Section 4. Upon the filing of a complaint under this chapter, the court may enter such temporary orders as it deems necessary to protect a plaintiff from abuse, including relief as provided in section three. Such relief shall not be contingent upon the filing of a complaint for divorce, separate support, or paternity action.
If the plaintiff demonstrates a substantial likelihood of immediate danger of abuse, the court may enter such temporary relief orders without notice as it deems necessary to protect the plaintiff from abuse and shall immediately thereafter notify the defendant that the temporary orders have been issued. The court shall give the defendant an opportunity to be heard on the question of continuing the temporary order and of granting other relief as requested by the plaintiff no later than ten court business days after such orders are entered.
Notice shall be made by the appropriate law enforcement agency as provided in section seven.
If the defendant does not appear at such subsequent hearing, the temporary orders shall continue in effect without further order of the court.
Structure Massachusetts General Laws
Part II - Real and Personal Property and Domestic Relations
Title III - Domestic Relations
Chapter 209a - Abuse Prevention
Section 3 - Remedies; Period of Relief
Section 3c - Continuation or Modification of Order for Surrender or Suspension
Section 4 - Temporary Orders; Notice; Hearing
Section 5 - Granting of Relief When Court Closed; Certification
Section 8 - Confidentiality of Records