{"id":5260,"date":"2024-04-29T23:38:00","date_gmt":"2024-04-29T23:38:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/?p=5260"},"modified":"2024-06-16T11:29:00","modified_gmt":"2024-06-16T11:29:00","slug":"harassment-prevention-order-lasts-massachusetts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/harassment-prevention-order-lasts-massachusetts\/","title":{"rendered":"How Long Does a Harassment Order Last in Massachusetts?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"5260\" class=\"elementor elementor-5260\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-99abed7 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"99abed7\" 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-6b04440 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6b04440\" 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, a harassment prevention order typically lasts for up to one year but can be extended under certain circumstances. Extensions can be granted if the petitioner proves that harassment is likely to continue or that there&#8217;s a new incident of harassment. The duration may vary based on court discretion and the specifics of each case.<\/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-513ecf0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"513ecf0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/cnaczZHAqOk?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-a59c96e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a59c96e\" 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-harassment-prevention-orders-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_1\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Understanding Harassment Prevention 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-435bb86 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"435bb86\" 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>Harassment can happen in various forms, from persistent unwelcome text messages to threats of physical violence. In Massachusetts, when such behavior crosses the line, a civil court order known as a Harassment Prevention Order can be issued. This is a legal tool designed to protect you from someone who causes you fear or harm, not limited to, but including, a household member or family member.<\/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-692b750 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"692b750\" 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-path-to-obtaining-a-harassment-prevention-order'  id=\"boomdevs_2\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Path to Obtaining a Harassment Prevention Order<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bc1dfb4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"bc1dfb4\" 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-857fc0a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"857fc0a\" 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>Initiating a harassment prevention order begins at your local district court. You must complete an application form detailing the nature of the harassment\u2014this may include evidence of malicious conduct, such as documented phone calls or text messages. The legal advice I provide will ensure your application captures all relevant details to substantiate your 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-2d5044b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2d5044b\" 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-temporary-order-and-the-10-day-hearing'  id=\"boomdevs_3\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Temporary Order and the 10-Day Hearing<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-522b68e elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"522b68e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/tqyMJfO00DM&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-786fc0a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"786fc0a\" 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 emergency situations, a temporary order, often referred to as an ex-parte order, is available. Ex-parte just means \u201cone party\u201d. That\u2019s because you\u2019ll be the only one testifying at that stage. You\u2019ll have your ex-parte hearing the same day you file your paperwork.<\/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-3681dc6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3681dc6\" 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 immediate protection is granted without the presence of your abuser\/harasser and typically lasts until the 10-day hearing also known as the 2-party hearing. The police department will serve the Temporary Order on your abuser\/harasser and they will be given notice that the 2-party hearing is scheduled.<\/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-2c712c8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"2c712c8\" 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-56de11f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"56de11f\" 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>At the 2-party hearing you\u2019ll be able to explain to the judge why you want the Order. Be sure to bring any evidence and witnesses you want the judge to hear from. Your abuser\/harasser will also have a chance to talk to the judge to explain why the Order shouldn\u2019t be granted.<\/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-eecc230 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"eecc230\" 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-orders'  id=\"boomdevs_4\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Emergency Orders<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f0b6148 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f0b6148\" 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>Emergency Orders serve as a swift protective measure, typically granted outside normal court hours. \u00a0If you are in immediate need of the court\u2019s protection after hours, you should go to your local police station. There is a judge on call state-wide 24 hours a day. That judge can issue an Emergency Order which is valid until the close of the next business day. If you want to extend the Order, you have to go to court that next business day, file your paperwork and have your ex-parte hearing.<\/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-215e86c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"215e86c\" 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-duration-and-extension-of-prevention-orders'  id=\"boomdevs_5\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Duration and Extension of Prevention Orders<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-390f368 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"390f368\" 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>Typically, if the judge is convinced you need an order for your protection after the 2-party hearing, they will extend your Order for one year. On the expiration date of your Order, if you want it extended again, you need to go back to court and ask for the extension.<\/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-cf6ebb9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"cf6ebb9\" 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-extension-hearing'  id=\"boomdevs_6\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Extension Hearing <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-00d2b48 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"00d2b48\" 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 extension hearing is where we argue why additional time is needed for your protection. We&#8217;ll prepare by gathering fresh evidence or documenting any new instances of harassment. The court takes such requests seriously, especially when there&#8217;s a concern about the potential for criminal charges against the harasser.<\/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-c729f11 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c729f11\" 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='responding-to-harassment-criminal-charges-and-legal-recourses'  id=\"boomdevs_7\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Responding to Harassment: Criminal Charges and <br>Legal Recourses<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1e8f489 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1e8f489\" 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>Should the individual you&#8217;re filing against react with further harassment or threats, it may lead to criminal charges. This underscores the seriousness of the situation and adds a layer of protection for you. It&#8217;s not just a matter of a civil order anymore; it&#8217;s a criminal case that can result in police department involvement.<\/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-7b4ebb5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7b4ebb5\" 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='violations-and-enforcement-of-harassment-orders'  id=\"boomdevs_8\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Violations and Enforcement of Harassment Orders<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e1af46b elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"e1af46b\" 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-47205e2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"47205e2\" 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 in place, a harassment order demands strict compliance. Violations by the specific person named in the order can lead to criminal penalties. Those penalties include fines of up to $5,000 and a jail sentence up to 2 \u00bd years in 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-df10d2f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"df10d2f\" 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&#8217;s essential to understand that any breach of the order\u2014be it through direct contact or through social media sites\u2014can have serious repercussions for the violator. In the event of such violations, you should contact the police immediately.<\/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-578d692 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"578d692\" 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_9\" 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-00a9989 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"00a9989\" 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-c50ed8c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c50ed8c\" 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-6c44288 elementor-align-center elementor-hidden-mobile elementor-tablet-align-center elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"6c44288\" 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\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 harassment prevention order typically lasts for up to one year but can be extended under certain circumstances. Extensions can be granted if the petitioner proves that harassment is likely to continue or that there&#8217;s a new incident of harassment. The duration may vary based on court discretion and the specifics of each [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5261,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5260","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 Long Does a Harassment Order Last in Massachusetts? - Afford Law<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn the specific timelines for harassment orders in Massachusetts and what you can expect after filing. This article covers everything from temporary to permanent orders, extensions, and what actions to take if an order is violated. Get informed on how to navigate these legal protections for your peace of mind.\" \/>\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\/harassment-prevention-order-lasts-massachusetts\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How Long Does a Harassment Order Last in Massachusetts? - Afford Law\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn the specific timelines for harassment orders in Massachusetts and what you can expect after filing. This article covers everything from temporary to permanent orders, extensions, and what actions to take if an order is violated. 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