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What are Grounds for a Restraining Order in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts has strict laws regarding restraining orders. If you have been served with a restraining order in Massachusetts, you must seek the assistance of a reputable Massachusetts attorney to defend you. Our expert attorneys at the Bellotti Law Group, P.C. will give you the assistance you need to file or defend against a restraining order.

Attorney Peter Bellotti is a skilled criminal litigation attorney and was a former senior assistant district attorney for Middlesex County. Attorney Bellotti perfected his skills to become a talented and tenacious litigator who has tried hundreds of cases in the superior and district courts and presented arguments before the Appeals Court and the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. Fighting a restraining order is common practice for Attorney Belllotti, and can help you with your case.

Bellotti Law Group, P.C. will fight tirelessly to help you with your case. Call 617-225-2100 for a free consultation.

What are the Common Reasons for Getting a Restraining Order?

A restraining order can prohibit someone from harassing, bothering, or stalking you. In divorce cases, you can apply for a restraining order to prevent your former spouse from contacting or getting near you and your children. This is particularly crucial if there is a likelihood that your former spouse could physically harm or psychologically abuse you and your children. You may also seek a restraining order to prevent the loss or damage of your property.

Types of Restraining Orders

Restraining orders are a civil complaint in Massachusetts, and they only become criminal if they are violated. There are two types of restraining orders: abuse prevention orders (209A) and harassment prevention orders (258E). The distinctions are described in more detail here.
Grounds for Getting a Restraining Order in Massachusetts
Under the Massachusetts Abuse Prevention Act (209A Protective Orders), petitioners are protected against physical or sexual abuse by a relative or household member under this sort of order. The defendant is refrained from contacting, abusing, or living with the petitioner. This shields the petitioner from damage or the fear of harm induced by force. A 209A Order can also grant temporary custody of a minor child to the petitioner. The state refers to a household or a family member as:
  • Someone you've dated
  • Someone you used to live with
  • Your current or previous spouse
  • Your child's other parent
  • Someone you're connected to by marriage
  • Someone you're related to through blood
To obtain a restraining order in Massachusetts, you must prove that there has been a prior incident of violence. Prior incidents include assault, harassment, stalking, terroristic threats, and other forms of harassment. You can allege several instances of domestic violence, but to get a restraining order, you must have at least one of the specified predicate acts of domestic violence. To be eligible for the emergency relief provided by a restraining order, the predicate act(s) must have happened recently. If these acts of domestic abuse happened, the plaintiff should petition for a restraining order immediately.
It's also important to show a history of domestic violence. Beyond the predicate act of domestic violence that happened above, most cases also need proof of a history of domestic violence. In some circumstances, if the predicate act of domestic violence is very heinous, a history of domestic violence isn't required to get a restraining order. To obtain a restraining order, you must be able to demonstrate to the judge that the restraining order is necessary to safeguard your well-being. Restraining orders are given to avoid harassment and violence. The following are some examples of when a restraining order may be necessary:
  • There is proof that the defendant has a personal grudge against the victim (for example, criminal damage)
  • Instances in which the defendant and victim are acquainted or have previously been involved in an intimate connection (for example, domestic violence cases)
  • Both parties maintain regular communication (for example, where the victim and defendant run a local business
  • Before a restraining order may be obtained in any of these situations, the victim must show a fear of potential harm. Generalized fear, nervousness, irritation, or a sense of being harassed is not enough to fulfill the criteria. In order to obtain a restraining order, you must be able to show that you have a reasonable and necessary fear that your abuser may harm you.
Some Important Considerations
On the application form for a restraining order, a sworn declaration (affidavit) is needed. The affidavit describes the facts of current or prior incidents of abuse. It's also crucial to supply details about the abuser. Details about the abuser include his or her workplace, phone number, birth date, and social security number. The abuser can be ordered by the court to:
  • Stop the abuse
  • Stop all contact with the victim
  • Leave a home
  • Leave their employment
  • Surrender guns and firearm identification cards
After a restraining order is issued, violating the order is a crime. If law enforcement officers suspect or observe the abuser violating the order, they must arrest the individual. If you have filed a restraining order and notice that the abuser is disobeying the order, you should contact law enforcement immediately. Make sure to carry the order with you at all times. Additionally, it will help to make sure your neighbors, employers, and child care providers are aware of the order and the contents of the order. If you have been served a restraining order, you need to help of a skilled attorney to fight it. The attorneys at Bellotti Law Group, P.C. will fight to ensure your case has the best possible chance for a favorable outcome. Call 617-225-2100 for a free case evaluation today.


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I hired Peter as my attorney for a very complicated case involving misidentification for an A&B case. Peter set expectations from day one and stuck to his plan. The case ended up going to a jury trial. Peter was thoroughly prepared and was able to prove the misidentification and won the case with a not guilty verdict on all counts… I would highly recommend the Bellotti Law Group to anyone who needs a lawyer. Matt
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Peter Bellotti is an outstanding lawyer. I am a professional who has never been in trouble with the law and I was arrested and charged under some very unfortunate circumstances. I was devastated and talked to numerous different high-rated criminal defense attorneys. Among them Peter Bellotti stood out, he seemed to genuinely care about my case and fully understand my concerns about my reputation… My case was dismissed and I would recommend him to anyone who needs top quality legal representation. Anonymous
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I am an anxious person by nature and when I was arrested last year I thought that my life was over. The charges were very serious and I felt helpless, devastated and embarrassed…After explaining the circumstances that led to my arrest, Attorney Bellotti told me that "the charges, while serious, were defensible…” Peter was the 4th lawyer that I met with and I am so lucky to have had him on my side. I will always be grateful to Peter and I would highly, highly, highly recommend him to anyone looking for an intelligent, creative, determined and skilled attorney. Michael
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Peter Bellotti successfully managed not one, but three complex legal situations for me. He combines superb legal insight and instincts with unrelenting energy and authentic compassion in the service of his clients. Finding him was was one of the most fortunate events of my life. Talk to him before deciding on an attorney. Anonymous
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