{"id":4892,"date":"2024-04-20T19:02:14","date_gmt":"2024-04-20T19:02:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/?p=4892"},"modified":"2025-05-24T13:04:56","modified_gmt":"2025-05-24T13:04:56","slug":"burden-proof-restraining-orders-massachusetts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/burden-proof-restraining-orders-massachusetts\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is the Burden of Proof for a Restraining Order in Massachusetts?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"4892\" class=\"elementor elementor-4892\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-eea3eb3 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"eea3eb3\" 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-68b7a5b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"68b7a5b\" 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 \/>In Massachusetts, the burden of proof for obtaining a restraining order, whether it\u2019s an Abuse Prevention Order under Chapter 209A, or a Harassment Prevention Order under Chapter 258E, is a &#8220;preponderance of the evidence.&#8221; This means you must demonstrate that it is more likely than not that you have been subjected to abuse or harassment by the defendant. Abuse is defined as attempting to cause or causing physical harm, placing another in fear of serious physical harm, or causing another to engage involuntarily in sexual relations by force, threat, or duress. The definition of harassment includes 3 or more separate incidents of harassing behavior. This standard is lower than &#8220;beyond a reasonable doubt,&#8221; which is used in criminal cases, reflecting the protective purpose of the orders.<\/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-01ed3a9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"01ed3a9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/hWD_lFylbTk?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-6900c61 elementor-widget elementor-widget-boomdevs-toc-widget\" data-id=\"6900c61\" 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=\"#what-is-a-restraining-order\">What is a Restraining Order?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#legal-standards-for-issuing-a-restraining-order\">Legal Standards for Issuing a Restraining Order<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#filing-for-a-restraining-order\">Filing for a Restraining Order<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#restraining-order-court-proceedings\">Restraining Order Court Proceedings<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#after-the-restraining-order-issues\">After the Restraining Order Issues<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#legal-assistance-and-resources\">Legal Assistance and Resources<\/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-1781323 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1781323\" 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-is-a-restraining-order'  id=\"boomdevs_1\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What is 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-c8fc758 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c8fc758\" 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-protective-orders'  id=\"boomdevs_2\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Understanding Protective Orders <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ade49dc elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ade49dc\" 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, often referred to as a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/what-protective-order-massachusetts\/\">protective order in Massachusetts<\/a>, is a court order that restricts the behavior of someone who harms or threatens to harm you. It is designed to prevent further abuse by prohibiting contact between your abuser and you.<\/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-57f93e4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"57f93e4\" 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='types-and-purposes-of-massachusetts-restraining-orders'  id=\"boomdevs_3\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Types and Purposes of Massachusetts 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-13a65b4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"13a65b4\" 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-aa4b8d7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"aa4b8d7\" 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, the two most common forms of Restraining Orders are the Abuse Prevention Order under Chapter 209A, and the Harassment Prevention Order under Chapter 258E. The Abuse Prevention Order is specifically designed to protect you from abusers who are family or household members or who you are in a significant dating relationship with. These orders can demand that your abuser:<\/p><ul><li>stop the abuse\/harassment,<\/li><li>vacate the household, and<\/li><li>refrain from contacting 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-76ecf17 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"76ecf17\" 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-standards-for-issuing-a-restraining-order'  id=\"boomdevs_4\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Legal Standards for Issuing 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-9874bd6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"9874bd6\" 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='burden-of-proof'  id=\"boomdevs_5\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Burden of Proof <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-31f1a65 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"31f1a65\" 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 legal standard applied in these cases is &#8220;preponderance of the evidence.&#8221; This means that you must show that it is more likely than not that abuse has occurred. Think of it as the judge being 51% sure that the abuse has taken place. This standard is significantly lower than the &#8220;beyond a reasonable doubt&#8221; required in criminal cases, reflecting the protective nature of the orders.<\/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-be7a148 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"be7a148\" 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='evidence-required-for-a-massachusetts-restraining-order'  id=\"boomdevs_6\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Evidence Required for a Massachusetts 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-5db8b90 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5db8b90\" 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>Evidence can include:<\/p><ul><li>testimony,<\/li><li>police reports,<\/li><li>medical records,<\/li><li>photographs of injuries, or<\/li><li>any relevant documentation<\/li><\/ul><p>that can substantiate the claim of abuse or fear of imminent serious physical 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-3c40add elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3c40add\" 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-for-a-restraining-order'  id=\"boomdevs_7\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Filing for 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-1f42736 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"1f42736\" 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-81848bb elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"81848bb\" 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='first-step-application-form'  id=\"boomdevs_8\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">First Step: Application Form <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-df2aefd elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"df2aefd\" 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 begins at your local court where you fill out an application form detailing the nature of the abuse or harassment. It&#8217;s crucial to provide specific instances of:<\/p><ul><li>physical abuse,<\/li><li>threats, or<\/li><li>harassing behavior<\/li><\/ul><p>including dates and descriptions of each incident.<\/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-65f7380 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"65f7380\" 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='emergency-and-temporary-orders'  id=\"boomdevs_9\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Emergency and Temporary Orders <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6ff2bfb elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6ff2bfb\" 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 immediate protection is needed, a temporary restraining order can be issued on the same day without your abuser present (an ex parte hearing). These temporary orders last until a full court hearing can be conducted, usually within 10 court business 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-065db1c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"065db1c\" 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='restraining-order-court-proceedings'  id=\"boomdevs_10\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Restraining Order <br>Court Proceedings<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d696ee8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"d696ee8\" 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-45033ec elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"45033ec\" 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='full-court-hearing'  id=\"boomdevs_11\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Full Court Hearing <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3871097 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3871097\" 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>After a temporary order is issued, a full court hearing is scheduled, where both you and your abuser can present your evidence and testimony. Here, the burden of proof lies with the you to demonstrate the need for a continued protection 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-5425fd7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"5425fd7\" 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='extensions-of-massachusetts-restraining-orders'  id=\"boomdevs_12\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Extensions of Massachusetts 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-a0ef331 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a0ef331\" 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 finds sufficient evidence of danger or ongoing abuse, they will extend your 10-day order. Usually, the order is extended for one year. On that one-year date, you can go back to court and once again ask the court to extend it. Be sure to bring with you any evidence you might have of continued contact and any incidents of violations of 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-4919f59 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4919f59\" 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-restraining-order-issues'  id=\"boomdevs_13\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">After the Restraining <br>Order Issues<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c3dc5f0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"c3dc5f0\" 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-a59b91a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a59b91a\" 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-orders'  id=\"boomdevs_14\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Enforcement of Orders <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ea0eb23 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ea0eb23\" 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\u2019s imperative to understand that violating a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/rules-massachusetts-restraining-orders\/\">restraining order is a criminal offense in Massachusetts<\/a>. Law enforcement officers are required to arrest an alleged abuser if they believe a restraining order has been violated.<\/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-97f3f75 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"97f3f75\" 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-consequences-for-violating-a-massachusetts-restraining-order'  id=\"boomdevs_15\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Legal Consequences for Violating a Massachusetts 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-4c229a8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4c229a8\" 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 civil in nature, however, a violation of that order is a crime. Violating 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> can result in criminal charges against your abuser or harasser, which might result in<\/p><ul><li>fines,<\/li><li>jail time, and<\/li><li>a permanent criminal record.<\/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-cf4e587 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"cf4e587\" 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-assistance-and-resources'  id=\"boomdevs_16\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Legal Assistance and Resources<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-37a25cd elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"37a25cd\" 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='seeking-legal-help'  id=\"boomdevs_17\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Seeking 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-25f83a1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"25f83a1\" 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>Navigating the legal process for obtaining a restraining order can be overwhelming, especially if you are dealing with trauma from abuse. It&#8217;s a good idea to seek guidance from an experienced attorney who can help ensure that your rights are protected and your case is effectively 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-0881217 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"0881217\" 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='help-getting-a-restraining-order-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_18\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Help Getting a Restraining Order in Massachusetts<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-db9ebaf elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"db9ebaf\" 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-1fee3dd elementor-align-center elementor-hidden-mobile elementor-tablet-align-center elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"1fee3dd\" 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-fa3f965 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fa3f965\" 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\u2019d 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\u2019re ready for your hearing. The first thing to do is see if you qualify for a Massachusetts Restraining Order. 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-d50db1e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d50db1e\" 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='empowerment-through-legal-action'  id=\"boomdevs_19\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Empowerment Through Legal Action <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-51acab3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"51acab3\" 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 a restraining order is a significant step towards ensuring your safety and the safety of your family. Understanding the burden of proof and the legal process empowers you to take informed actions against 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-6bec017 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6bec017\" 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='act-now-for-your-safety'  id=\"boomdevs_20\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Act Now for Your Safety <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6dd01e4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6dd01e4\" 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 or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact a knowledgeable attorney today. Remember, you are not alone, and legal help is available to protect you from further abuse.<\/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-2e6a238 elementor-align-center elementor-hidden-mobile elementor-tablet-align-center elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"2e6a238\" 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-c32c030 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c32c030\" 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-829a63a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"829a63a\" 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>In Massachusetts, the burden of proof for obtaining a restraining order, whether it\u2019s an Abuse Prevention Order under Chapter 209A, or a Harassment Prevention Order under Chapter 258E, is a &#8220;preponderance of the evidence.&#8221; This means you must demonstrate that it is more likely than not that you have been subjected to abuse or harassment [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4893,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4892","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 Is the Burden of Proof for a Restraining Order in Massachusetts? - Afford Law<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn about the burden of proof for restraining orders in Massachusetts and how they can protect you from domestic violence and abuse. 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