The Massachusetts Petition For Commitment Pursuant to G.L.C. 123 16(c) is a legal document filed in Massachusetts that allows a petitioner to initiate a commitment proceeding against a respondent who is believed to have a mental illness or be a danger to themselves or others. This document is typically used for involuntary commitment proceedings, but can also be used for voluntary commitments or even civil commitment proceedings, depending on the situation. The petition is typically filed in the Probate and Family Court in the county where the respondent resides. The petition must include detailed information about the respondent's mental health and history, and the petitioner's reasons for believing the respondent should be committed. The petition must also be signed by a witness who has knowledge of the respondent's mental health. Upon filing the petition, the court will determine if a hearing is necessary to decide if the respondent should be committed. If a hearing is necessary, the court will appoint an attorney and schedule a date for the hearing.