A. Recording and Docketing of Virtual Hearings
All virtual hearings shall be held, to the extent practicable, in a courtroom or other location that can be recorded by FTR. Clerk-Magistrates shall docket all cases in MassCourts consistent with normal procedures.
B. Court Investigators and Guardians Ad Litem
Any court investigator appointed to a care and protection matter shall conduct the investigation as required by G.L. c. 119, §§ 21A, and 24. Court investigators may conduct in-person or virtual interviews, in their discretion, though the recommended best practice is for in-person interviews whenever possible. Court investigators shall email the report to the appropriate court location or file the report in person at the clerk’s office.
Any guardian ad litem appointed shall conduct their work as outlined by the scope of their appointment. Guardians ad litem may conduct in-person or virtual interviews, in their discretion, though the recommended best practice is for in-person interviews whenever possible.
C. Filings Accepted by Email
All emailed filings shall be sent 24 hours prior to the next scheduled hearing using the email addresses designated by the Clerk-Magistrate for court divisions that accept court documents, motions, etc., via email to the Office of the Clerk-Magistrate. Any filings emailed less than 24 hours prior to the scheduled hearing shall not be accepted unless the Clerk-Magistrate, in their discretion, determines that the filer has good cause for the late filing.