FAMILY COURT

Contact the Probate Court for the Motions form. Write neatly or type it. Be very clear what it is that you want the judge to give you and state the facts which support the proposed order.

It depends on what orders you want the court to consider.
You need to file a motion seeking these temporary orders, get a date, provide notice to the other party, and appear in court for a hearing.

The two previous answers are correct. Additionally, most Probate courts have a lawyer of the day program, and that lawyer (who is offering his or her time for free that day) can help you fill out the forms, and make sure you are doing things properly. If you cannot afford a lawyer this is a great legal resource. Also, you can hire a lawyer for limited assistance (to help you with the forms and for motion hearing) and not hire them for the whole matter. It is a new pilot program, I'm not sure if it is available in Essex County, but your local Probate court will know.

Good luck.