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Family Law Attorney

Massachusetts Restraining And Harassment Orders Representation

A court-ordered restraining order or protective order in Massachusetts is known as a 209A (named after 209A of the Massachusetts General Laws). A 209A protective order is a civil protection order, meaning a judge can impose this type or restraining order even if the abuser has not been charged with a crime — so long as stringent guidelines are met. This is why it is vitally important that you have a Massachusetts restraining order attorney to advise you through this process. In Massachusetts a judge must find that your case must prove to the judge that there is a substantial likelihood that your abuser will do harm if they are not restrained from contact with you.

In order to meet the requirements of a 209A restraining order, a victim must have one of the following connections to the abuser:

  • Current or former spouse
  • Current or former cohabitant
  • Blood relative or marital relative
  • Parent of a child in your home
  • Currently or formerly engaged to the accused
  • Recently dating the accused
  • Boyfriend/girlfriend relationship

If you have been served with a 209A restraining order in Massachusetts, you have the right to defend yourself against the order and to have an attorney represent you. A hearing is usually scheduled within 10 days of being served with an initial restraining order. I can represent you at this hearing and help you to tell your side of the story.

Massachusetts Harassment Order Representation

Massachusetts also provides a protective order known as a 285E which applies to individuals who do not fit the categories of 209A restraining orders. An example would be a co-worker, neighbor or acquaintance who is harassing you or acting abusively toward you. As a Massachusetts harassment attorney, I can help you file a 285E harassment order with the court. A 285E harassment order provides the same protections for you as a 209A restraining order. The accused can be ordered by the court to avoid contacting you in any way, to stay away from your home or workplace, and to not abuse or harass you.

Contact Thomason Law, P.C. Today

Both harassment orders and restraining orders in Massachusetts may provide criminal sanctions if the accused violates the court order in any way. My firm will help to ensure that your protective order or harassment order is fully enforced by the courts once it is in place. If you are being abused or harassed, contact Thomason Law, P.C. immediately at 978-300-3718 for a consultation on how to file a restraining or harassment order.