Bill > H1186

This bill amends Chapter 209A of the General Laws, which deals with abuse prevention orders, to clarify the jurisdiction of the probate and family court when a minor child is involved in a household where abuse is alleged. Specifically, it states that the probate and family court where the person seeking protection (the plaintiff) lives will have exclusive authority to hear the case if the person suffering abuse lives in a household with a minor child. However, this exclusive jurisdiction will not apply if the plaintiff claims there is a significant and immediate risk of danger. This change aims to ensure that cases involving minors are handled by the probate and family court, which is equipped to address family-related matters, unless there is an urgent need for immediate protection that overrides this jurisdictional rule.