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Start now →Massachusetts G.L. c. 209A
209A hearing preparation — built for Massachusetts courts.
Whether you're a defendant, plaintiff, or considering filing — Allie walks you through a thorough intake interview. A licensed Massachusetts attorney reviews your case and delivers your preparation packet before your hearing.
- Chronological incident timeline — organized, clear, and case-specific
- A prep memo made specifically for your case — everything reviewed by a real attorney
- Evidence and witness checklist mapped to your case
- Attorney's flagged issues and recommended approach
Free to start · No payment required to begin intake
Allie
AI Intake Director · 209A
Allie is an AI assistant — responses are for preparation purposes only and do not constitute legal advice.
How it works
Tell Allie your situation
Start the conversation above. Allie identifies which path applies to you — defendant, plaintiff, or pre-filing — and begins the intake interview.
Thorough AI-assisted intake
Allie conducts a structured, detailed interview covering every incident, witness, and piece of evidence. One focused question at a time — nothing missed.
Attorney-reviewed packet
A licensed Massachusetts attorney reviews your intake, flags legal risks, and delivers your preparation packet before your hearing date.
Who reviews your case
Reviewing attorney
Patrick T. Donovan, Esq.
Massachusetts Criminal Defense Attorney · Former Assistant District Attorney
A former Norfolk County Assistant District Attorney, Attorney Donovan now defends clients in Massachusetts district and superior courts. He reviews every 209A preparation packet with a prosecutor's eye — knowing exactly what the judge and opposing counsel will focus on before you walk into the courtroom.
Common questions
What you need to know about 209A
- What is a Massachusetts 209A abuse prevention order?
- A 209A order is a civil abuse prevention order issued under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 209A. It can require a family or household member to stop abusing someone, stop all contact, vacate a shared home, and stay away from their home or workplace — and it can address temporary custody and support. It is not a criminal charge, but violating it carries criminal penalties.
- What happens at a 209A 10-day hearing?
- The 10-day hearing is the first full hearing where both sides can appear. The judge hears from the plaintiff and defendant before deciding whether to extend the temporary order. Preparation matters — the judge will want specific dates, incidents, and evidence, not vague descriptions.
- Do I need a lawyer for a 209A hearing in Massachusetts?
- You are not required to have a lawyer, but the consequences of a 209A — including effects on firearms rights, housing, employment, and custody — make preparation critical. Restraining Orders provides attorney-reviewed preparation packets as a lower-cost alternative to full representation.
- How long does a 209A order last in Massachusetts?
- A temporary 209A order typically lasts until the 10-day hearing. After that, the court may extend it for up to one year. Orders can be extended further at each anniversary hearing.
- Can a 209A order be dismissed or vacated?
- Yes. A defendant can contest the order at the 10-day hearing or file a motion to modify or vacate. To win, the plaintiff must show both a qualifying relationship (family, household, or dating) and 'abuse' as defined by Chapter 209A — physical harm, a reasonable fear of imminent serious physical harm, or coerced sexual relations. If either is missing, the order should not stand.
- What happens if I violate a 209A order?
- Violating a 209A order is a criminal offense under Massachusetts law. It can result in arrest, criminal charges, and a record. The civil order and the criminal violation are separate matters.
- I was served with a 209A but I live outside Massachusetts. Can I still use this service?
- Yes. The service is open to anyone whose matter is in a Massachusetts court, regardless of where you live. A 209A is a Massachusetts court order — your physical location does not affect your eligibility.
- How is a 209A abuse prevention order different from a 258E harassment order in Massachusetts?
- A 209A abuse prevention order applies when the parties are family or household members, or in a substantive dating relationship — spouses, ex-partners, people who live or lived together, or people who share a child. A c. 258E harassment prevention order is the right tool when there is no such relationship (neighbors, coworkers, acquaintances, strangers). This site covers 209A only.
Ready to prepare?
Start the conversation above. The conflict check and intake are free. Attorney-reviewed packets are available when you're ready to proceed.
Restraining Orders · Massachusetts G.L. c. 209A