Abuse Prevention Orders
209A Protection from Abuse Order/Restraining Order
Complaint for Protection from Abuse (page 1): This
form is actually three pages. The first page has blanks for you to fill in with
names and basic information. It also asks you what you would like the court to order. A second page has an Affidavit of abuse. The third page has instructions to help you fill out this form.
The Affidavit: You need to write on the affidavit why you need the 209A protection
order. This is what the
judge will read when he first hears your case. So be sure to fill this
out carefully. You do not need to write a lot, but you need to be clear and you
need to write down exactly what happened. You may want to start by telling the judge about the most
recent incident, why you came to court to get a protective order. Then
you might want to tell the judge about any history of abuse, why you are
afraid, etc.
Example
Do not just say, "He
threatens me." Instead, write down the things he said or did: "He told
me he would get his gun and shoot me." Write down the things that
happened most recently. Also write down what the abuser did before.
See a sample Complaint for Protection from Abuse with Affidavit (page 1).
Note
There is a separate Confidential Information form for your address and phone number so you can keep them secret from the abusive person. See How do I file for a 209A Protective Order?
Complaint for Protection from Abuse (page 2): You only need to fill out "page 2" of the Complaint if you have a child and you want the court to include things about your child in the order. See a sample Complaint for Protection from Abuse (page 2).
209A Plaintiff Confidential Information form: On this form you write your name, home address, home telephone number, workplace name, address, and telephone number, and school. This information is confidential. Only certain authorized persons who ask for this information on a Request for Access to Confidential Information form can see it. See a sample 209A Plaintiff Confidential Information form.
209A Defendant Information form:
The court will need this so that the police can find the defendant to
serve him his copy of the order. Be sure to include any and all
information that will help the police find him. See a sample 209A Defendant Information form.
209A Motion for Impoundment and Affidavit: This form is used for keeping your addresses and other information in the case file, hidden from the defendant or public. It also keeps information like your children's schools idden. You must write why it is important to keep this information private. See a sample Motion for Impoundment and Affidavit.
Plaintiff's Affidavit in Support of Request for a Child Support Order: This form allows you to fill out basic information about both parents' expenses and income to ask for child support. See a sample Plaintiff's Affidavit in Support of Request for a Child Support Order.
Defendant's Affidavit in Connection with Request for a Child Support Order: This form is for the defendant to fill out basic information about his or her work, income and expenses, if the plaintiff asks for child support. See a sample Defendant's Affidavit in Connection with Request for a Child Support Order.
Request for Access to Plaintiff Confidential Information Form: Only certain kinds of people like a prosecutor or a domestic violence counselor can use this form to ask to see the plaintiff's confidential information. See a sample Request for Access to Plaintiff's Confidential Information.
Sample 209A Abuse Prevention Order - page 1 and page 2:
This is a sample 209A abuse prevention order form. After your hearing,
if the order is granted, the court will type up your order on this form.
It is signed by a judge.
Plaintiff's Motion to Modify or Terminate Abuse Prevention Order: Fill out this form to change or end an abuse prevention order.
Defendant's Motion to Modify or Terminate Abuse Prevention Order: Fill out this form if you are a defendant and you need to change or end an abuse prevention order.
Affidavit Disclosing Care and Custody Proceedings:
The clerk should only give you this form if a child is involved. If you ask for protection, custody, or support for your children, you have to fill out this form. The
form asks if there have been any other court cases about your child's
custody or child support. See a sample Affidavit Disclosing Care or Custody Proceedings.
Affidavit for Filing Out-of-State Protective Order: Use this form to get your protective order from outside Massachusetts enforced in Massachusetts. Also see Protective Orders from Another State.
209A Affidavit Seeking Child Support
Sample 209A Complaint form seeking protection at school
Sample 209A Order providing protection at school
Sample District Court 209A Child Support Order
