What does a 209A order relate to?

A 209A order specifically refers to a restraining order that is issued under Massachusetts law to provide protection to individuals from domestic violence. The purpose of this order is to prevent further abuse by prohibiting the abuser from contacting or coming near the victim. It is particularly designed for situations involving intimate partners, family members, or household members who have experienced physical harm, the threat of harm, or certain types of harassment.

This order can address various aspects of safety, including granting temporary custody of children, possession of property, and stipulating that the abuser must maintain a certain distance from the victim. By seeking a 209A order, individuals can gain legal recourse to safeguard themselves and their children from domestic violence and enhance their feelings of security.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the specific legal protections and circumstances addressed by a 209A order. For example, a protection from harassment order, while it serves the purpose of preventing harassment, is not tailored specifically to the context of domestic violence relationships as a 209A order is. Furthermore, marriage dissolution procedures pertain to divorce and the legal ending of a marriage, which is not inherently about immediate safety from violence.