 Legal Advocacy
Our legal advocates and volunteers provide assistance with the 209a restraining order process in Probate Court and the following 5 district courts in Essex County: Salem, Lynn, Peabody, Gloucester, and Ipswich. Advocates can assist you in completing the necessary paperwork and will explain the law regarding restraining orders.
Legal advocates can accompany you in probate court for any domestic violence related matter, on a first come, first serve basis. Call HAWC's Lynn office 781-592-9900 x12 ASAP to schedule an advocate.
Legal advocates maintain a regular schedule in the 5 district courts and can accompany you on the following schedule (an appointment is not necessary within these hours):
Salem & Lynn: M-F 9am-1pm
Peabody: Monday 9am-11am
Gloucester: Mon., Thurs., Fri. 9am-11:30am
Ipswich: 2nd & 4th Tuesday, every Thursday 9am-11:30am
*If you need an advocate outside of these hours, please call the hotline 1-800-547-1649 or the HAWC office (978-744-8552) for assistance. Emergency, after-hours assistance is available at Salem & Union Hospital Emergency Rooms and at the Beverly Police Department.
When you meet with a HAWC advocate, they will explain what happens at the 10 day hearing. While restraining orders do not always work by themselves, they send a powerful message that "the abuse must stop."
Through the Family Law Clinic, HAWC provides clients with the opportunity to meet with an attorney by appointment for legal advice. (Please note that this program does NOT include court representation.) Call the Salem (978-744-8552) or Lynn Office (781-592-9900) to set up an appointment.
HAWC also has a collaborative relationship with Neighborhood Legal Services in Lynn and will try to assist clients who cannot afford legal assistance.
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