{"id":374015,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:32","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/massachusetts-law\/massachusetts-protective-orders-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-06-17T12:17:52","modified_gmt":"2025-06-17T17:17:52","slug":"massachusetts-protective-orders-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/massachusetts-law\/massachusetts-protective-orders-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Massachusetts Protective Orders Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Massachusetts Protective Orders Laws<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by John Mascolo, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

In the face of abuse, victims may not know what Massachusetts law can do to help them. Protective orders<\/a>, also known as civil restraining orders, are designed to provide relief and are available through the Massachusetts Abuse Prevention Act<\/a>. Through such orders, courts can prohibit abusers from contacting and stalking victims. The law also provides stiff penalties for violations.<\/p>\r\n

Knowing which protective order applies to your situation can be complicated. You won’t want to make a mistake when you come to court. This guide examines the types of protective orders available in Massachusetts, breaks down how they work, and helps you understand which one you need<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

The focus of this article relates to civil protection orders which last for specific periods of time and can be renewed or extended. They are "no contact" or restraining orders issued in a civil court process. Although the orders come from a civil court, violations could result in criminal charges or contempt of court.<\/p>\r\n

In contrast, in a criminal case involving an underlying crime of domestic violence, the judge may place "no contact" conditions on a defendant’s bail<\/a>. They may also conduct a dangerousness hearing at arraignment to determine whether to hold someone in jail after an arrest. A restraining order or bail condition in a criminal case only lasts as long as the criminal case.<\/p>\r\n

If an overview of domestic abuse is better suited for you right now, FindLaw’s Massachusetts Domestic Violence Laws<\/a> article has you covered. Otherwise, read on for what you need to know about civil protective or restraining orders in Massachusetts.<\/p>\r\n

What Protective Orders Are Available in Massachusetts?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Which type of civil protective order you’re eligible for depends on your relationship with the abuser. Certain associations make the conduct at issue domestic violence. Criminal acts between strangers still qualify for protection, but the process may take place in a different court.<\/p>\r\n

Orders focused on offering protection from an abuser may have different qualifications, but the available types of relief overlap. Some common provisions of protective orders<\/a> in the state of Massachusetts include:<\/p>\r\n