Reviewed August 2026
Protective Orders in Massachusetts
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233. Massachusetts calls its civil protection order an Abuse Prevention Order, or a 209A order. The name comes from the statute that authorizes it, Massachusetts General Laws chapter 209A. A person abused by a family or household member, a current or former spouse, or a co-parent can petition the court. There is no fee to file. People without that kind of relationship generally use a separate Harassment Prevention Order instead. A Massachusetts court can grant an ex parte order the same day if the danger is immediate. An order issued after a hearing can require no contact, order the respondent out of a shared home, and set temporary custody terms for shared children.
Virdix's document-preparation product currently prepares divorce paperwork for California and Florida cases. This page explains how protective orders works under Massachusetts law for people researching before they file. It is not legal advice, and Virdix does not prepare or file Massachusetts paperwork. See how Virdix works for California divorces.
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Who qualifies for an Abuse Prevention Order
Chapter 209A covers family or household members. That includes current and former spouses, and people related by blood or marriage. It also covers people who live together now or lived together before. People with a child in common or a substantive dating relationship qualify too. Someone outside these categories generally needs a Harassment Prevention Order under a different Massachusetts statute, which does not require a family or household relationship.
Ex parte orders and the full hearing
A petitioner who shows immediate danger can get an ex parte order the same day, without the respondent present. That order takes effect once served and stays active until the full hearing. Massachusetts law generally schedules that hearing within about 10 court days of the ex parte order. An order issued after the hearing can last up to a year in Massachusetts. It can be extended, including on a permanent basis in some cases.
Exact hearing scheduling depends on the court's calendar. Confirm the date and any local paperwork with the clerk of the district or probate and family court where you filed.
Filing is free, and where to file
Massachusetts charges no filing fee for a 209A petition. Petitions can generally be filed in district court, probate and family court, or in some cases superior court, in the area where the petitioner lives. When courts are closed, a petitioner can seek an emergency order through the police, who can help connect them to an on-call judge.
Firearms provisions
Massachusetts law requires a respondent to surrender firearms, ammunition, and any firearms licenses once a 209A order is issued. Federal law separately restricts firearm possession for anyone subject to certain qualifying domestic violence protective orders. Violating a Massachusetts abuse prevention order, including the firearms surrender requirement, is a criminal offense.
Abuse Prevention Orders and divorce or custody cases
A 209A order is a separate case from a divorce or custody case in Massachusetts. A petitioner does not need either one open to request it. The order can still set temporary custody and visitation terms for shared children while it is active. If a divorce or custody case is already open in probate and family court, the 209A order is often handled in that same court, so the terms stay consistent.
Sources: Massachusetts Legislature, General Laws, Jane Doe Inc., Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, SafeLink 1-877-785-2020
Not independently confirmed
- Massachusetts Trial Court self-help pages could not be directly reached to re-confirm current hearing-scheduling practice; confirm the 10-court-day hearing window with the filing court.
- Exact circumstances under which a Massachusetts 209A order becomes permanent rather than renewed annually; confirm with the filing court or a legal aid resource.
Protective Orders in Massachusetts: frequently asked questions
What is an Abuse Prevention Order in Massachusetts?+
It is Massachusetts's civil protective order under M.G.L. chapter 209A, commonly called a 209A order. It applies to spouses, family and household members, co-parents, and people in a substantive dating relationship. While active, it can order no contact and firearms surrender.
Where do I file for a 209A order in Massachusetts?+
In district court, probate and family court, or superior court in the area where you live, depending on the situation. After hours, police can help connect a petitioner to an on-call judge for an emergency order.
Does it cost money to file in Massachusetts?+
No. There is no filing fee for a 209A abuse prevention order petition in Massachusetts.
How fast can I get protection in Massachusetts?+
A judge can grant an ex parte order the same day if you show immediate danger, without notifying the other person first. This includes after hours, through police assistance. A full hearing is then scheduled, generally within about 10 court days.
How long does a 209A order last in Massachusetts?+
An order issued after a full hearing can last up to a year in Massachusetts. It can be extended, including on a permanent basis in some cases, if the petitioner still needs protection when it is set to expire.
Can a 209A order affect custody in Massachusetts?+
Yes. It can include temporary custody and visitation terms for children the parties share, even without a separate custody case open. If a divorce or custody case already exists in probate and family court, the order is often handled there.
This page is general information about protective orders in Massachusetts, not legal advice for your situation. Laws, fees, and procedures change over time; confirm current details with Massachusetts's own courts before relying on anything here. Virdix is not a law firm and is not licensed to practice law in Massachusetts. Virdix does not prepare or file Massachusetts divorce paperwork. It is not a substitute for an attorney licensed in Massachusetts.
More Massachusetts divorce guides
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In the states Virdix serves, it guides you through that state's own court forms so your paperwork is complete and consistent before you file. If you're filing in Massachusetts, the resources above are the right place to start, and the form above will tell you the moment Virdix reaches your state.
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