Trial/Litigation Practice Tools and Resources

Administrative Forms and Resources

Appellate Packet for Trial Attorneys

• Notice of Appeal
• Motion for Appointment of Appellate Counsel
• Motion-for-Fees-and-Costs-of-Appeal-Sample
•  Appellate Assignment Intake Form 
• CAFL Appellate Guide for Trial Attorneys  (every trial attorney should read this to know what to expect for their appeal and steps to take going forward)

CAFL Performance Standards

• CAFL Performance Standard 1.5  (revised June 2022, effective July 25, 2022)

Case Law

Courts/Court Rules/Rules of Procedure

DCF Policies and Procedures

A Guide to the New DCF Foster Care Review Policy and Regulations

DCF Policies and Regulations

Court Forms

• Juvenile Court Forms
• Probate and Family Court Forms

Court Investigators

• General Information
• Guidelines for Court Investigators

Education

• ESSA – Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015

Experts 

ICWA

• Office of Indian Services
• Practice Advisory January 2017: Child Welfare Proceedings Under the Indian Child Welfare Act: New Regulations in Effect
• New Guidelines for State Courts and Agencies– Issued December 2016

Single Justice Practice/Interlocutory Review (under c. 231, s. 118)

Mentor Program

• Initial Mentor/Mentee Meeting Certification
• Mentee Graduation Form
• Mentor Manual

Practice Tools

• • Child Welfare Terms – English to Spanish
  • DCF File Checklist
  • Foundations Card
  • Massachusetts Guide to Evidence
  • Memorandum of Understanding DCF and DHCD
  • Objections Card
  • Procedures Governing Intra-Departmental Transfers and Assignments
  • Trial Court Rule XII – Interdepartmental Judicial Assignments
  • Trial Notebook Checklist
  • Trial Preparation Checklist
  • Trial Skills Checklists
  • Trial Timeline Quick Guide
  • Witness Preparation Checklist

See all Professional Resources