To file for a Harassment Prevention Order in Massachusetts, follow these steps:
- Go to Your Local District Court: Visit the district court in the area where you live, work, or study. If you’re in immediate danger, any police department can also help you file.
- Request the Forms: Ask for the forms needed to file for a Harassment Prevention Order (Chapter 258E). Court staff can guide you on the specific forms you’ll need.
- Fill Out the Forms: Provide detailed information about the harassment incidents, including dates and descriptions. Be clear and concise, focusing on events that meet the legal definition of harassment.
- File the Forms with the Court Clerk: After completing the forms, submit them to the court clerk. There is no filing fee.
- Attend the Ex Parte Hearing: Once you file, you’ll typically attend an ex parte hearing the same day, where a judge reviews your application without the harasser present. If the judge believes immediate protection is necessary, they may issue a temporary order.
- Serve the Harasser: If a temporary order is granted, law enforcement will serve the harasser with the order and notice of the full hearing date.
- The Full Hearing: Within 10 days of the temporary order, a full hearing will be scheduled where both you and the harasser can present evidence and testimony. Based on this, the judge decides whether to extend the protection order for up to a year.
- Seek Legal Advice: Consider consulting with a lawyer or a local advocacy group to help navigate the process and prepare your case, especially for the full hearing.
Remember, this process can vary slightly depending on the court and specific circumstances, so it’s important to follow any additional instructions given by court personnel or legal advisors.
The Basics of Harassment Prevention Orders
Harassment Prevention Orders, sometimes known as abuse prevention orders or protective orders, are legal decrees issued by a court to prevent further harassment. In Massachusetts, these orders are designed to protect not just against physical abuse but also against threats, stalking, and forced sexual relations.
Step 1: Identifying Harassment and Legal Recourse
The first step is to recognize what constitutes harassment. Repeated, malicious conduct that is aimed at a specific person resulting in:
- fear,
- intimidation, or
- physical harm
qualifies as harassment.
If you are facing such behavior, an attorney can help you understand if the actions amount to a criminal offense and what protective measures you can take.
Step 2: Approaching the Local Court
When you decide to file for a Harassment Prevention Order, you’ll need to visit the local court. Here, court staff will provide the necessary application forms. Filing these forms does not require a fee, making it accessible for victims of abuse to seek urgent help.
Step 3: Filing the Petition
At the clerk’s office, you’ll complete an “HPO petition,” which requires detailed information about the harassment incidents. Sensitive information such as instances of sexual assault or physical abuse should be documented carefully, as this forms the basis of your request for a protection order.
But the basis for the HPO doesn’t have to be physical contact. It can be verbal threats, repeated phone calls, or other behavior. There must be at least three separate acts of harassment to qualify. Be sure to include all disturbing behavior you have endured. Give the judge a full picture of what’s been going on.
Step 4: The Role of the Court in Immediate Protection
In situations with a substantial likelihood of immediate danger of harassment, the court may grant a temporary order, often decided during an ex parte hearing. The Temporary Order is issued the same day that you file your application. You’ll go before the judge, usually without your harasser being present. If the judge is convinced there’s evidence of harassment, they will issue the order. This ensures protection until a full court hearing can be held, typically within 10 business days.
Step 5: Serving the Order
If a temporary order is issued, law enforcement agencies will serve the restrained party. This step is crucial as it informs the harasser of the order and the consequences of violating it, which can include criminal charges. It also tells them when the two-party hearing will take place. This way, they are put on notice and can present their side of the story to the judge.
Step 6: The Full Court Hearing
During the court hearing, both parties present evidence to the district court judge. This is your opportunity to lay it all out for the judge. Be prepared. Bring whatever documentation you want the judge to see including:
- text messages,
- emails, and
Also, bring any witnesses with you that you want to testify. This is the day for your hearing, don’t leave out anything.
Step 7: After the Order: Enforcement and Beyond
Post-hearing, if the protection order is granted, it’s important to understand the implications, such as restrictions on contact, which could affect household members, child support, or even social media interactions. Violation of a harassment prevention order is a serious offense and can lead to arrest.
Understanding Associated Costs and Compensations
Victims of abuse may seek compensation for out-of-pocket losses, medical expenses, loss of earnings, and even the cost of replacement locks. These financial aspects are often overlooked but can be crucial for victims fighting to rebuild their lives.
Help Getting a Restraining Order in Massachusetts
If you’d like help getting a Restraining Order without paying an expensive attorney, we can help. With our Legal Coaching we can walk you through every step to make sure you’re ready for your hearing. The first thing to do is see if you qualify for a Massachusetts Restraining Order. Click on the link below to see if you qualify for either type of Restraining Order.
Legal Disclaimer
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with an attorney to discuss your specific circumstances and receive tailored guidance.
I have been practicing law in Massachusetts since 1995. My focus is in the areas of criminal and family law. I’m dedicated to providing high-quality legal help at an affordable price. I practice throughout Massachusetts. I earned my MBA from the University of Rhode Island in 2023. I earned my JD from New England School of Law in 1994. I earned my BA from Rhode Island College in 1990.
