Emergency Family-Law Resources in Massachusetts
Official starting points for immediate safety, interim custody orders, abuse prevention orders, and Massachusetts DCF.
Temporary orders involving children
Massachusetts does not promise same-day rulings on any private interim custody filing. An ex parte custody order is entered only on an emergency and is valid for not more than 5 days (M.G.L. c. 208 § 28A). Use the Probate and Family Court interim / emergency procedure and county forms, and confirm the receiving court's local intake and deadlines.
A parent can request interim custody through the Probate and Family Court procedure. For an immediate threat, an Abuse Prevention Order (209A) petition is a separate, faster route.
Abuse Prevention Order (209A)
A Massachusetts Abuse Prevention Order is issued under M.G.L. c. 209A — no filing fee. A judge can grant a temporary ex parte order; it is valid for up to 10 business days. A hearing follows within 10 court business days. A final order can last up to 1 year and be renewed. Obey every term; only the issuing court can change it.
Massachusetts child protective (DCF)
Reports of suspected abuse or neglect go to the Massachusetts Department of Children & Families (DCF) — the DCF area office during business hours, or the Child Abuse Emergency Line at (800) 792-5200 nights, weekends, and holidays. A report can lead to a DCF child protective investigation. An unfounded/expunged report does not prove it was knowingly false and does not by itself end custody or parenting time.
- M.G.L. c. 209A — Abuse Prevention Order
- M.G.L. c. 208 § 31 — custody
- MA DCF — Report child abuse or neglect
Always confirm current local forms, fees, and filing procedure with the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court clerk handling your case.