If you are being abused by a family or household member, Massachusetts G.L. c. 209A lets you ask a court for protection. This guide walks through how to get a 209A abuse prevention order from start to finish, and links to deeper articles at each step.
Step 1 — Confirm 209A is the right statute
209A requires a qualifying relationship: you and the other person are or were married, lived together, are related by blood or marriage, have a child in common, or were in a substantive dating relationship. If there's no such relationship, you likely need a c. 258E harassment order instead — see 209A vs. 258E and our sister site harassmentorder.com. Details: the family or household member requirement.
Step 2 — Make sure your situation meets the abuse standard
You must be able to show abuse: physical harm or an attempt, a reasonable fear of imminent serious physical harm, or coerced sexual relations. Understand exactly what that means before you file — see What Counts as "Abuse" Under 209A.
Step 3 — Go to the right court
During business hours you generally file in the District Court, Boston Municipal Court, or Probate and Family Court whose jurisdiction covers where you live (or where you moved to escape the abuse). If the courts are closed and you are in danger, emergency orders are available through local police; call 911 if you are in immediate danger.
Step 4 — Complete the complaint and affidavit
You'll fill out a complaint and a sworn affidavit. The affidavit is the heart of your case: describe what happened, when, where, who was involved, and why you need protection — in plain, specific, chronological terms. Tie each incident to the abuse standard. Vague statements are weaker than concrete facts.
Step 5 — The ex parte hearing
A judge may issue a temporary (ex parte) order the same day, without the other person present, lasting up to ten court business days, with a return date. Be accurate and complete — because only your side is heard, candor matters. Full detail: Ex Parte vs. the 10-Day Hearing.
Step 6 — Prepare your evidence for the 10-day hearing
The return hearing is where the order is extended or not. Bring organized proof tied to the elements — messages, photos, records, and first-hand witnesses. See What Evidence Do You Need for a 209A Hearing? If your claim rests on fear, be ready to show why a reasonable person would have feared imminent serious physical harm.
Step 7 — At the hearing and after
Speak to the judge, answer the question asked, and keep documents organized. If the order is extended (up to a year), read it before you leave and calendar the expiration. You can later seek to renew or modify it — see Extending, Modifying, or Vacating a 209A Order.
How Restraining Orders helps plaintiffs
Allie's intake interview organizes your timeline, evidence, and witnesses around the 209A elements, and a licensed Massachusetts attorney reviews it and delivers a preparation packet before your hearing. This is general information, not legal advice.