Bill > H1280

This bill amends Chapter 209A of the General Laws, which deals with abuse prevention cases, by adding a new provision that grants a defendant the right to a change of venue to the district court of the marital residence for a jury trial if they have a case in family and probate court. A "change of venue" means moving a legal case from one court to another, and in this context, it allows a defendant to request their case be heard in a different court location, specifically the district court where the couple lived together, if they wish to have a jury decide their case. This provision aims to provide defendants in certain abuse prevention cases with an additional option for where their trial can be held.