Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence Attorney in Woburn, MA

35+ Years of Combined Family Law Experience, Working Across Every Stage of Your Case

When a domestic violence situation arises, the legal consequences rarely stop at a single proceeding. A protective order, a custody dispute, and a divorce filing can all emerge from the same set of facts, sometimes within days of each other. Schaefer Law PC represents clients throughout Middlesex County across the full scope of what follows: from the initial protective order hearing to the custody and divorce matters that often come next. Our team brings 35+ years of combined family law experience and is based in Woburn.

Our firm was founded by Pamela J. Schaefer, who is joined by associate Elizabeth Chernus and of-counsel attorney Dea I. Coka. We offer free consultations by phone, in person, or virtually, and we’ve been recognized as 2024 Boston Top Lawyers and Lawyers of Distinction.

If you’re facing a domestic violence matter in the Woburn area, don’t wait to get legal guidance. Emergency hearings move fast, and early representation can make a difference. Call us at (617) 917-3299 to schedule your free consultation.

What We Handle in Domestic Violence Cases

Our domestic violence representation is built within a full-service family law practice. That means we can address the immediate protective order proceeding and the related family court matters under one roof, without handing you off to a separate attorney when custody or divorce issues surface.

Our representation in domestic violence matters can include:

Petitioning for an abuse prevention order under M.G.L. c. 209A, including ex parte hearings
Preparing for and attending the full 10-day hearing
Responding to a 209A order as the named defendant
Pursuing a harassment prevention order under M.G.L. c. 258E when the parties don’t share a qualifying domestic relationship
Addressing criminal charges arising from a domestic incident at Woburn District Court
Coordinating concurrent custody, divorce, or modification proceedings in Middlesex County Probate and Family Court

Domestic violence situations involving children often require action in both the district court and the Probate and Family Court at the same time. Having one legal team that handles both tracks can help keep your strategy consistent as the situation develops.

Why Clients in Woburn Choose Schaefer Law PC

Domestic violence matters demand an attorney who communicates clearly under time pressure. Emergency hearings can be scheduled the same day a petition is filed, and the legal landscape shifts as each proceeding advances. Pamela J. Schaefer works directly with every client, listening closely and building a strategy tailored to their specific circumstances rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

Our firm is woman-owned and operated. We hold memberships in the Boston Bar Association, the Massachusetts Bar Association, the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, and the Women’s Bar Association. Transparent billing and virtual meeting options reduce friction for clients in sensitive or safety-constrained situations. There are no hidden fees, and you can meet with us from wherever you’re safe.

Pamela is also a certified mediator. Once the immediate safety situation is stabilized, mediation can offer a path to resolving related family law matters without prolonged litigation, when circumstances allow.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Whether you need to file for a protective order, respond to one, or address the custody and divorce issues tied to a domestic violence matter, Schaefer Law PC can help. Free consultations are available by phone, in person, or virtually. Call us at (617) 917-3299 or reach out through our online contact form to take the first step.

Massachusetts Domestic Violence Law: What You Need to Know

Understanding the legal framework behind a domestic violence proceeding helps clients make informed decisions quickly. Here’s an overview of the key statutes and legal developments that govern these cases in Massachusetts.

M.G.L. c. 209A: The Abuse Prevention Act

Massachusetts’s primary protective order statute covers people in qualifying domestic relationships: those who are or were married, living together, related by blood or marriage, share a child, or are or were in a substantive dating relationship. If you don’t fall into one of those categories, a harassment prevention order under M.G.L. c. 258E may apply instead. The two tracks have distinct evidentiary standards and different requirements for what must be proven.

In June 2024, the Massachusetts legislature amended M.G.L. c. 209A to add coercive control as a recognized form of abuse. Coercive control is a pattern of behavior intended to threaten, intimidate, harass, isolate, control, or compel compliance of a family or household member. The amendment expanded the grounds for an abuse prevention order beyond physical violence or the threat of imminent physical harm, which had been the prior standard.

Criminal Prosecution at Woburn District Court

A domestic violence charge under M.G.L. c. 265, § 13M may be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or may be elevated depending on the circumstances and charging history. Related conduct such as assault and battery with a dangerous weapon or strangulation may be charged as separate, more serious offenses under other provisions of Chapter 265. The Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office prosecutes domestic violence cases at Woburn District Court under a no-drop policy, meaning the DA may proceed on available evidence regardless of whether the complaining witness cooperates or declines to testify.

Immediate Consequences of a 209A Order

A 209A order is civil, but its effects can be as immediate as any criminal penalty. The named defendant may be required to vacate a shared home, surrender all firearms, ammunition, and any License to Carry or Firearms ID card upon service of the order, and have no contact with the plaintiff or minor children identified in the order. A qualifying 209A order also triggers a federal firearm prohibition under the Lautenberg Amendment (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(8)) for the duration of the order.

Every 209A order, including a temporary ex parte order, is recorded in the statewide domestic violence registry and accessible to law enforcement nationwide, even though it doesn’t appear on a public CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information). Violating the order is a criminal offense under M.G.L. c. 209A, § 7 and can carry up to 2.5 years in a House of Correction. The court doesn’t provide attorneys to either party in a 209A proceeding, so both the petitioner and respondent must retain their own representation if they want legal advocacy at the hearing.

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When a Domestic Violence Case Becomes a Family Law Case

A protective order is often the first legal step, but it’s rarely the last. A 209A order issued in Woburn District Court can include temporary child custody and visitation provisions. Those provisions may then carry into or conflict with separate proceedings in Middlesex County Probate and Family Court, requiring coordination across both courts at the same time.

A domestic violence conviction or a 209A order on record can also affect long-term custody determinations. When courts allocate parental rights, they consider the safety and welfare of children, and a history of abuse is a material factor in that analysis. Clients who need both immediate protective relief and a longer-term resolution of custody or divorce matters may benefit from working with one legal team that can move across both tracks without handoffs.

Our full-service family law practice covers divorce, child custody, child support, modification of prior judgments, parental rights, and separation agreements. Pamela J. Schaefer’s certification as a mediator adds another option: once the immediate safety situation is stabilized, mediation can offer a faster and less adversarial path to resolving related matters, where appropriate. We serve clients throughout Middlesex County.

How the 209A Protective Order Process Works in Woburn

Knowing what to expect at each stage helps you prepare. Here’s how the process typically unfolds at Woburn District Court.

Filing & the Temporary Ex Parte Order

A petitioner can file for a 209A abuse prevention order at Woburn District Court, which serves Woburn and six surrounding municipalities. If you’ve left home to avoid abuse, you may also file in the county where you’re temporarily staying. An ex parte temporary order can be issued without the respondent present if the court finds the petitioner faces immediate danger. Police typically serve the order on the respondent as soon as possible after issuance.

The 10-Day Hearing

A full hearing is scheduled within 10 court business days of the temporary order. Both parties may present witnesses and evidence, and attorneys may examine witnesses and the other party. If the judge finds the petitioner is suffering from abuse, the order can be extended for up to one year. If the petitioner doesn’t appear, the temporary order is typically terminated.

Extensions, Modifications, & Confidentiality

After the initial extension, the order can be renewed, and specific provisions can be added or removed based on changed circumstances. A petitioner may also ask the court clerk to impound their address at the time of filing, keeping it confidential from the respondent. Understanding these options before the hearing can help both petitioners and respondents protect their interests.

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Get Legal Help for a Domestic Violence Matter in Middlesex County

Domestic violence cases can move quickly. Same-day emergency orders, criminal charges, and custody hearings can all emerge from a single incident. Connecting with an attorney before those proceedings begin can give you a clearer picture of your options and a stronger position at each stage.

Schaefer Law PC offers free consultations by phone, in person, or virtually for clients throughout Woburn and Middlesex County. Call (617) 917-3299 or reach out through our online contact form to schedule yours.

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"A Classy Crew"
Pamela, Nicole, and her team (Annie too) are all incredible. They are extremely prompt and professional. A classy crew to say the least. They knew exactly what I needed and addressed all of my concerns all while going through a hard time.

- Kristen M.
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Pamela was everything I needed while going through my divorce. Annie, the office paralegal was invaluable! They had the heart warming ability of taking care of me the way they would have cared for a member of their family.

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"Staunchly In My Corner"
Pam succinctly outlined the issues. She also accurately, it turned out, predicted the uphill climb we faced. Never wavering, staunchly in my corner, she and her office shepherded me through this very trying minefield.

- Hans B.
"They Went the Extra Mile"
I can’t say enough about Pamela Schaefer and her team. Pam provided me with the guidance and advice I needed to feel confident at every stage of the process. Her entire team is responsive, professional, and went the extra mile for me.

- Former Client
"Bright and Savvy Lawyer"
Pam worked with me across many years as a consultant during a very difficult and emotional divorce. She is a bright and savvy lawyer who was also very personable and supportive when I needed it most.

- Beverly S.
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Attorney Pam Schaefer and her assistant Annie are amazing! They answered all questions and my many concerns in a timely manner. Pam was very personable, extremely professional and knowledgeable.

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Pam has a thorough knowledge of the law and defended my case with determination. She was very competent and compassionate. She and her team reassured me at a tough time and kept the communication transparent.

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I had more than one awesome experience working with Pamela. If you want someone personable, responsible, knowledgeable and of course - dependable, don't even look anywhere else.

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