How can I get an order in District Court?

Should you decide to go to a District Court for a 209A Order, you may go to the District Court in the area where you live or, if you have fled to another area to avoid abuse, you may go to the District Court in the area where you now live (Dukes County Courthouse, Main Street, Edgartown). Go to the Clerk’s Office in the court and ask for a "protective order" or a "209A Order," You will receive a packet of forms to complete as an application for a protective order.

In some courts, there may be a Court Advocate from a local battered women’s service agency to help you with the form. A Victim/Witness Advocate from the District Attorney’s Office is also usually available for assistance and to discuss the option of filing criminal charges against your abuser. Ask someone at the Clerk’s Office to direct you to the District Attorney’s Victim/ Witness Office for help. You do not have to file criminal charges in order to obtain a 209A Order. However, criminal charges can be helpful in holding a batterer responsible for criminal acts committed against you. If there is a criminal violation, the Court can also require a batterer to obtain counseling or other treatment.

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1. What will the Judge do before speaking with you?
2. What happens next?
3. What about child custody and visitation?
4. What Relief can I ask for on an application?
5. How can I get an order in District Court?
6. Where can I get a 209A Order?
7. What is the legal definition of Abuse?
8. What is a 209A order?
9. What questions are asked on the forms?
10. What happens at the end of the year or effective date?
11. What is a 10 day hearing?
12. What happens if an arrest is made?
13. What happens if the order is violated?
14. Can a minor obtain a 209A Order?
15. What should you do if you want to change the terms of the order?
16. Will the intervention stop the abuse?
17. What happens after the arraignment?
18. What happens in the arraignment?