Mass. Courts Offer Restraining Order Forms In 9 Languages

Court officials in Massachusetts are making forms and instructions for filing a restraining order available in nine languages.

In addition to English, the forms are now available in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Haitian Creole, Khmer, Portuguese, Russian and Vietnamese.

Trial Court Chief Justice Paula Carey said the trauma that often accompanies a restraining order hearing can make it daunting to go to court. She said translated forms will enable people with limited English proficiency to understand the forms related to their case and help them advocate for their own protection.

The Trial Court issued its first Language Access Plan in December. The plan includes detailed action steps for improving the range of services the court offers for people with limited English proficiency.