Massachusetts G.L. c. 258E · Bristol County
Preparing to respond to — or file — a G.L. c. 258E harassment prevention order at Fall River District Court in Fall River, Massachusetts. Serving Fall River, Somerset, Swansea, Freetown, Westport. Attorney-reviewed preparation built for this court.
Facing a G.L. c. 258E harassment prevention order at Fall River District Court? This court handles 258E cases from Fall River, Somerset, Swansea, Freetown, and Westport, in Bristol County. The 10-day hearing is the one that counts: it is where the judge decides whether to extend, modify, or vacate a temporary order, based on the specific acts each side can prove. Preparing before you reach the Fall River courthouse is the difference-maker.
A 258E harassment prevention order is generally filed in the district court that covers the city or town where the harassment occurred — or where you or the other party live. Fall River District Court hears 258E cases from:
If your case is in one of these communities, it is likely heard here. If you received a summons, the court is listed on it — always follow the summons.
A G.L. c. 258E extension hearing at Fall River District Court typically lasts 10–30 minutes. The plaintiff speaks first, then the defendant. The judge applies the 258E standard: whether the defendant committed three or more acts of willful and malicious conduct aimed at a specific person that caused fear, intimidation, abuse, or damage to property — or one qualifying single act. Your preparation packet should directly address each allegation.
Check in at the clerk's office
Tell the clerk you are here for a 258E extension hearing. Bring your summons or order. The clerk's number is (508) 672-2100.
Go through courthouse security
Arrive 30 minutes early. You will go through a metal detector. No weapons, no pepper spray. Phones must be silenced once inside the courtroom.
Wait in the designated area
The clerk will tell you where to wait. 258E hearings are typically held in a general session courtroom. Listen for your name.
Present your case to the judge
You will each get a chance to speak. Address the judge as 'Your Honor.' Refer to your preparation packet. Speak slowly and directly to the judge — not to the opposing party.
The judge issues a ruling
The judge will either extend the order, modify it, or vacate it. If the order is extended, you have the right to appeal to the Superior Court within 30 days.
Under G.L. c. 258E, the plaintiff must prove — by a preponderance of the evidence — that you committed three or more willful and malicious acts directed at a specific person that caused fear, intimidation, abuse, or property damage, or committed one act of violence or forced sexual relations. A defense at Fall River works by undercutting one or more of those elements:
Key defense arguments
Filing a 258E at Fall River District Court starts at the clerk's office with the complaint, your sworn affidavit, and the plaintiff confidential information form. The affidavit is the heart of the case: it must set out at least three separate acts of willful, malicious harassment — or one qualifying act of force, a threat, or coercion — each anchored to a date the judge can follow. Vague timelines are the most common reason orders are denied at the 10-day hearing.
258E courts & official forms →258E harassment prevention order hearings are held at Fall River District Court, 45 Rock Street, Fall River, MA 02720. Check in at the clerk's office and tell them you are there for a 258E hearing. Municipal parking garage nearby.
Fall River District Court covers harassment prevention order cases for Fall River, Somerset, Swansea, Freetown, and Westport. A 258E is generally filed where the harassment occurred or where a party lives, so if your situation is in one of these communities, the case is likely heard here. If you received a summons, follow the court listed on it.
A 258E extension hearing typically lasts 10 to 30 minutes. The plaintiff speaks first, then the defendant, and the judge decides whether to extend, modify, or vacate the temporary order. Cases are heard in a general session, so arrive early and wait for your name.
Violating a 258E order is a separate criminal offense under Massachusetts law and can lead to arrest and charges — independent of the civil order itself. If you have an order against you, understanding exactly what it prohibits is critical before any contact.
45 Rock Street
Fall River, MA 02720
Municipal parking garage nearby.
Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled hearing time. Security lines can be slow, especially on busy court days. Clerk's office is typically open 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday–Friday.
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Court contact
Clerk's office
(508) 672-2100Address
45 Rock Street, Fall River, MA 02720
County
Bristol County
Official listing
mass.gov →Free legal help
South Coastal Counties Legal Services provides free civil legal help, including harassment and abuse prevention orders, to income-eligible residents of southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and the Islands.