{"id":4859,"date":"2024-04-19T11:51:32","date_gmt":"2024-04-19T11:51:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/?p=4859"},"modified":"2025-05-24T13:09:25","modified_gmt":"2025-05-24T13:09:25","slug":"rules-massachusetts-restraining-orders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/rules-massachusetts-restraining-orders\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are the Rules for a Restraining Order in Massachusetts?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"4859\" class=\"elementor elementor-4859\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ac32466 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"ac32466\" 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-6fca310 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6fca310\" 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>In Massachusetts, a Restraining Order, also known as a protective order, can be obtained if a person has experienced abuse or fears imminent serious physical harm from a family or household member. Abuse includes:<\/p><ul><li>physical harm,<\/li><li>attempts to harm,<\/li><li>causing fear of imminent serious physical harm, or<\/li><li>forced sexual relations.<\/li><\/ul><p>You may also get a Restraining Order is you\u2019ve suffered from harassment. There are three main types of restraining orders:<\/p><ol><li><strong>209A Protective Order<\/strong> &#8211; for protection from a family or household member.<\/li><li><strong>258E Harassment Prevention Order<\/strong> &#8211; for protection against harassment from anyone, not just a household member.<\/li><li><strong>Extreme Risk Protection Order<\/strong> &#8211; restricts a person&#8217;s access to firearms if they pose a risk of causing bodily injury to themselves or others.<\/li><\/ol><p>To obtain a restraining order, the individual must apply at a local court, and a judge will determine the necessity based on the evidence presented.<\/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-a62e0e1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"a62e0e1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/8pN7QANw-4E?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-f348890 elementor-widget elementor-widget-boomdevs-toc-widget\" data-id=\"f348890\" 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=\"#types-of-restraining-orders-in-massachusetts\">Types of Restraining Orders in Massachusetts<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#eligibility-and-grounds-for-obtaining-a-restraining-order\">Eligibility and Grounds for Obtaining a Restraining Order<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#terms-and-enforcement-of-restraining-orders\">Terms and Enforcement of Restraining Orders<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#consequences-and-legal-assistance-for-restraining-orders\">Consequences and Legal Assistance for Restraining Orders<\/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-afceabd elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"afceabd\" 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='types-of-restraining-orders-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_1\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Types of Restraining Orders <br>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-4820b46 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"4820b46\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/4GrAx_nw5rk?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-9feb253 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"9feb253\" 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='209a-abuse-prevention-order'  id=\"boomdevs_2\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">209A 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-8d279a1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8d279a1\" 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>In Massachusetts, a 209A Abuse Prevention Order, commonly known as a Restraining Order, is a legal tool designed to protect you from abuse or harassment by family or household members. Family or household members include:<\/p><ul><li>spouses,<\/li><li>former spouses,<\/li><li>blood relatives,<\/li><li>co-parents, and<\/li><li>those in substantive dating relationships.<\/li><\/ul><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>To qualify for a 209A order, you must demonstrate that you have experienced abuse or have a reasonable fear of imminent serious physical harm from your abuser.<\/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-efa8482 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"efa8482\" 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='258e-harassment-prevention-order'  id=\"boomdevs_3\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">258E 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-1fab569 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1fab569\" 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>Unlike a 209A order, a 258E Harassment Prevention Order is not limited to protection from family or household members. This type of order is available to anyone facing harassment, regardless of the relationship with the perpetrator. Harassment includes behaviors such as:<\/p><ul><li>stalking,<\/li><li>unwanted contact,<\/li><li>threats, and<\/li><li>intimidation.<\/li><\/ul><p>A petitioner seeking a 258E order must prove that they have been subjected to harassment and that they fear for their safety or well-being as a result.<\/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-4fe6c7c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4fe6c7c\" 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='eligibility-and-grounds-for-obtaining-a-restraining-order'  id=\"boomdevs_4\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Eligibility and Grounds for Obtaining a Restraining Order<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d378ffc elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d378ffc\" 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='criteria-for-seeking-a-restraining-order'  id=\"boomdevs_5\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Criteria for Seeking a Restraining Order<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2e3082d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2e3082d\" 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 obtain a Restraining Order in Massachusetts, the petitioner must have a reasonable fear of imminent serious physical harm or prove past abuse or harassment. Abuse encompasses various forms of harm, including:<\/p><ul><li>physical violence,<\/li><li>threats,<\/li><li>emotional abuse, and<\/li><li>sexual assault.<\/li><\/ul><p>The petitioner can file for a restraining order at the:<\/p><ul><li>Superior Court,<\/li><li>District Court,<\/li><li>Boston Municipal Court,<\/li><li>Juvenile Court or<\/li><li>Probate and Family Court<\/li><\/ul><p>depending on the circumstances.<\/p><p>It&#8217;s essential to provide evidence supporting the allegations, such as:<\/p><ul><li>police reports,<\/li><li>medical records, or<\/li><li>witness statements.<\/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-79875f9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"79875f9\" 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='legal-process-for-obtaining-a-restraining-order'  id=\"boomdevs_6\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Legal Process for Obtaining a Restraining Order<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c114c0f elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"c114c0f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/BjgPvAofm5g?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-fdc5e65 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fdc5e65\" 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 process of obtaining a restraining order typically begins with you filing an application and submitting a sworn statement detailing the alleged abuse or harassment. In emergency situations, an ex parte temporary <a href=\"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/longest-time-restraining-order-massachusetts\/\" data-wplink-edit=\"true\">restraining order<\/a> may be granted without the alleged abuser present. Subsequently, a hearing is scheduled where both parties have the opportunity to present evidence and testimony before a judge. Based on the evidence presented, the judge may issue a Temporary 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-2cf2207 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"2cf2207\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/tqyMJfO00DM?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-6822f95 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"6822f95\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/635heMTFgYg?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-a857e93 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a857e93\" 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='terms-and-enforcement-of-restraining-orders'  id=\"boomdevs_7\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Terms and Enforcement 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-1eb0bf0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1eb0bf0\" 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='terms-of-a-restraining-order'  id=\"boomdevs_8\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Terms of a Restraining Order<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-04c0d37 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"04c0d37\" 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 outlines specific terms and conditions that the respondent must adhere to. These may include:<\/p><ul><li>maintaining a certain distance from the petitioner,<\/li><li>refraining from contacting the petitioner in person, by phone, or through electronic means, and<\/li><li>turning in any firearms or weapons in their possession.<\/li><\/ul><p>Violating any of these terms constitutes a criminal offense and may result in fines, imprisonment, or both.<\/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-598daeb elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"598daeb\" 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='enforcement-of-restraining-orders'  id=\"boomdevs_9\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Enforcement of Restraining Orders<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-92092cc elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"92092cc\" 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>Law enforcement officers are responsible for enforcing restraining orders and ensuring your safety. If your abuser or harasser violates the terms of the order, you should contact the police immediately and report the violation. Police officers have the authority to arrest your abuser or harasser for violating the 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-079d6af elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"079d6af\" 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='consequences-and-legal-assistance-for-restraining-orders'  id=\"boomdevs_10\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Consequences and Legal Assistance for<br> 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-1b7580b elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"1b7580b\" 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-70c66c0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"70c66c0\" 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='consequences-of-violating-a-restraining-order'  id=\"boomdevs_11\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Consequences of Violating a Restraining Order<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-774e5af elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"774e5af\" 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 href=\"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/violation-restraining-order-probation-massachusetts\/\">Violating a restraining order in Massachusetts<\/a> is a serious offense with significant consequences. A violation may result in criminal charges, including:<\/p><ul><li>fines,<\/li><li>probation, or<\/li><li>jail.<\/li><\/ul><p>Moreover, it can have collateral consequences, such as:<\/p><ul><li>affecting child custody arrangements,<\/li><li>employment opportunities, and<\/li><li>immigration status.<\/li><\/ul><p>It&#8217;s crucial for respondents to understand the terms of the restraining order and comply with them to avoid legal repercussions.<\/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-9125c2f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"9125c2f\" 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_12\" 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-f9696e1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"f9696e1\" 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-6c96ab1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6c96ab1\" 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-ae45f90 elementor-align-center elementor-hidden-mobile elementor-tablet-align-center elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"ae45f90\" 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-1ef2f2c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1ef2f2c\" 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_13\" 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-3fd3e9a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3fd3e9a\" 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<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-feee19e e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"feee19e\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\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>In Massachusetts, a Restraining Order, also known as a protective order, can be obtained if a person has experienced abuse or fears imminent serious physical harm from a family or household member. Abuse includes: physical harm, attempts to harm, causing fear of imminent serious physical harm, or forced sexual relations. You may also get a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4860,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4859","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>What Are the Rules for a Restraining Order in Massachusetts? - Afford Law<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn about the types, eligibility, legal process, and consequences of restraining orders in Massachusetts. Get professional legal assistance to protect your rights.\" \/>\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\/rules-massachusetts-restraining-orders\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What Are the Rules for a Restraining Order in Massachusetts? - Afford Law\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn about the types, eligibility, legal process, and consequences of restraining orders in Massachusetts. Get professional legal assistance to protect your rights.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/rules-massachusetts-restraining-orders\/\" \/>\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=\"2024-04-19T11:51:32+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-05-24T13:09:25+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/rules-and-regulations.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=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/rules-massachusetts-restraining-orders\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/rules-massachusetts-restraining-orders\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Attorney Paul Whelan\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/4f280d694ac334f7d65660bfb22b5084\"},\"headline\":\"What Are the Rules for a Restraining Order in Massachusetts?\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-04-19T11:51:32+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-05-24T13:09:25+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/rules-massachusetts-restraining-orders\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":901,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/rules-massachusetts-restraining-orders\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/staging\\\/2465\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/rules-and-regulations.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"Restraining Orders\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/rules-massachusetts-restraining-orders\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/rules-massachusetts-restraining-orders\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/rules-massachusetts-restraining-orders\\\/\",\"name\":\"What Are the Rules for a Restraining Order in Massachusetts? - Afford Law\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/rules-massachusetts-restraining-orders\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/rules-massachusetts-restraining-orders\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/staging\\\/2465\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/rules-and-regulations.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-04-19T11:51:32+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-05-24T13:09:25+00:00\",\"description\":\"Learn about the types, eligibility, legal process, and consequences of restraining orders in Massachusetts. Get professional legal assistance to protect your rights.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/rules-massachusetts-restraining-orders\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/rules-massachusetts-restraining-orders\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/staging\\\/2465\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/rules-and-regulations.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/staging\\\/2465\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/rules-and-regulations.png\",\"width\":500,\"height\":500,\"caption\":\"Rules and regulations books on Massachusetts Restraining Orders.\"},{\"@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":"What Are the Rules for a Restraining Order in Massachusetts? - Afford Law","description":"Learn about the types, eligibility, legal process, and consequences of restraining orders in Massachusetts. Get professional legal assistance to protect your rights.","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\/rules-massachusetts-restraining-orders\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"What Are the Rules for a Restraining Order in Massachusetts? - Afford Law","og_description":"Learn about the types, eligibility, legal process, and consequences of restraining orders in Massachusetts. Get professional legal assistance to protect your rights.","og_url":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/rules-massachusetts-restraining-orders\/","og_site_name":"Afford Law","article_author":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/affordlaw.org","article_published_time":"2024-04-19T11:51:32+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-05-24T13:09:25+00:00","og_image":[{"width":500,"height":500,"url":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/rules-and-regulations.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"Attorney Paul Whelan","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Attorney Paul Whelan","Est. reading time":"4 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/rules-massachusetts-restraining-orders\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/rules-massachusetts-restraining-orders\/"},"author":{"name":"Attorney Paul Whelan","@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/#\/schema\/person\/4f280d694ac334f7d65660bfb22b5084"},"headline":"What Are the Rules for a Restraining Order in Massachusetts?","datePublished":"2024-04-19T11:51:32+00:00","dateModified":"2025-05-24T13:09:25+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/rules-massachusetts-restraining-orders\/"},"wordCount":901,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/rules-massachusetts-restraining-orders\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/rules-and-regulations.png","articleSection":["Restraining Orders"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/rules-massachusetts-restraining-orders\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/rules-massachusetts-restraining-orders\/","url":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/rules-massachusetts-restraining-orders\/","name":"What Are the Rules for a Restraining Order in Massachusetts? - Afford Law","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/rules-massachusetts-restraining-orders\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/rules-massachusetts-restraining-orders\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/rules-and-regulations.png","datePublished":"2024-04-19T11:51:32+00:00","dateModified":"2025-05-24T13:09:25+00:00","description":"Learn about the types, eligibility, legal process, and consequences of restraining orders in Massachusetts. Get professional legal assistance to protect your rights.","inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/rules-massachusetts-restraining-orders\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/rules-massachusetts-restraining-orders\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/rules-and-regulations.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/rules-and-regulations.png","width":500,"height":500,"caption":"Rules and regulations books on Massachusetts Restraining Orders."},{"@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\/4859","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=4859"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4859\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8126,"href":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4859\/revisions\/8126"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4860"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4859"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4859"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4859"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}