filed with Complaint, a Motion (CJD 400) to file late must be filed
- Child Care or Custody Disclosure Affidavit. In cases involving a child, use this form to tell the court about any other open or closed cases involving the child. You must file the Affidavit in cases involving the care, custody, visitation, or change of name of a child. See Trial Court Rule IV for more details.
- Supplemental Child Care or Custody Disclosure Affidavit. In cases involving more than 4 children, use this form along with the Child Care or Custody Affidavit for additional space to tell the court about any other open or closed cases. See Trial Court Rule IV for more details.
- If plaintiff has an attorney: Uniform Counsel Certification Form (CCF)
- Military Affidavit (TC0002) See Uniform Probate Court Practice XXV: Military affidavits | Mass.gov
Best case practice; to be filed prior to court hearing:
- If child support is being addressed (or waived):
Special circumstances
- The Motion for Temporary Orders (CJD-400) (i.e. child custody, child support, spousal support, etc.) if you need a court order quickly. Fill in what you want the court to order. With this, you also need an Affidavit, where you explain to the judge what happened and when, and a Proposed Order. See Request an immediate child custody or parenting time order for more information.
- The Affidavit of Indigency and Supplement if you can't afford the fees. See indigency (waiver of court fees) for more information.
Filing fees
View the Probate and Family Court filing fees page for applicable filing fees.
Service of Complaint
Service of complaint on defendant is to be made in accordance with Massachusetts Rules of Domestic Relations Procedure Rule 4.
Attend the Mandatory Co-Parenting Education Program
All parents where there is no agreement on custody and/or parenting time of their minor children must attend the four-hour online co-parenting course “Two Families Now” unless a Judge waives the requirement.
Notice to Parents: Mandatory Attendance at Online Co-Parenting Education Course "Two Families Now"
If you think you should not be required to attend the parent education course you can file Motion to Waive Attendance at Two Families Now Co-Parent Course and provide notice to the other side by sending them a copy.
To find more about co-parenting education go to: Parent Education | Mass.gov