Who is a family or household member?
Chapter 209A, the Massachusetts Abuse Prevention Act, defines family or household members as persons who:
  • Are or were married to one another
  • Are or were residing together in the same household
  • Are or were related by blood or marriage
  • Having a child in common regardless of whether they have ever married or lived together
  • Or are or have been in a substantive dating or engagement relationship, which shall be adjudged by district, probate or Boston municipal courts, by considering the following factors: the length of time of the relationship; the type of relationship; the frequency of interaction between the parties; and if the relationship has been terminated by either person, and the length of time elapsed since the termination of the relationship

Show All Answers

1. What is the legal definition of abuse?
2. What is an Abuse Prevention Order?
3. Who is a family or household member?