FAQs
How do I get a protection order during court business hours?
If you need a protection order between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., you should go to your local court. You can find addresses for the courts that serve your city or town through the courthouse locator on Mass.gov. The court will collect your information and arrange a hearing with a judge. You can also contact the police directly.
How do I get a protection order when the court is closed?
If you need a protection order outside of court hours, you should call your police department. If an order is issued, the court will tell you the date and time for a follow up hearing and the police will give the defendant a copy of the order, which will provide the defendant with notice of the hearing.
What information do I need to give the court during the application process for a protection order?
You will be asked for information to complete the application package for the type of protection order you’re asking for. This may include information like:
- The nature of your relationship with the respondent
- Contact information for you and the respondent
- The nature of the abuse or harassment that happened
- Whether or not you or the defendant are under 18
- Whether or not the defendant has any guns, ammunition, firearms identification cards, and/or a license to carry
- What you are asking the judge to order
Do I have to participate in follow up hearings about my protection order?
If you want the current protection order to continue, you must participate in the hearing on the date and time listed in the notice. All protection orders that are due to expire will stay in effect until the matter is heard by a judge on the scheduled hearing date. The court will tell you about any future hearing dates.
What do I need to bring or have with me for the hearing?
You should bring to court anything you think is relevant that will help the judge make a decision. This could include text messages, voicemails, or photos. Contact the court if you want to present evidence through a witness, with documents, or with photos. At the hearing, the judge or judicial officer will decide if any witnesses will be allowed to testify.
I need an interpreter. What do I do?
To request an interpreter, contact the court. You can also let court staff know that you will need an interpreter during the application process.
Who is allowed to be in the courtroom for protection order hearings?
Court personnel, lawyers, parties, witnesses, advocates, and other people the judge decides are necessary can be present in a courtroom for in person proceedings. The judge may also allow members of the public, including the “news media”, to access the proceeding, which may include allowing them to sit in the courtroom.
Where can I find more information about available resources and help?
There are many agencies that can help you.
- Community based advocacy or crisis agencies can connect you with advocates who offer free and confidential services.
- SAFEPLAN Advocates are court-based and can help with restraining order applications.
- Victim Witness Advocates work for the local District Attorney’s Office and can answer questions about any pending criminal matters that involve violence against you.
- Child Witness to Violence programs can help if you are concerned about your child(ren)’s behavior related to the effect of violence or stress at home.
- Intimate Partner Abuse Education Programs can help people who want to change their pattern of abusive behavior find the support they need to get their lives back on track.
| Date published: | October 23, 2020 |
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| Last updated: | April 14, 2025 |