PrintYour 209A restraining order is only good for a set amount of time. For example, it might be good for 2 weeks, 6 months or for 1 year.
Look at your most recent order to find the expiration date. A hearing is scheduled on the same date your order expires. You must attend that hearing if you still need the restraining order. If you not attend the hearing, the order will expire at the end of the day.
Remember
If your restraining order expires, all parts of the order expire with it.
This includes orders that the defendant:
- not abuse you.
- not contact you or your children.
- stay away from your home, children’s school, or place of worship, etc.
and
- Orders about custody, visitation, and child support.
If the judge did not extend your order and you still need an order for custody, support, or visitation, you might want to file a new case in the Probate & Family Court.
It is a good idea to talk to a lawyer about your current custody situation and how starting a case in family court could change that. For more information, see How do I file a case in the Probate and Family Court? and What can I do if I need a court order right away?
If the judge does not extend your order and you need a restraining order in the future you can file a new 209A complaint.
You do not have to wait a set amount of time before you file another complaint, but you need to show the judge that there are new reasons why you need the order. For example, the abuse has gotten worse or the abusive person did a new abusive thing.
You have the right to an interpreter