Bill > H1605

This bill amends Chapter 231 of the General Laws to allow minors aged 13 and older to independently appear in court to request or oppose orders under Chapter 209A (abuse prevention) or Chapter 258E (harassment prevention), without requiring a parent, guardian, or other adult representative. If the minor is unrepresented by an attorney, the court must appoint one and provide information on local victim advocate organizations. However, the bill does not prevent a parent, guardian, or other appropriate adult from filing or opposing such requests on behalf of a minor of any age. The court must consider the expressed wishes of the minor plaintiff aged 13 or older when deciding whether to grant relief and determining the contents of the order.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H1605