{"id":4834,"date":"2024-04-18T21:32:08","date_gmt":"2024-04-18T21:32:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/?p=4834"},"modified":"2025-05-24T13:12:29","modified_gmt":"2025-05-24T13:12:29","slug":"extending-restraining-order-massachusetts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/extending-restraining-order-massachusetts\/","title":{"rendered":"How Do I Extend a Restraining Order in Massachusetts?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"4834\" class=\"elementor elementor-4834\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-03f38c6 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"03f38c6\" 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-4fa69b0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4fa69b0\" 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><br \/>To extend a restraining order in Massachusetts, you need to ask for an extension on the day the current order expires. The order you currently have has an expiration date on it. If you want to extend it, you have to go before a judge where you will explain why you still feel threatened and need the order to continue. You should provide any new evidence of threats or harassment. The judge will then decide whether to extend the restraining order based on the evidence and circumstances presented. Typically, orders are extended for one year.<\/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-4724449 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"4724449\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/dAqnw5kbAqA?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-7a1a4e5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-boomdevs-toc-widget\" data-id=\"7a1a4e5\" 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=\"#the-role-of-restraining-orders\">The Role of Restraining Orders<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#understanding-restraining-orders-in-massachusetts\">Understanding Restraining Orders in Massachusetts<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#preparing-for-an-extension-hearing\">Preparing for an Extension Hearing<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#gathering-necessary-evidence\">Gathering Necessary Evidence <\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#what-happens-at-the-extension-hearing\">What Happens at the Extension Hearing?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#the-outcome-of-the-hearing\">The Outcome of the Hearing<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#after-the-hearing-next-steps\">After the Hearing: Next Steps<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#safety-planning-and-legal-resources\">Safety Planning and Legal Resources<\/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-aef2926 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"aef2926\" 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-restraining-orders'  id=\"boomdevs_1\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Role of Restraining Orders<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-41ba48d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"41ba48d\" 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;re feeling threatened and need continued protection, understanding how to extend a restraining order is crucial. In Massachusetts, a Restraining Order, which could be an Abuse Prevention Order or a Harassment Prevention Order, can offer you legal protection from harm or harassment by someone else.<\/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-9aa1f5c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"9aa1f5c\" 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-restraining-orders-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_2\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Understanding Restraining Orders 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-7900230 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7900230\" 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<h3 id='what-is-an-abuse-prevention-order'  id=\"boomdevs_3\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What is an Abuse Prevention Order? <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-52d8f7a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"52d8f7a\" 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>An Abuse Prevention Order is a court order designed to protect individuals from a family member or intimate partner who poses a threat of physical harm. These orders are granted by various courts and can dictate:<\/p><ul><li>temporary custody of a minor child,<\/li><li>require the payment of child support, or<\/li><li>demand the abusive person to stay away from you.<\/li><\/ul>\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-f520744 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"f520744\" 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<h3 id='abuse-prevention-order-vs-harassment-prevention-order'  id=\"boomdevs_4\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Abuse Prevention Order vs. Harassment Prevention Order <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7f517bd elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"7f517bd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/4GrAx_nw5rk&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-a21c5bd elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a21c5bd\" 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>While an Abuse Prevention Order typically addresses the threats from someone with whom you have a domestic relationship, Harassment Prevention Orders are available if you&#8217;re dealing with:<\/p><ul><li>stalking,<\/li><li>sexual violence, or<\/li><li>harassing behavior<\/li><\/ul><p>from someone you do not have a close domestic relationship with. Both types of orders are enforced by law enforcement agencies and carry serious implications for violations.<\/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-c21d041 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c21d041\" 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-an-extension-hearing'  id=\"boomdevs_5\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Preparing for an <br>Extension Hearing<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b82dab5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b82dab5\" 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<h3 id='the-importance-of-timely-action'  id=\"boomdevs_6\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Importance of Timely Action <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f059c50 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f059c50\" 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>Timing is crucial when seeking an extension of your order. You must show up at court on the day your original order is set to expire. You want to make sure that an extension is granted before your initial order runs out to avoid any gaps in protection. If you don\u2019t show up for court, the order will expire.<\/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-b68c148 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b68c148\" 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='gathering-necessary-evidence'  id=\"boomdevs_7\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Gathering Necessary Evidence <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3909906 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3909906\" 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 have any new information you\u2019d like the judge to see, bring it with you. If there were any violations of the current order, make sure you make that known. You want to explain exactly why you\u2019re afraid and why the order should be extended.<\/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-68b8ce3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"68b8ce3\" 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='what-happens-at-the-extension-hearing'  id=\"boomdevs_8\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What Happens at the <br>Extension Hearing?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-766ae58 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"766ae58\" 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<h3 id='presenting-evidence'  id=\"boomdevs_9\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Presenting Evidence <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b489187 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b489187\" 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>During the extension hearing in front of a judge, the burden of proof rests with you. You must demonstrate a substantial likelihood of immediate danger of abuse, often by a preponderance of the evidence, to have the order extended. A preponderance of the evidence simply means that it\u2019s more likely than not. Think of it as the judge being 51% convinced. That\u2019s a much lower standard than the reasonable doubt standard that\u2019s used at criminal trials.<\/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-936b9e0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"936b9e0\" 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<h3 id='the-judge-s-decision'  id=\"boomdevs_10\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Judge's Decision<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-78d4927 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"78d4927\" 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 judge will consider all parts of the order, the evidence presented, and whether there is a continued risk. If extended, the order may remain a temporary order, or in some cases, become a permanent order. Although permanent orders are possible, they\u2019re very rare. More likely, if the judge extends the order it will be for one year.<\/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-171b4a7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"171b4a7\" 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-outcome-of-the-hearing'  id=\"boomdevs_11\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Outcome of the Hearing<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a45279e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a45279e\" 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<h3 id='if-the-extension-is-granted'  id=\"boomdevs_12\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">If the Extension Is Granted <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-41ee6cb elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"41ee6cb\" 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 the judge grants the extension, you will receive a copy of the order. It\u2019s important to keep a copy with you. If your abuser violates the order, you should call the police immediately. They have access to a statewide database of Restraining Orders, but sometimes things fall through the cracks and the system isn\u2019t totally accurate. Also, if you\u2019re out of state when the violation happens, those officers probably won\u2019t be able to look it up.<\/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-b0ee9ab elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b0ee9ab\" 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<h3 id='in-case-of-a-denial'  id=\"boomdevs_13\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">In Case of a Denial <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2cb15cf elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2cb15cf\" 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 the extension is not granted, it\u2019s vital to understand the appeals process. You have the right to file a notice of appeal, and a Massachusetts appeals court can review the decision. The appeals process is not easy. It requires an understanding of the Rules of Appellate Procedure. But it is an option. Also, if something changes after the order was denied, such as increased harassing behavior or some incident of abuse, you always have the right to go back to court and apply for a new 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-17017d9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"17017d9\" 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='after-the-hearing-next-steps'  id=\"boomdevs_14\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">After the Hearing: Next Steps<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-87431ac elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"87431ac\" 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<h3 id='understanding-the-extended-order'  id=\"boomdevs_15\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Understanding the Extended Order <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4ce16cd elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4ce16cd\" 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 the order is extended, make sure you understand all terms, including any changes. Discuss with your attorney the parts of the order that are crucial for your protection, such as temporary support, custody, or contact prohibitions. The most important thing is to keep you safe.<\/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-69424ff elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"69424ff\" 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<h3 id='violations-of-the-order'  id=\"boomdevs_16\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Violations of the Order <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2f09d3d elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"2f09d3d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/q1rHQTp1HX8?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-f5ae83e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f5ae83e\" 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>It is a criminal offense to violate a protection order. If the restrained party disobeys the order, contact law enforcement officers immediately. The violator may face criminal charges and have a criminal record. Criminal penalties for violating the order include a maximum jail sentence of 2 \u00bd years at the House of Corrections.<\/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-e2135e3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e2135e3\" 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='safety-planning-and-legal-resources'  id=\"boomdevs_17\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Safety Planning and <br>Legal Resources<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0d58465 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"0d58465\" 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<h3 id='creating-a-safety-plan'  id=\"boomdevs_18\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Creating a Safety Plan <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-19af776 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"19af776\" 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>Your safety is paramount. Work with your attorney or a local advocacy group to create a safety plan. This plan may include actions to take if the abusive person attempts contact or you feel threatened again. A Restraining Order can be helpful in providing for your safety, but you should take all reasonable steps as well.<\/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-0c8bdbd elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"0c8bdbd\" 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<h3 id='finding-affordable-legal-help'  id=\"boomdevs_19\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Finding Affordable Legal Help <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d63828e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d63828e\" 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>Obtaining legal advice does not have to break the bank. Organizations like Afford Law provide access to legal services for victims of domestic violence, offering assistance in extending restraining orders and handling related family court matters. Our fees are based on your income, so the less you make, the less you pay.<\/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-a80f0f5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a80f0f5\" 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_20\" 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-7024bc5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"7024bc5\" 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-b394fca elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b394fca\" 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-82c4cea elementor-align-center elementor-hidden-mobile elementor-tablet-align-center elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"82c4cea\" 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-e39c856 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e39c856\" 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_21\" 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-b43f15a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b43f15a\" 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>To extend a restraining order in Massachusetts, you need to ask for an extension on the day the current order expires. The order you currently have has an expiration date on it. If you want to extend it, you have to go before a judge where you will explain why you still feel threatened and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4835,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4834","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 Extend a Restraining Order in Massachusetts? - Afford Law<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Need to extend a restraining order in Massachusetts? Our experienced attorney outlines the step-by-step process to maintain your safety. Learn about the necessary paperwork, court hearing, and what to do if your extension is granted or denied. Affordable legal help is available.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/extending-restraining-order-massachusetts\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How Do I Extend a Restraining Order in Massachusetts? - Afford Law\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Need to extend a restraining order in Massachusetts? Our experienced attorney outlines the step-by-step process to maintain your safety. Learn about the necessary paperwork, court hearing, and what to do if your extension is granted or denied. Affordable legal help is available.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/extending-restraining-order-massachusetts\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Afford Law\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/affordlaw.org\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-04-18T21:32:08+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-05-24T13:12:29+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/extending-ro.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"500\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"500\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Attorney Paul Whelan\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Attorney Paul Whelan\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/extending-restraining-order-massachusetts\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/extending-restraining-order-massachusetts\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Attorney Paul Whelan\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/4f280d694ac334f7d65660bfb22b5084\"},\"headline\":\"How Do I Extend a Restraining Order in Massachusetts?\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-04-18T21:32:08+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-05-24T13:12:29+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/extending-restraining-order-massachusetts\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1166,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/extending-restraining-order-massachusetts\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/staging\\\/2465\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/extending-ro.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"Restraining Orders\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/extending-restraining-order-massachusetts\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/extending-restraining-order-massachusetts\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/extending-restraining-order-massachusetts\\\/\",\"name\":\"How Do I Extend a Restraining Order in Massachusetts? - Afford Law\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/extending-restraining-order-massachusetts\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/extending-restraining-order-massachusetts\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/staging\\\/2465\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/extending-ro.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-04-18T21:32:08+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-05-24T13:12:29+00:00\",\"description\":\"Need to extend a restraining order in Massachusetts? Our experienced attorney outlines the step-by-step process to maintain your safety. Learn about the necessary paperwork, court hearing, and what to do if your extension is granted or denied. Affordable legal help is available.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/extending-restraining-order-massachusetts\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/extending-restraining-order-massachusetts\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/staging\\\/2465\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/extending-ro.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/staging\\\/2465\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/extending-ro.png\",\"width\":500,\"height\":500,\"caption\":\"Judge extending Massachusetts Restraining Order.\"},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/\",\"name\":\"Afford Law\",\"description\":\"\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Afford Law\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/staging\\\/2465\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/Logo.webp\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/staging\\\/2465\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/Logo.webp\",\"width\":1000,\"height\":859,\"caption\":\"Afford Law\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/4f280d694ac334f7d65660bfb22b5084\",\"name\":\"Attorney Paul Whelan\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/5919481b37cdfa91af93fd692108f1f0500ac16e1932253330f2bc1c716721f8?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/5919481b37cdfa91af93fd692108f1f0500ac16e1932253330f2bc1c716721f8?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/5919481b37cdfa91af93fd692108f1f0500ac16e1932253330f2bc1c716721f8?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Attorney Paul Whelan\"},\"description\":\"I have been practicing law in Massachusetts since 1995. My focus is in the areas of criminal and family law. I'm dedicated to providing high-quality legal help at an affordable price. I practice throughout Massachusetts. I earned my MBA from the University of Rhode Island in 2023. I earned my JD from New England School of Law in 1994. I earned my BA from Rhode Island College in 1990.\",\"sameAs\":[\"http:\\\/\\\/www.affordlaw.org\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/affordlaw.org\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/affordlaw\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.linkedin.com\\\/in\\\/paul-whelan-41a2901a\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/@AffordLaw\"],\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/staging\\\/2465\\\/author\\\/affordlaw\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How Do I Extend a Restraining Order in Massachusetts? - Afford Law","description":"Need to extend a restraining order in Massachusetts? Our experienced attorney outlines the step-by-step process to maintain your safety. Learn about the necessary paperwork, court hearing, and what to do if your extension is granted or denied. Affordable legal help is available.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/extending-restraining-order-massachusetts\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"How Do I Extend a Restraining Order in Massachusetts? - Afford Law","og_description":"Need to extend a restraining order in Massachusetts? Our experienced attorney outlines the step-by-step process to maintain your safety. Learn about the necessary paperwork, court hearing, and what to do if your extension is granted or denied. Affordable legal help is available.","og_url":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/extending-restraining-order-massachusetts\/","og_site_name":"Afford Law","article_author":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/affordlaw.org","article_published_time":"2024-04-18T21:32:08+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-05-24T13:12:29+00:00","og_image":[{"width":500,"height":500,"url":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/extending-ro.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"Attorney Paul Whelan","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Attorney Paul Whelan","Est. reading time":"5 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/extending-restraining-order-massachusetts\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/extending-restraining-order-massachusetts\/"},"author":{"name":"Attorney Paul Whelan","@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/#\/schema\/person\/4f280d694ac334f7d65660bfb22b5084"},"headline":"How Do I Extend a Restraining Order in Massachusetts?","datePublished":"2024-04-18T21:32:08+00:00","dateModified":"2025-05-24T13:12:29+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/extending-restraining-order-massachusetts\/"},"wordCount":1166,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/extending-restraining-order-massachusetts\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/extending-ro.png","articleSection":["Restraining Orders"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/extending-restraining-order-massachusetts\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/extending-restraining-order-massachusetts\/","url":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/extending-restraining-order-massachusetts\/","name":"How Do I Extend a Restraining Order in Massachusetts? - Afford Law","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/extending-restraining-order-massachusetts\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/extending-restraining-order-massachusetts\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/extending-ro.png","datePublished":"2024-04-18T21:32:08+00:00","dateModified":"2025-05-24T13:12:29+00:00","description":"Need to extend a restraining order in Massachusetts? Our experienced attorney outlines the step-by-step process to maintain your safety. Learn about the necessary paperwork, court hearing, and what to do if your extension is granted or denied. Affordable legal help is available.","inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/extending-restraining-order-massachusetts\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/extending-restraining-order-massachusetts\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/extending-ro.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/extending-ro.png","width":500,"height":500,"caption":"Judge extending Massachusetts Restraining Order."},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/#website","url":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/","name":"Afford Law","description":"","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/#organization","name":"Afford Law","url":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Logo.webp","contentUrl":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Logo.webp","width":1000,"height":859,"caption":"Afford Law"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/#\/schema\/person\/4f280d694ac334f7d65660bfb22b5084","name":"Attorney Paul Whelan","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/5919481b37cdfa91af93fd692108f1f0500ac16e1932253330f2bc1c716721f8?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/5919481b37cdfa91af93fd692108f1f0500ac16e1932253330f2bc1c716721f8?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/5919481b37cdfa91af93fd692108f1f0500ac16e1932253330f2bc1c716721f8?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Attorney Paul Whelan"},"description":"I have been practicing law in Massachusetts since 1995. My focus is in the areas of criminal and family law. I'm dedicated to providing high-quality legal help at an affordable price. I practice throughout Massachusetts. I earned my MBA from the University of Rhode Island in 2023. I earned my JD from New England School of Law in 1994. I earned my BA from Rhode Island College in 1990.","sameAs":["http:\/\/www.affordlaw.org","https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/affordlaw.org","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/affordlaw\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/paul-whelan-41a2901a\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@AffordLaw"],"url":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/author\/affordlaw\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4834","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4834"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4834\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8138,"href":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4834\/revisions\/8138"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4835"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4834"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4834"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4834"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}