What happens at the pre-trial on 07/09/2026?

The court will review the petition, schedule trial steps, and discuss legal representation and possible resolutions.

Can the court appoint an attorney if I cannot afford one?

Yes; if you have a right to counsel and the court finds you indigent, it will appoint an attorney.

What if I cannot attend the scheduled date?

Contact the Clerk-Magistrate at 508-999-9700 as soon as possible to explain and request instructions; failing to appear risks adjudication without you.

Court Notice — 75 No. Sixth Street, New Bedford, MA (25CP0126NE)

Official courthouse record · Indexed in NoticeRegistry archive · AI-enriched for research

Care and protection

Affects:DefendantsHeirsGovernment Agencies

The Massachusetts Department of Children and Families petitioned the Bristol County Juvenile Court seeking care, protection, and possible termination of parental rights for child Nahla Bishop. Parents or unknown fathers must appear for a pre-trial on 07/09/2026 at 9:00 AM or risk adjudication in their absence.

Key Takeaways

Pre-trial scheduled 07/09/2026 at 9:00 AM
DFCF petition seeks care, protection, possible parental-rights termination
Failure to appear may lead to trial and adjudication without you
You may bring an attorney or request court-appointed counsel if indigent
Contact Clerk-Magistrate at 508-999-9700 for more information

Published: May 11, 2026 · 1 week ago
Category: Court Notice
City: New Bedford

Address

75 No. Sixth Street, New Bedford, MA · 6 filings

Case #

25CP0126NE

Research context

6 filings at this address 6 court notice notices in New Bedford (last 12 months)

View full case dossier

All filings for #25CP0126NE with AI case analysis

If you don't respond

If you fail to appear on 07/09/2026 at 9:00 AM, the court may proceed to trial and adjudicate the matter without you, potentially dispensing parental notice or rights and committing the child to DCF.

What to do next

1
Appear for pre-trial
Attend Bristol County Juvenile Court at 75 No. Sixth Street, New Bedford, MA on 07/09/2026 at 9:00 AM.
2
Arrange legal representation
Bring an attorney to court or request appointed counsel at the hearing if you cannot afford one.
3
Contact the court for questions
Call the Clerk-Magistrate at 508-999-9700 for case information or to report scheduling issues.

Frequently asked questions

What happens at the pre-trial on 07/09/2026?: The court will review the petition, schedule trial steps, and discuss legal representation and possible resolutions.
Can the court appoint an attorney if I cannot afford one?: Yes; if you have a right to counsel and the court finds you indigent, it will appoint an attorney.
What if I cannot attend the scheduled date?: Contact the Clerk-Magistrate at 508-999-9700 as soon as possible to explain and request instructions; failing to appear risks adjudication without you.

The suggestions and answers above are AI-generated for general information only. They can be wrong, and we don't take responsibility for their accuracy. Talk to a qualified professional before acting on them.

Legal terms in this notice

Care and protection: A court finding that a child needs state intervention for their safety or welfare.
Termination of parental rights: A legal process permanently ending a parent's legal relationship with their child.
Adjudication: A court decision determining whether the child is in need of care and protection.
Pre-trial conference: A court meeting before trial to discuss the case, evidence, and possible resolutions.

Full Notice Text

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION, CARE AND PROTECTION, TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS, DOCKET NUMBER 25CP0126NE, Trial Court of Massachusetts, Juvenile Court Department, COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, Bristol County Juvenile Court, 75 No. Sixth Street, New Bedford,MA 02740, 508-999-9700. TO: Melonie Collins, Anthony Wells, and/or any Unknown/Unnamed Father: A petition has been presented to this court by the Dept of Child and Families (New Bedford), seeking, as to the following child: Nahla Bishop, that said child be found in need of care and protection and committed to the Department of Children and Families. The court may dispense the rights of the person(s) named herein to receive notice of or to consent to any legal proceeding affecting the adoption, custody, or guardianship or any other disposition of the child named herein, if it finds that the child is in need of care and protection and that the best interests of the child would be served by said disposition.
You are hereby ORDERED to appear in this court, at the court address set forth above, on the following date and time: 07/09/2026 at 09:00 AM Pre Trial Conference (CR/CV)
You may bring an attorney with you. If you have a right to an attorney and if the court determines that you are indigent, the court will appoint an attorney to represent you.
If you fail to appear, the court may proceed on that date and any date thereafter to a trial on the merits and adjudication of this matter.
For further information call the Office of the Clerk-Magistrate at 508-999-9700.
WITNESS: Hon. John S. Spinale, FIRST JUSTICE, DATE ISSUED: 04/16/2026, Roger J. Oliveira, Clerk Magistrate.
May 8, 11, 18 2026
LWOO0510268