Thanks to the incompetence of this place, I have lost time that I will never get back with my…read morechildren. The staff continues to lose paperwork, ignore calls, ignore requests, send court paperwork to the wrong location. I have been lied to be staff, as well as a woman who claimed to work for the courts, yet no one seemed to have any record of her when I followed up with what she told me later. The staff needs to be held accountable and better administrative practices needs to be put into place.

I'm doing my public service today, as a juror at the Edward M Brooke Courthouse. And like others I…read morewas a little surprised to see reviews on Yelp, but since this is an uncommon experience (how often does one visit a courthouse if you're not a lawyer) so I thought I would add my two cents. It's been an ok experience so far, other than the violation of my 4th amendment rights (unwarranted search) at the front door. The concession in the lobby is great because I really needed that second cup of coffee! The jury waiting room is pleasant and comfortable, it's nicely appointed, quiet, warm, and separate bathrooms for the jurors. Chairs are comfortable as well and the person greeting us was very nice. Overall it's been a pleasant experience. I dinged them one star for no public WiFi and the virtual strip search at the entrance.

This is a review for the Suffolk Probate and Family Court…read more I've sat in Suffolk Family Court long enough to recognize the soundtrack. It's the shuffle of papers, the sighs, the clock that never moves, and the quiet sound of people's lives getting billed by the hour. You want to know what went wrong? I watched it. Day after day. Same hallway. Same fear. Different families. Judges? Overworked. Exhausted. Politicized. Good people once, now just trying to get through a docket like it's TSA on Thanksgiving. Lawyers? They don't fight for justice. They fight for extensions. Every motion is a revenue stream. Every delay is a vacation home getting closer. They drain savings accounts with straight faces and sleep just fine knowing the kids are collateral damage. And the guardians....don't get me started. Some of them shouldn't be guarding a goldfish. No grasp of psychology. No understanding of trauma. Enormous power. Minimal oversight. That's not protection, that's roulette. This system doesn't listen. It processes. It grinds families down until everyone's too tired to keep going, then calls that resolution. I left because I couldn't watch it anymore. Too many parents breaking. Too many kids learning early that adults in robes don't always mean safety. There's a sadness in those courtrooms you can feel in your chest. And if you're not careful, it teaches you to shrink. To comply. To shut up. Don't. Strength doesn't always look like winning. Sometimes it looks like enduring without losing yourself. Teach your kids to trust their instincts, even when adults in authority fail them. You have to walk in strong. Eyes up. Spine straight. Because intimidation is baked into the architecture. These people should not have the power they have. Not without real oversight. Real training. Real accountability. To the Governor of Massachusetts, the Governor's Council, the Chief Justice, and those charged with oversight of the Probate & Family Court: Families are trapped in this system for months and often years, waiting for decisions that directly affect children's safety, stability, and development. These delays are not administrative inconveniences--they cause real and lasting harm. Without rigorous review, nothing changes. Immediate intervention, transparency, and reform are required, including a comprehensive review of judicial performance and court operations to address the human cost of prolonged inaction. Family court shouldn't feel like punishment for loving your kids. And when it does, when it breaks families instead of protecting them that's not justice. That's rot. And anyone paying attention knows it. Tell your story. Silence is how this stays hidden.

HIGHLIGHTS FOR JURY DUTY: (1) phones and laptops ARE allowed past security, (2) you can buy food…read moreand drinks at the little cafe and credit cards are accepted, (3) limited wifi is available in the break room, (4) outlets are available in both rooms (though more of them are in the break room) I gotta say, this is about as well-organized a process as jury duty gets. Here is a brief rundown of my day (as others have also shared), with some tips along the way. Instructions mailed to me say to show up by 8am at the Suffolk County Courthouse at 3 Pemberton Square. Finding the courthouse is a little tricky. Most people will probably be coming from the Cambridge Street/Tremont Street side of the plaza, so just walk through the tunnel under the "Center Plaza" sign next to Caffe Nero at the intersection of Court Street and Tremont. Go past Caffe Nero on the right and walk up the stairs. When you get to the brick courtyard/parking area, follow the row of parked cars to the right and you will see the entrance to the courthouse. Once I entered the courthouse, here's how the day unfolded... 7:45 go through security (very short line of 2 people in front of me - security officers were very pleasant) 7:48 directed to take elevator to 2nd floor and go to Room 218 (easy to find, right near elevators) 7:50 check in and submit juror questionnaire (first one on line) 7:55 grab coffee and breakfast sandwich at "Court Café" (credit cards accepted) - sandwich was hot, fresh, and pretty good (tasted home made) 7:55-8:30 wait in main jury pool room or break room (break room is much smaller but has better AC and gets wifi; main room does not) 8:30-9:00 general instructions read, video about jury service shown, and judge speaks to jury pool 9:00-11:00 continue waiting in jury pool room with periodic announcements that they are waiting to hear from judges upstairs 11:00 the last trial reached a plea deal, so no one is needed today!!! Everyone leaves quickly before they change their minds! LOL At several points, we were reminded that we should receive a jury service certificate in 7-10 days in the mail. This will enable us to be excused from jury service again for 3 years.

One of the worst place to go on earth. Every single one of the staff here is unprofessional,…read moreimpatient, rude, arrogant and condescending. I really hate this place and just wish that I never have to come again.

My friends got married here in the past week. This is a city hall that's pretty reminiscent of…read moreother city halls I've been too...generic government center, but the people are really friendly. There's apparently two places you can get married, on floor 2 with marriage certificates and on floor 6 with the city clerk. On floor 2, you get married after waiting outside with those waiting for birth certificates, death certificates, and to pay parking fines, so it's a nice mix of people. We arrived early for our appointment and we were able to go in as a group of 11 people to witness. The woman who married our friends was nice, cordial, and friendly and the room was very simple and functional. All in all, the officiating took about 10 to 15 minutes with photos and everything. Don't forget about the "Married in Boston" backdrop on the 6th floor right as you exit the lifts -- it's cute and chalkboard-y!

Nice modern building with free Wi-Fi. Jury waiting room is comfortable with restrooms right there…read more Dunkin' is across the street, and Katz bakery up the street.

I respect Chelsea court because this beautiful woman saved my daughter's life ,she took a seizure…read moreand my daughter said,"mom please my face feels tight and already she was not feeling well .i just want to say Thank you Ms.Karen your amazing and I wish all the Justices to the clerk's office to probation everyone was kind to me and I felt justice today .I like that in 23 or more years one thing when I raise my right hand I know the truth will utter the most truth will utter from my lips. GOD Bless all the good people in Chelsea District Court.

So, I bought a condo. yay! I came here to sign the papers (boo). my hand has never cramped so…read morebadly, and i had a gnarly claw the rest of the day. This place is hard to find, its down a dark tunnel where there's a convenience store, and then it looks like what old libraries used to be jsut tables and records. There's a lot of people working there but I don't know what they do. I had to find a little nook to meet w/ my attorney and the sellers attorney and sign papers but they were all occupied, and none of the rooms had names, name plates, or signs to indicate what party was in what room. So it was rather annoying to have to bother every room. it felt like i was playing lets make a deal, kept picking a door and seeing a goat eating hay. No good. but it's public works and i got my house and everything on file. the facilities definitely need to be modernized but its prolly such a low priority it'll never get the funding to make it happen... unless there's a cleansing blaze and a nice insurance policy out there.... but that wouldn't be wise. cuz fire is bad, arson is worse. so if you find yourself there to sign papers don't be afraid to bug people, and stick your head in every room. its a good time.... or just pick whats in the box...

(score 1-100) - 70. This is a Registry of Deeds if you live in Boston, Chelsea, Revere or…read moreWinthrop. If you are buying or selling a property or maybe you are just getting your mortgage refinanced, you will be coming to the registry of deeds to sign a few documents with your attorney or mortgage company. This location is located in the Newish Edward Brooke Courthouse. It is the super tall courthouse that is shaped like a triangle, close to the Government Center Garage. There are other court services located in the building so when you get through security (think a lesser version of the airport), ya know take off your belt and empty your pockets and leave your hunting knife collection at home. Walk straight ahead pass the snack food stand and you will be entering the Registry of Deeds. This is a longish hallway so keep walking until you come to room with tables. Your attorney or mortgage rep will probably be waiting there for you. If not roam around and get bored quickly because there is nothing but old books with records going all the way back to the very first deed conveyance in the city of boston! woo hoo!

I feel the need to disinfect myself after being in this courthouse, and I didn't even sit down…read more Just taking my phone and keys out of my purse was enough when they had to go through the x-ray machine. After retrieving the purse, I then walked into the waiting area (I guess you would call it that) that looked like a casting call for both the Jerry Springer and Maury Povich shows. I know Middlesex is a huge county so it's going to be a scene and crowded, but really..... really??? Thankfully, I found my way upstairs to the file clerk, looked up what I needed (annoying state worker, as well) and got the hell out of there. As a side note, when I was on a jury for two weeks many years ago in Suffolk County, I thought we were living pretty well; compared to this hell hole, Suffolk County is Taj Mahal.

OMG. I we pay these people with our tax dollars?…read more I just had the rudest telephone call I have ever had with a public office. Me: Hello. I am a Cambridge resident and have a question regarding whether my lawyer (no longer practicing) has filed my will with your offices. Where do I begin? Clerk: No Me: No? Clerk: No. Me: That's is your answer: Just No? Clerk: That's it. Me: Wait. I am trying to find out how I go about finding out whether my will is filed. What do you mean "no"? Clerk: Because the answer is no. Me: What?! This isn't helpful. How do I find this information out? Clerk: I am not allowed to give out any information about wills. Clerk and Me: Silence. Me: Yes. So? Clerk: You have to come down in person and show ID and then we'll run your name by. Me: That would have been the helpful answer from the beginning. Goodbye. I can't wait for this trip to the Probate and Family Court......

This is a court left back in time…read more The woodwork is amazing.. The stairs and the men's room not so much.. It's on the smaller size especially being in Boston. It's comprised of a few smaller offices, a Clerks office and a court room. There is absolutely zero parking unless you get lucky with a street spot (unlikely) or you walk 5-10 blocks. This court house has great character and must have seen some great cases in the past. FYI, The court room is located on the second floor and the elevator only goes up the first flight of stairs which puts you on the first floor. The staff are extra nice, at least the women I spoke to (Kudos to them for being very polite and professional). Anyone reading this, I hope your only reading my review for minor traffic incidents, if not, I hope you have a good Attorney. I give East Boston District Court 4 Stars...

We were greeted at the front desk of the Registry by Ms. Maria Curtatone, Register of Deeds. She…read morewas pleasant and wished us a Happy New Year. She listened to the purpose of our visit, and personally directed us to the correct administrator to take care of our paperwork. Our forms were processed expeditiously. Everyone was helpful and knowledgeable. Our drive from North Massachusetts to Cambridge was worth it!

I was just here yesterday to pick up some paperwork and I have never been to a government building…read morewhere everyone was SO HELPFUL! It was amazing. 4 different people helped me get to where I needed to go and they weren't impatient. They even walked me there! Way to go!

Super cool concept and great place for a team event. Was essentially a pool hall but with ping…read morepong. Tons of ping pong tables and balls that they come clean up. The food was great too especially the sliders and pizzzas. Service was great as someone came by to clean up the ping pong balls every few minutes. Very fun experience!

We ended up in Boston randomly and were looking for a place to hangout that would be fun for adults…read moreand a tween. Loved all the games on the tables to play while waiting for our ping pong table to be ready. We ordered drinks at the bar and I loved my Curious George! So good! We got some snacks at the ping pong table and they were good too. The fries were cooked perfectly but the pepper ketchup wasn't my favorite. We ended up ordering 2 fries so I must not have minded the ketchup too much. We got the hop pop chicken tenders and found them to be ok. They were a bit overcooked, so they probably would be better less crisped. The place is huge! The employees were continually walking around scooping up all the ping pong palls and making sure everyone was taken care of. I love the net tool they had for collecting the balls. My niece loved the ping pong ball bath. She jumped in it about a dozen times. I wish we had something like this near me, it was great family fun and could turn into adult fun in the evening with lots of amazing drinks.