209A Restraining Orders
A 209A restraining order is a court order that protects you from being abused by a family member, household member, or someone you have been dating.
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209A Restraining Orders: an overview
Learn about restraining orders and how to decide if they are a good option for you.
How to get a 209A restraining order
Learn how to fill out the forms you need to ask the court for a 209A restraining order.
What can a 209A restraining order do?
In this article, learn what you can ask the court to include in a 209A restraining order. If you have children, learn what protections you can ask the court for.
Court Forms: 209A Restraining Orders
Download forms you file to apply for, change, or end a restraining order.
How to change or end a 209A restraining order
Learn what forms to file and what happens afterward.
209A restraining orders can protect children at school
To learn and develop, all children need to feel safe and be safe at school. This is especially true for children who have suffered from domestic violence. Restraining orders can provide important protection for children and their non...
Can I get a 209A Restraining Order if I am under 18?
If you are under 18, you can get a restraining order against someone. Find the answers to questions you may have.
Domestic violence and how to get help
Learn what domestic violence is under Massachusetts law and how to get help.
Getting your restraining order extended for longer
Learn what happens at the hearing to get your restraining order extended.
How to ask for child support as part of a 209A restraining order case
Getting child support as part of a 209A restraining order is an important decision. Child support can help you and your children. But only you can decide if you need child support to keep you and your children safe. Only you can decide if...
Protecting your address and information in Restraining Order and Harassment Prevention Order cases
If you have a court case and are afraid to share information like your address and phone number, there are ways that you can ask to keep it confidential.
What happens after I file a complaint for a 209A restraining order?
Usually, there are 2 hearings to get a restraining order: The 1st hearing (“ex parte” hearing) happens the same day that you file the complaint. If the judge gives you a restraining order, it is good for up to 10 business days. The 2nd...
What happens at the 2nd (10-day) restraining order hearing?
At the second hearing, the abusive person can tell their side of the story and say why they do not want a restraining order against them.
What if I want to talk to the abusive person or get back together?
You can change or end your restraining order if you want to.
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What if the person who abused me files a restraining order or criminal case against me?
It is important to take a restraining order against you seriously. Learn how you can defend yourself in court.
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What is a certified Intimate Partner Abuse Education Program?
Learn more about IPAEPs and whether they might be a good option for you or your partner.
Where can I get a 209A Restraining Order?
Learn which courts you can go to and what to do if a court is closed.
Writing your 209A affidavit
The affidavit is your written statement about why you are afraid of the abusive person and need a restraining order. It is one of the forms you fill out when you apply for a 209A restraining order . An affidavit is called a “sworn statement...