3 Resources
The Massachusetts Probate and Family Court oversees custody, visitation, paternity, divorce, and child support matters across all 14 county divisions. Self-represented mothers can use the court service centers for forms and procedural guidance, and emergency motions for protective orders are heard at the Boston headquarters on 24 New Chardon Street. Reach the office at 617-788-8300 Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm; no filing fee is charged for indigent litigants who file an Affidavit of Indigency.
617-788-8300 · 24 New Chardon St, Boston, MA 02114
Greater Boston Legal Services runs a Family Law Unit at 197 Friend Street that represents low-income mothers in contested custody, paternity, guardianship, and 209A protective order cases throughout Suffolk, Middlesex, and Norfolk counties. Intake is generally limited to households below 125 percent of the federal poverty level; survivors of domestic violence are prioritized. Call 617-371-1234 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm to start an application or email info@gbls.org.
617-371-1234 · 197 Friend St, Boston, MA 02114
The Volunteer Lawyers Project pairs Boston-area mothers with pro bono attorneys for uncontested divorce, custody, paternity, and post-judgment modification cases. The Family Law Lawyer for the Day program staffs the Suffolk Probate and Family Court at 24 New Chardon Street, providing same-day advice to unrepresented mothers. Intake at 7 Winthrop Square typically requires income below 125 percent of poverty. Call 617-423-0648 weekdays 9am-5pm for screening.
617-423-0648 · 7 Winthrop Square, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02110