PrintIf you get a 209A order, the judge can order the person who abused you to “compensate” (pay) you for certain things that you need because of the abuse. 1 Things you need because of the abuse can be things you had to leave behind, things that were destroyed or things like:
- money you could not earn because you were in a relationship where there was domestic violence
- the financial support you were getting from the person who abused you while you were in the relationship
- the cost of installing utilities in your new place, or restoring them if you are staying in the same place,
- medical expenses because of the abuse,
- the cost of replacing locks or personal property that the abusive person took or destroyed,
- moving expenses, and
- reasonable attorney’s fees.
The judge can also order the person who abused you to compensate you for other losses that are not on this list.
If I am not married and I am not getting a 209A order, is there any way for me to get my things?
See How can I get the rest of my things after I move out?
Endnotes
1 (The law says, “for the losses suffered as direct result of such abuse”) General Laws, Chapter 209A, section 3.
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