DC Courts
Edgartown District Court
Dukes County Courthouse
PO Box 1267
Edgartown, MA 02539
(508) 627-3751
The District court has jurisdiction over all criminal cases including felonies, misdemeanors, domestic violence, and violation of town ordinances. Also under the jurisdiction of the District Court are all civil and small claims cases. The judges and clerks are appointed by the governor. The probation officer and support staff are state employees.
Superior Court
Dukes County Courthouse
PO Box 1267
Edgartown, MA 02539
(508) 627-4668
The Superior court has jurisdiction over all civil, criminal, and equity cases. The judge is assigned by the Chief Justice of Massachusetts. The Clerk is elected for a six year term. The jury is selected at random by computer from the street listing census and voting lists submitted by each town clerk.There are no exemptions from jury duty for professionals, for homemakers with minor children, for law enforcement officials, or for students. If a day is inconvenient, a juror may apply to postpone the date of jury duty up to one year. An extended trial of over three days may allow some changes. A person will not be called for jury duty more than once every three years in Dukes County.
Juvenile Court
Barnstable County/Town of Plymouth Division
PO Box 550
(12 Mariner's Way, Unit 4)
Edgartown, MA 02539
(508) 627-8983
(508) 627-3709 (fax)
The juvenile Court has jurisdiction over all criminal cases involving children between the ages of 7 and 17 years old, Care and Protection cases, and Child in Need of Services (CHINS) petitions. The judges and clerks are appointed by the governor. The probation officer and clerical assistants are hired state workers.
Probate and Family Court
Dukes County Courthouse
PO Box 237
Edgartown, MA 02539
(508) 627-4703
Probate and Family Court has jurisdiction over wills and estates, guardianship of the insane and minors, the commitment of the insane and cases dealing with adoption and divorce. The judge is appointed by the governor. The Register of Probate is elected for a six year term.
Probation Department
Dukes County Courthouse
Edgartown Division
PO Box 1291
Edgartown, MA 02539
(508) 627-4291
Officer in Charge: John H. Mezzetti
Cape and Islands District Attorney
Edgartown Courthouse
C/O Po Box 455
Barnstable, MA 02630
(508) 627-7780
(508) 362-8113 (Barnstable)
The Office of the District Attorney prosecutes criminal matters within the Cape and Islands.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Martha’s Vineyard Mediation Program
15 Merchant's Court - Suite #5
PO Box 761
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568
TEl. 508-693-2999
Fax 508-693-2199
The Martha's Vineyard Mediation Program offers mediation as an alternative approach to the resolution of disputes. This volunteer, non-profit program helps people involved in small claims matters, marital problems, parent-child issues, and community relations problems.
SSW Mediation Collaborative, LLC
95 State Road, #203
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568
(508) 693-6090
SSW Mediation Collaborative is an approved provider for Dukes County’s Probate & Family and Superior courts, supplying mediation services as an alternative or complement to the court process. The firm’s principals, Judy Salosky and Louisa Williams, have earned the status of advanced practitioner in the family section of the national Association for Conflict Resolution, a designation awarded to mediators who have wide-ranging skills and extensive experience working with divorcing and separating couples. For more information, call or visit the web site listed above.