{"id":4574,"date":"2024-03-27T11:03:32","date_gmt":"2024-03-27T11:03:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/?p=4574"},"modified":"2025-05-24T13:20:54","modified_gmt":"2025-05-24T13:20:54","slug":"file-restraining-order-massachusetts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/file-restraining-order-massachusetts\/","title":{"rendered":"How Do I File for a Restraining Order in Massachusetts?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"4574\" class=\"elementor elementor-4574\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bead935 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"bead935\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-55d75af elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"55d75af\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ol><li><strong>Determine the Type of Order<\/strong>: Decide if you need a domestic violence restraining order (209A) or a harassment prevention order (258E).<\/li><li><strong>Obtain the Forms<\/strong>: Visit your local Massachusetts courthouse or their website to get the necessary forms. Courthouses have Court Service Centers where staff can help.<\/li><li><strong>Complete the Forms<\/strong>: Fill out the application forms, providing detailed information about the incidents and why you need protection.<\/li><li><strong>File the Forms<\/strong>: Submit your completed forms to the court. There is no fee for filing.<\/li><li><strong>Attend the Hearing<\/strong>: Initially, you may receive a temporary order. You must attend a court hearing, usually set within 10 days, where both parties can present their case for a final order.<\/li><li><strong>Receive the Order<\/strong>: If the court issues a restraining order, get copies and understand the conditions. Ensure law enforcement is notified if necessary.<\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3663a17 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"3663a17\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/B0S12jc1E4U?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4770e39 elementor-widget elementor-widget-boomdevs-toc-widget\" data-id=\"4770e39\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;sticky&quot;:&quot;top&quot;,&quot;sticky_on&quot;:[&quot;desktop&quot;,&quot;tablet&quot;,&quot;mobile&quot;],&quot;sticky_offset&quot;:0,&quot;sticky_effects_offset&quot;:0,&quot;sticky_anchor_link_offset&quot;:0}\" data-widget_type=\"boomdevs-toc-widget.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t        \n            \n            <div class=\"fit_content\">\n                <div class=\"bd_toc_container\" data-fixedWidth=\"\">\n                    <div class=\"bd_toc_wrapper\" data-wrapperPadding=\"48px\">\n                        <div class=\"bd_toc_wrapper_item\">\n                            <div class=\"bd_toc_header active\" data-headerPadding=\"2px\">\n                                <div class=\"bd_toc_header_title\">\n                                    Table of Contents                                <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"bd_toc_switcher_hide_show_icon\">\n                                    <span class=\"bd_toc_arrow\"><\/span>                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"bd_toc_content list-type-number\">\n                                <div class=\"bd_toc_content_list \">\n                                    <div class='bd_toc_content_list_item'>    <ul>\n      <li class=\"first\">\n        <a href=\"#understanding-your-options\">Understanding Your Options<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#filing-your-application\">Filing Your Application<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#the-importance-of-affordable-legal-advice\">The Importance of Affordable Legal Advice<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#the-role-of-the-court-system\">The Role of the Court System<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#emergency-orders\">Emergency Orders<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#preparing-for-your-court-hearing\">Preparing for Your Court Hearing<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#understanding-the-legal-standards\">Understanding the Legal Standards<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#the-aftermath-of-the-order\">The Aftermath of the Order<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#enforcement-and-violations\">Enforcement and Violations<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#seeking-further-assistance\">Seeking Further Assistance<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#help-getting-a-restraining-order-in-massachusetts\">Help Getting a Restraining Order in Massachusetts<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li class=\"last\">\n        <a href=\"#legal-disclaimer\">Legal Disclaimer<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n<\/div>                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"layout_toggle_button\">\n                        <span class=\"bd_toc_arrow\"><\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\n    \t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-456aab2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"456aab2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='understanding-your-options'  id=\"boomdevs_1\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Understanding Your Options<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-68af1e0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"68af1e0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>When facing situations of abuse or harassment, knowing your legal options for protection is crucial. In Massachusetts, there are two primary forms of legal protection:<\/p><ul><li>the <strong>Abuse Prevention Order<\/strong>, under the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/abuse-prevention-law-massachusetts\/\">Massachusetts Abuse Prevention Act<\/a>, applicable in cases involving a family or household member, and<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/harassment-prevention-order-massachusetts\/\">Harassment Prevention Order<\/a><\/strong>, designed for situations where the abuse does not involve a family or household member.<\/li><\/ul><p>Identifying the correct order is your first step towards ensuring your safety and legal protection.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7fc18bf elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7fc18bf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='filing-your-application'  id=\"boomdevs_2\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Filing Your Application<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-45c9a4c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"45c9a4c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>To apply for a restraining order in Massachusetts, you will need to fill out an application form available at your local court clerk\u2019s office. This includes providing detailed information about the abuse or harassment, any previous incidents, and the type of protection you are seeking. Confidential information, such as your social security number or address, may be required but will be kept secure to protect your privacy.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-61ca9be elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"61ca9be\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='the-importance-of-affordable-legal-advice'  id=\"boomdevs_3\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Importance of Affordable Legal Advice<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a1204c5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a1204c5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Seeking the guidance of an experienced attorney is a good idea when dealing with complex legal matters such as restraining orders. An attorney can provide valuable legal advice, help you understand the nuances of your case, and represent your interests in court. This professional support is particularly important in situations where the other party might contest the order or if there are overlapping legal issues like child custody, divorce, or criminal charges.<\/p><p>But lawyers can cost a lot of money. At Afford Law, our mission is to provide experienced legal help you can afford. We offer a sliding-scale fee where our legal fee is based on your income. The less you earn, the less you pay. We want to make ourselves as affordable as possible for as many people as possible.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0990fd1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"0990fd1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='the-role-of-the-court-system'  id=\"boomdevs_4\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Role of the Court System<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8982f94 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8982f94\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Once you file your application, it will be processed in either the family court, district court, or superior court, depending on the nature of the case. A Temporary Order can be granted ex parte (without the other party present) if there is a substantial likelihood of immediate danger of abuse. This temporary order is typically valid until a full court hearing can be scheduled, usually within 10 days.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-55f5e55 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"55f5e55\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='emergency-orders'  id=\"boomdevs_5\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Emergency Orders<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4e5c971 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4e5c971\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If you need an order immediately and the courts are closed, you can get an emergency order. To get an emergency order, go to your local police department. Explain that you need an order right away. There is a judge that is on call 24 hours a day. They will call the judge and you will speak to them. If they grant you an emergency order, it will be valid until the end of the next business day. You\u2019ll then have to go to court the next day and apply for an order.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-60cb07f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"60cb07f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='preparing-for-your-court-hearing'  id=\"boomdevs_6\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Preparing for Your <br>Court Hearing<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9ca3bba elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9ca3bba\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The court hearing is your opportunity to present your side of the story and provide evidence supporting your need for a restraining order. Evidence can include:<\/p><ul><li>medical records,<\/li><li>police reports, and<\/li><li>photographs of injuries or property damage.<\/li><\/ul><p>Bring any witnesses with you. Now is the time to give the judge all the information they will need to decide in your favor.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-539cf4a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"539cf4a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='understanding-the-legal-standards'  id=\"boomdevs_7\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Understanding the <br>Legal Standards<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fef8c87 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fef8c87\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>For a judge to grant a restraining order, the burden of proof lies with the petitioner, that&#8217;s the person asking for the Restraining Order. This means you must demonstrate by a &#8220;preponderance of the evidence&#8221; that the defendant poses a threat. A preponderance of the evidence just means that it is more likely than not that you need the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/what-protective-order-massachusetts\/\">protection of an order<\/a>. It&#8217;s not as stringent as &#8220;beyond a reasonable doubt,&#8221; the standard used in criminal cases, but it does require a significant amount of credible evidence.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-242f49b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"242f49b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='the-aftermath-of-the-order'  id=\"boomdevs_8\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Aftermath of the Order<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-307a12b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"307a12b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If granted, a restraining order can impose various restrictions on the abusive person, such as:<\/p><ul><li>prohibiting contact with you,<\/li><li>ordering them to stay away from your home or work, and<\/li><li>granting you custody of your children.<\/li><\/ul><p>It&#8217;s important to keep a copy of the order with you at all times and inform local police departments of the order for your safety.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9b7aae2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"9b7aae2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='enforcement-and-violations'  id=\"boomdevs_9\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Enforcement and Violations<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-37c1189 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"37c1189\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>A restraining order is a civil court order, but violating it is a criminal offense that can lead to:<\/p><ul><li>arrest,<\/li><li>criminal charges, and<\/li><li>potential jail time for your abuser.<\/li><\/ul><p>If the abuser violates the terms of the order, you should contact law enforcement immediately. Police officers can take action based on the order&#8217;s terms, providing you with immediate protection from harm.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-74997d3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"74997d3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='seeking-further-assistance'  id=\"boomdevs_10\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Seeking Further Assistance<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b9e4dfc elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b9e4dfc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Apart from legal protection, victims of abuse or harassment may need additional support. Massachusetts offers resources such as:<\/p><ul><li>victim witness advocates,<\/li><li>counseling services, and<\/li><li>shelters.<\/li><\/ul><p>These services can provide emotional support, guidance on safety planning, and assistance with any practical needs arising from your situation.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4af81e7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4af81e7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='help-getting-a-restraining-order-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_11\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Help Getting a Restraining Order in Massachusetts<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9d991e4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"9d991e4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/LJTbn6MDwtg?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-50697c3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"50697c3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If you&#8217;d like help getting a Restraining Order without paying an expensive attorney, we can help. With our Legal Coaching we can walk you through every step to make sure you&#8217;re ready for your hearing. The first thing to do is see if you qualify for a <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/massachusetts-restraining-orders\/\"   title=\"Massachusetts Restraining Order\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">Massachusetts Restraining Order<\/a>. Click on the link below to see if you qualify for either type of Restraining Order.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-22b4f12 elementor-align-center elementor-hidden-mobile elementor-tablet-align-center elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"22b4f12\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-xl\" href=\"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/qualify-ro\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Do i qualify for a restraining order?<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f4edab1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"f4edab1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='legal-disclaimer'  id=\"boomdevs_12\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Legal Disclaimer<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-de7cff1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"de7cff1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with an attorney to discuss your specific circumstances and receive tailored guidance.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Determine the Type of Order: Decide if you need a domestic violence restraining order (209A) or a harassment prevention order (258E). Obtain the Forms: Visit your local Massachusetts courthouse or their website to get the necessary forms. Courthouses have Court Service Centers where staff can help. Complete the Forms: Fill out the application forms, providing [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4575,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4574","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-restraining-orders"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How Do I File for a Restraining Order in Massachusetts? - Afford Law<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover the essential steps to file for a restraining order in Massachusetts with our comprehensive guide. Learn about the necessary documentation, legal requirements, and court procedures to ensure your safety and legal protection. 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