{"id":5393,"date":"2024-05-01T19:21:39","date_gmt":"2024-05-01T19:21:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/?p=5393"},"modified":"2025-03-21T11:14:33","modified_gmt":"2025-03-21T11:14:33","slug":"third-party-contact-restraining-massachusetts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/third-party-contact-restraining-massachusetts\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a Third-Party Contact Restraining Order in Massachusetts?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"5393\" class=\"elementor elementor-5393\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f2d54b7 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"f2d54b7\" 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-38b1fc6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"38b1fc6\" 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 Third-Party Contact Restraining Order in Massachusetts is typically part of an Abuse Prevention Order (209A Order) or a Harassment Prevention Order (258E Order) which may require the individual who is the subject of the order to refrain from contacting the victim not only directly but also through third parties. This kind of order is aimed at preventing the individual from circumventing the order&#8217;s intent by using someone else to contact the protected party. In essence, it prohibits any form of contact with the protected individual, whether direct or indirect.<\/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-da32de4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"da32de4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/gLTEvKrDhEU?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-571616c elementor-widget elementor-widget-boomdevs-toc-widget\" data-id=\"571616c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;sticky&quot;:&quot;top&quot;,&quot;sticky_on&quot;:[&quot;desktop&quot;,&quot;tablet&quot;,&quot;mobile&quot;],&quot;sticky_offset&quot;:0,&quot;sticky_effects_offset&quot;:0,&quot;sticky_anchor_link_offset&quot;:0}\" data-widget_type=\"boomdevs-toc-widget.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t        \n            \n            <div class=\"fit_content\">\n                <div class=\"bd_toc_container\" data-fixedWidth=\"\">\n                    <div class=\"bd_toc_wrapper\" data-wrapperPadding=\"48px\">\n                        <div class=\"bd_toc_wrapper_item\">\n                            <div class=\"bd_toc_header active\" data-headerPadding=\"2px\">\n                                <div class=\"bd_toc_header_title\">\n                                    Table of Contents                                <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"bd_toc_switcher_hide_show_icon\">\n                                    <span class=\"bd_toc_arrow\"><\/span>                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"bd_toc_content list-type-number\">\n                                <div class=\"bd_toc_content_list \">\n                                    <div class='bd_toc_content_list_item'>    <ul>\n      <li class=\"first\">\n        <a href=\"#understanding-third-party-contact-restraining-orders\">Understanding Third-Party Contact Restraining Orders<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#the-no-contact-clause\">The No-Contact Clause<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#no-third-party-contact\">No Third-Party Contact<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#why-third-party-contact-matters\">Why Third-Party Contact Matters<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#what-to-do-if-third-party-contact-occurs\">What to Do If Third-Party Contact Occurs<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#legal-process-and-court-proceedings\">Legal Process and Court Proceedings<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#2-party-hearing\">2-Party Hearing<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#specifics-of-protection-orders\">Specifics of Protection Orders<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li class=\"last\">\n        <a href=\"#conclusion\">Conclusion<\/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-effb41e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"effb41e\" 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-third-party-contact-restraining-orders'  id=\"boomdevs_1\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Understanding Third-Party Contact 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-0d078aa elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0d078aa\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If you&#8217;re dealing with a restraining order situation, it&#8217;s important to understand exactly what it entails, especially when it comes to the no-contact clause. A restraining order is a legal order issued by a court to protect someone from abuse, harassment, or threats. It&#8217;s designed to keep the person who is causing you harm (referred to as the &#8220;restrained party&#8221;) away from you and to prevent any form of contact.<\/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-426cb8f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"426cb8f\" 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-no-contact-clause'  id=\"boomdevs_2\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The No-Contact Clause<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2782ed9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2782ed9\" 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 no-contact clause in a restraining order means that the restrained party cannot contact you in any way. This includes phone calls, text messages, emails, social media, or any other direct communication. It&#8217;s about ensuring your peace and safety by keeping the restrained party at a distance.<\/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-25f5dc7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"25f5dc7\" 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='no-third-party-contact'  id=\"boomdevs_3\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">No Third-Party Contact<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f2c3397 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f2c3397\" 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>Now, here\u2019s a crucial detail: the no-contact clause also covers contact through third parties. This means the restrained party cannot use:<\/p><ul><li>friends,<\/li><li>family members,<\/li><li>colleagues, or<\/li><li>anyone else<\/li><\/ul><p>to communicate with you on their behalf. Essentially, they can\u2019t send messages to you through another person.<\/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-5054cfb elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"5054cfb\" 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='why-third-party-contact-matters'  id=\"boomdevs_4\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Why Third-Party <br>Contact Matters<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b869079 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b869079\" 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 reason this clause is so important is that it closes any loopholes the restrained party might try to exploit. Without this provision, the restrained party could still find ways to harass or manipulate you indirectly. The third-party contact clause ensures the restraining order\u2019s protection is comprehensive, keeping you safe from any form of contact.<\/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-3fd868e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3fd868e\" 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-to-do-if-third-party-contact-occurs'  id=\"boomdevs_5\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What to Do If Third-Party Contact Occurs<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3f4bfba elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3f4bfba\" 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 do experience contact from a third party that you believe is on behalf of the restrained party, it\u2019s essential to document everything. Note down who contacted you, what was said, and when it happened. Then, report this to the police immediately. Violations of a restraining order are taken very seriously by the court and can result in significant legal consequences for the restrained party.<\/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-3c71b2c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3c71b2c\" 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='navigating-restraining-order-violations'  id=\"boomdevs_6\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Navigating Restraining <br>Order Violations<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0a18517 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"0a18517\" 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-1c49d79 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1c49d79\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>When you&#8217;re facing the distress of a restraining order, it&#8217;s crucial to understand not just the order itself, but also <a href=\"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/violating-restraining-order-felony-massachusetts\/\">what constitutes a violation.<\/a> Violations can include anything from text messages and phone calls to more indirect forms of contact. In Massachusetts, violation of a restraining order is a criminal offense, carrying the weight of potential criminal charges. It&#8217;s a serious matter that requires careful attention to the terms 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-dee7a2b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"dee7a2b\" 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-scope-of-abuse-prevention-orders-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_7\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Scope of Abuse Prevention Orders 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-5db88a3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5db88a3\" 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 the Commonwealth, Abuse Prevention Orders serve to protect victims of domestic violence from further harm. This protection extends to preventing unwanted sexual relations and physical violence from a household member or family member. An Abuse Prevention Order can also prohibit your abuser from contacting you in any way, including through a third party.<\/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-1a03ffb elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1a03ffb\" 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-process-and-court-proceedings'  id=\"boomdevs_8\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Legal Process and<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-b3732d2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"b3732d2\" 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-dbca859 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"dbca859\" 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='filing-for-protection'  id=\"boomdevs_9\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Filing for Protection<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-88c98e8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"88c98e8\" 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>Securing a protective order is a legal process that unfolds in civil court. It begins with you filing an application for protection. In it, you\u2019ll describe the abusive behavior. You want to be as detailed as possible. Include every instance of abuse. Include dates, times and how it made you feel.<\/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-09a16fe elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"09a16fe\" 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-64ff199 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"64ff199\" 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='ex-parte-hearing'  id=\"boomdevs_10\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Ex-Parte Hearing<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-633df38 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"633df38\" 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>You\u2019ll have a hearing the same day you file your paperwork. It\u2019s called an ex-parte hearing because there is only one party, you in this case, that will talk to the judge. If they are convinced that you need protection, they\u2019ll issue a Temporary Order that is good for 10 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-8d402c9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"8d402c9\" 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-ad13567 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ad13567\" 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='2-party-hearing'  id=\"boomdevs_11\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">2-Party Hearing<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d7563cb elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d7563cb\" 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 want to extend your Order, you need to go back to court on the 10<sup>th<\/sup> day. This time your abuser may be present and can address the court as well. Make sure you bring all the evidence and any witnesses you have. You want to give the judge a full picture of what\u2019s going on and why you need 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-ed61c73 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ed61c73\" 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='specifics-of-protection-orders'  id=\"boomdevs_12\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Specifics of Protection Orders<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ba25731 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"ba25731\" 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-4af9305 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4af9305\" 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='harassment-prevention-order-versus-abuse-prevention-order'  id=\"boomdevs_13\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Harassment Prevention Order Versus 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-6b26aac elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6b26aac\" 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 Harassment Prevention Order is not limited to family members, unlike an Abuse Prevention Order. It is crucial to understand the differences between the two, as each type of order serves different forms of protection under Massachusetts law. Both Orders provide similar protections for you, including no third-party contact.<\/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-6e3bdf7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6e3bdf7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='the-importance-of-following-restraining-order-terms'  id=\"boomdevs_14\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Importance of Following Restraining Order Terms<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-22cdb42 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"22cdb42\" 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>Adhering strictly to the terms of the order, whether it&#8217;s an Abuse Prevention Order or a Harassment Prevention Order, is essential. Violation of the order, even inadvertently through a third-party contact, can lead to serious legal consequences, including a possible criminal record.<\/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-9bda9a7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"9bda9a7\" 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_15\" 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-b8cc788 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"b8cc788\" 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-fa6e79c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fa6e79c\" 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-026847b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"026847b\" 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='conclusion'  id=\"boomdevs_16\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Conclusion<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f1770e7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f1770e7\" 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>Restraining orders are put in place to protect you, and understanding the no-contact clause, including the prohibition of third-party contact, is key to ensuring your safety. If you have any questions or need assistance navigating this process, don\u2019t hesitate to reach out. Legal professionals are here to help guide you through these challenging times, ensuring you have the support and protection you need.<\/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-87533c8 elementor-align-center elementor-hidden-mobile elementor-tablet-align-center elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"87533c8\" 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-3d1971c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3d1971c\" 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-disclaimer'  id=\"boomdevs_17\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Legal Disclaimer<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f455bd1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f455bd1\" 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>A Third-Party Contact Restraining Order in Massachusetts is typically part of an Abuse Prevention Order (209A Order) or a Harassment Prevention Order (258E Order) which may require the individual who is the subject of the order to refrain from contacting the victim not only directly but also through third parties. This kind of order is [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5394,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5393","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 a Third-Party Contact Restraining Order in Massachusetts? - Afford Law<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Explore what a Third-Party Contact Restraining Order entails in Massachusetts, how it extends protections against indirect harassment, and why it&#039;s crucial for ensuring comprehensive safety measures. 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