Instructions: Complaint for support (G.L. c. 209, Section 32F)

Instructions and information to assist you in filing a complaint for support.

See G.L. c.209, Section 32F

Probate and Family Court Uniform Guide to Filings

File in person or by mail to your local Probate and Family Court only if no other order for support has been entered in any other action. (i.e. divorce or separate support, etc.) No filing fee is required.

Required at initial filing

• Complaint for Support (CJD 107)
• Certified Copy of Marriage Certificate
  • If not filed with Complaint, a Motion (CJD 400) to file copy of marriage certificate late must be filed
• If children under the age of 18 are listed: 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:

• Financial Statement
• If child support is being addressed:
  • Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (CJD 304)
  • If applicable, Proposed Findings and Determinations for Child Support and Post Secondary Education Form (CJD 305)

Service of complaint

Service of complaint on defendant is to be made in accordance with Massachusetts Rules of Domestic Relations Procedure Rule 4