Domestic Violence Cases in Massachusetts

On this page we are compiling links to the full text of important Massachusetts Appellate Cases on Family Law and Divorce decided by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court and the Massachusetts Appeals Court.

These cases are for educational purpose only and should not be used for any official or legal purpose. Please consult official reports. Below you will be able to search for Massachusetts Appeals Court Slip Opinions and Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Slip Opinions relating to Domestic Violence.

Ginsberg v. Blacker - The judge properly issued an abuse prevention order because the defendant's conduct placed the plaintiff "in fear of imminent serious physical harm".

Smith v. Jones - The plaintiff must show that he/she is suffering from abuse or a protective order is necessary to prevent abuse in order to extend an ex parte protective order issued by the court.

Szymkowski v. Szymkowski - The case involves a mother, on behalf of her daughter, obtained a c. 209A restraining order against the father. The mother and father were divorced at the time, and shared legal custody of their 3 children, with primary physical custody to the mother. The events preceding the c. 209A restraining order was a five-day ski trip when the father took the youngest child, Brittany (who was 7 years old at the time) to Killington, Vermont. Over the five days, the father kicked Brittany in the back of her legs because she missed her mother; described frightening dreams to Brittany; threw an empty milk container at her; struck her twice under her chin because she irritated him; and he pinched her on the arm so hard that it left a mark. While the father has shown unacceptable parental behavior, his behavior did not cause Brittany fear of imminent serious physical harm. The c.209A restraining order was vacated.

Domestic Violence

Massachusetts Slip Opinions - Massachusetts Appellate Cases - Domestic Violence Cases in MA