How to Get a Restraining Order in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts these are called Abuse Prevention Order (often called a '209A order' or restraining order); Harassment Prevention Order ('258E order'). A protective order is a court order that tells someone to stop abusing, threatening, stalking or contacting you. Here is how to ask for one, what happens next, and where to get free help — each rule linked to the statute or official court page.
Quick answers for Massachusetts
- Cost
- No filing fee for a 209A or 258E complaint, and no charge to the plaintiff for certified copies of orders. M.G.L. c. 209A, §3; c. 258E, §3(c)
- Emergency / temporary orders
- If you show a substantial likelihood of immediate danger of abuse, the judge can issue a temporary order the same day without notice to the defendant. M.G.L. c. 209A, §§4, 5
- How long an order lasts
- Relief is for a fixed period of up to 1 year. The order states the date it expires and the date of the next hearing. M.G.L. c. 209A, §3
- Where to ask
- The District Court, Probate and Family Court, Superior Court, or Boston Municipal Court for where you live (dating-relationship cases go to District, Probate and Family, or Boston Municipal Court). M.G.L. c. 209A, §§1, 2, 5
Last verified: 2026-10-25
Safety first
- If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
- You can talk to a trained advocate any time, for free and confidentially, through the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
- Advocates can help you make a safety plan and fill out the court forms. Many courts have advocates on site.
- Keep copies of the order with you. Give copies to people who need to know, such as your workplace or your child's school.
Getting an order
| Types of orders | Abuse Prevention Orders under Chapter 209A, for abuse (including coercive control) between family or household members, including people in a substantive dating or engagement relationship; and Harassment Prevention Orders under Chapter 258E, for harassment by anyone, regardless of relationship. Each can start with a temporary or emergency order. |
|---|---|
| Who can ask for an order | A 209A order is for people who are or were married; live or lived in the same household; are related by blood or marriage; have a child in common; or are or were in a substantive dating or engagement relationship. 'Abuse' includes causing or attempting physical harm, placing someone in fear of imminent serious physical harm, forced sexual relations, and coercive control. Anyone suffering harassment can seek a 258E order. |
| Where to ask | The District Court, Probate and Family Court, Superior Court, or Boston Municipal Court for where you live (dating-relationship cases go to District, Probate and Family, or Boston Municipal Court). If you left your home to avoid abuse, you can file where you used to live or where you live now. When court is closed (nights, weekends, holidays), a judge can grant an emergency order by phone through the police; you then file a complaint in court on the next business day. Source: M.G.L. c. 209A, §§1, 2, 5 |
| Cost | No filing fee for a 209A or 258E complaint, and no charge to the plaintiff for certified copies of orders. |
Emergency orders and the hearing
| Emergency / temporary orders | If you show a substantial likelihood of immediate danger of abuse, the judge can issue a temporary order the same day without notice to the defendant. When court is closed, or you cannot get to court because of a severe physical hardship, a judge can grant an emergency order communicated by phone to police. Source: M.G.L. c. 209A, §§4, 5 |
|---|---|
| Serving the order | The court sends certified copies to the local law enforcement agency, which serves the defendant (unless the court orders otherwise) and informs the defendant of the order's terms and the penalties for violating it. Source: M.G.L. c. 209A, §7 |
| The court hearing | The defendant gets a chance to be heard no later than 10 court business days after a temporary order is issued without notice. If the defendant does not come to that hearing, the temporary order stays in effect without further court order. Source: M.G.L. c. 209A, §4 |
| How long an order lasts | Relief is for a fixed period of up to 1 year. The order states the date it expires and the date of the next hearing. If you come to court on that date, the judge decides whether to extend it for as long as reasonably necessary or to make it permanent. The fact that no abuse happened while the order was in effect is not by itself a reason to refuse an extension. Source: M.G.L. c. 209A, §3 |
What the order does
| What an order can require | Order the defendant not to abuse or contact you (or your children); to leave and stay away from the home and workplace; award you temporary custody of a minor child; order temporary support; order payment for losses caused by the abuse (lost earnings, lock replacement, medical and moving costs, attorney's fees); impound information in the case record; and recommend a certified batterer's intervention program. Source: M.G.L. c. 209A, §3 |
|---|---|
| Firearms | When a temporary or emergency order is issued and you show a substantial likelihood of immediate danger of abuse, the court must suspend the defendant's firearms license or ID card and order surrender of all firearms and ammunition; police take possession when serving the order. Violating the surrender order can bring up to a $5,000 fine and/or up to 2.5 years in a house of correction. Source: M.G.L. c. 209A, §3B |
| If the order is violated | Violating an abuse prevention order is a crime punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and/or up to 2.5 years in a house of correction. The court must also usually order a certified batterer's intervention program. Police must use every reasonable means to enforce the order. Source: M.G.L. c. 209A, §7 |
Children and privacy
| Keeping your address private | Massachusetts has an Address Confidentiality Program run by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. With the recommendation of an application assistant, an adult, or a parent or guardian on behalf of a minor, can apply to use a designated address instead of their real address. In a 209A case, the court may also keep the plaintiff's address from the defendant. |
|---|
Forms and help in Massachusetts
Massachusetts protective order FAQ
What kinds of protective orders are available in Massachusetts?
Abuse Prevention Orders under Chapter 209A, for abuse (including coercive control) between family or household members, including people in a substantive dating or engagement relationship; and Harassment Prevention Orders under Chapter 258E, for harassment by anyone, regardless of relationship. Each can start with a temporary or emergency order.
Who can get a restraining order in Massachusetts?
A 209A order is for people who are or were married; live or lived in the same household; are related by blood or marriage; have a child in common; or are or were in a substantive dating or engagement relationship. 'Abuse' includes causing or attempting physical harm, placing someone in fear of imminent serious physical harm, forced sexual relations, and coercive control. Anyone suffering harassment can seek a 258E order.
Where do I file for a restraining order in Massachusetts?
The District Court, Probate and Family Court, Superior Court, or Boston Municipal Court for where you live (dating-relationship cases go to District, Probate and Family, or Boston Municipal Court). If you left your home to avoid abuse, you can file where you used to live or where you live now. When court is closed (nights, weekends, holidays), a judge can grant an emergency order by phone through the police; you then file a complaint in court on the next business day.
Does it cost money to get a restraining order in Massachusetts?
No filing fee for a 209A or 258E complaint, and no charge to the plaintiff for certified copies of orders.
How fast can I get an emergency protective order in Massachusetts?
If you show a substantial likelihood of immediate danger of abuse, the judge can issue a temporary order the same day without notice to the defendant. When court is closed, or you cannot get to court because of a severe physical hardship, a judge can grant an emergency order communicated by phone to police.
What happens at the restraining order hearing in Massachusetts?
The defendant gets a chance to be heard no later than 10 court business days after a temporary order is issued without notice. If the defendant does not come to that hearing, the temporary order stays in effect without further court order.
How long does a restraining order last in Massachusetts?
Relief is for a fixed period of up to 1 year. The order states the date it expires and the date of the next hearing. If you come to court on that date, the judge decides whether to extend it for as long as reasonably necessary or to make it permanent. The fact that no abuse happened while the order was in effect is not by itself a reason to refuse an extension.
What can a protective order do in Massachusetts?
Order the defendant not to abuse or contact you (or your children); to leave and stay away from the home and workplace; award you temporary custody of a minor child; order temporary support; order payment for losses caused by the abuse (lost earnings, lock replacement, medical and moving costs, attorney's fees); impound information in the case record; and recommend a certified batterer's intervention program.
Does a protective order affect firearms in Massachusetts?
When a temporary or emergency order is issued and you show a substantial likelihood of immediate danger of abuse, the court must suspend the defendant's firearms license or ID card and order surrender of all firearms and ammunition; police take possession when serving the order. Violating the surrender order can bring up to a $5,000 fine and/or up to 2.5 years in a house of correction.
How is a restraining order served in Massachusetts?
The court sends certified copies to the local law enforcement agency, which serves the defendant (unless the court orders otherwise) and informs the defendant of the order's terms and the penalties for violating it.
What happens if someone violates a protective order in Massachusetts?
Violating an abuse prevention order is a crime punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and/or up to 2.5 years in a house of correction. The court must also usually order a certified batterer's intervention program. Police must use every reasonable means to enforce the order.
Can I keep my address confidential in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has an Address Confidentiality Program run by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. With the recommendation of an application assistant, an adult, or a parent or guardian on behalf of a minor, can apply to use a designated address instead of their real address. In a 209A case, the court may also keep the plaintiff's address from the defendant.
Protective orders in other states
More Massachusetts law
- Massachusetts tenant rights & landlord-tenant law
- Massachusetts small claims court
- Massachusetts wills, probate & estates
- Massachusetts employment law
- Massachusetts debt & collections
- Massachusetts unemployment benefits
- Massachusetts divorce & family law
- Massachusetts expungement & criminal records
- Massachusetts traffic tickets & dui
- Massachusetts personal injury & wrongful death
- Massachusetts workers' compensation
- Massachusetts foreclosure & homeowner law
- Massachusetts consumer protection
- Massachusetts starting an llc & small business
- Massachusetts bankruptcy
- Massachusetts car insurance & vehicle laws
- Massachusetts property tax & homestead exemptions
- Massachusetts criminal law
- Massachusetts gun laws
- Find a lawyer or free legal help in Massachusetts
- All Massachusetts law guides
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.