Effective December 1, 2010, a new pilot program will begin in  the Barnstable Probate and Family Court.  Pursuant to this new program, when parties have an active domestic relations matter in the Barnstable  Probate and Family Court, and also have an active abuse prevention matter in a District Court in Barnstable County, (Orleans, Barnstable or Falmouth), a Judge of the Barnstable Probate and Family Court may order that the action pending in the District Court  be formally transferred to the Barnstable Probate and Family Court. The parties will be given an opportunity to be heard on whether the abuse prevention matter should be heard in the Probate and Family Court.  The transfer shall not be done over the objection of a party except for good cause shown.

Once such an Order is made, the District Court jurisdiction over the abuse prevention order will terminate and the action will proceed in the Barnstable Probate and Family Court for all further action as if the action had originated at the Probate Court.

This Pilot Program will be effective for a period of 12 months.  The Program will be reviewed by the Chief Justice of the Probate and Family Court and the Chief Justice of the District Court after six months to determine if any modifications in the procedure are warranted.

Click here for a copy of Administrative Order 10-2.

Click here for a copy of Administrative Order 11-1, extending the program.

  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact this office.

Sincerely,