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ANNOUNCEMENT​
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11/25/25
Governor Healy signed a supplemental budget which includes amendments to G. L. c. 210, s. 13.
The full version of the budget
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The relevant portion for name changes is Section 53 on page 34
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The amendments result in two significant changes to name change procedure that will impact the way these cases are handled.
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Under s. 13 (a), notice by publication is no longer the default for service. Publication is only permitted if ordered by a judge for good cause shown or if the petitioner files a Motion for Alternate Service requesting publication that is allowed by a judge.
2.Under the new section 13 (b), the petition, all pleadings, and all documents filed in connection with the pleading shall be impounded.
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10/31/25
Effective Monday, November 3rd, 2025
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (A.K.A. SIJS or 39M) cases
will be available for eFiling in Tyler
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​​Effective July 1, 2024,
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The Bristol County Registry will now offer the scheduling of Non-Emergency Motions any time our Virtual Registry is available.
To schedule the hearing the Motion must have been accepted on efile or
be pending on efile. Please have the efile envelope number ready when you contact the virtual registry.
In addition, the next available Motion Day will be added to the web site (www.bristolcountyprobate.org)
near the Judge’s Calendar.
You may request a Motion hearing anytime after that day for each Judge.
Please be advised that we can never guarantee that a particular
Motion Day will be available when you contact the virtual registry.
We suggest you have a few available date options when you call.
The Judges have two trial dates and three mixed lists per week.
In addition, they have two Lobby days per month.
Motions can only be scheduled on mixed list days.
This information is reflected on the Judicial Calendar.
All Motions which are filed through the mail or filed in person at the
registry counter will be auto-scheduled for the next available Motion date
and notice sent out to the parties and/or counsel.
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Judicial Calendars
Please Note - Judicial calendars are subject to change without notice.​​​​
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​​JANUARY
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All Courts are closed on federal & state holidays. Click here for a list of holidays.
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New Bedford Closure Dates
January 7th, 14th, 16th, 21st, 28th
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Fall River Closure Dates
January 20th, 26th, 27th
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