209A Guideline 2:00: Designation of Staff

Part of the Guidelines of Judicial Practice: Abuse Prevention Proceedings.

Guideline 2:00

The clerk and the chief probation officer in each court should designate particular personnel to respond to plaintiffs seeking relief under c. 209A.

Commentary

The nature of c. 209A cases makes the selection of personnel to handle these actions particularly important. Personnel assignments should be made with an eye toward choosing people who will be sensitive to the safety concerns and the often intimate nature of the issues involved, as well as to the potential that the parties are unfamiliar with court procedures. Even in small courts, more than one person should be assigned to handle these cases to ensure that plaintiffs are assisted throughout the business day and when the primary employee is not available. Designated personnel should be thoroughly familiar with the procedures and forms involved in c. 209A cases and should receive regular training in domestic violence issues. Such training should include a thorough review of these Guidelines.

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Last updated: October 20, 2025

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