Massachusetts courts cut hours

Beginning September 19, 38 Massachusetts courthouses will begin reduced hours for clerks and registers. Court officials stated years of budget cuts and understaffing have led to backlogs. In order to address these backlogs, court officials are cutting both counter service and phone service in the clerk's office. Court officials believe that uninterrupted time is needed to address backlogs and reduce delays. Court official state that the proposed reduction in hours will not affect court sessions and that all offices will be available for emergency matters.
During the reduced hours court staff will not be available to answer general telephone questions or to assist the public in the clerk's office.

The 38 Massachusetts courthouses that will have fewer hours available to the public include Attleboro District Court, Barnstable District Court, Eastern Brookfield District Court, Fall River District Court, Framingham District Court, Ipswich District Court Lawrence District Court, Lowell District Court, Lynn District Court, Malden District Court, Natick District Court, Newburyport District Court, Palmer District Court, Somerville District Court, Springfield District Court, Stoughton District Court, Taunton District Court, Uxbridge District Court, Waltham District Court, Westborough District Court, Woburn District Court and Wrentham District Court,