Callahan v. Callahan

At a hearing on a motion for an extension of an original abuse protection order pursuant to G. L. c. 209A, the inquiry is “whether the plaintiff has shown by a preponderance of the evidence that an extension of the order is necessary to protect her from the likelihood of ‘abuse’ as defined in G. L. c. 209A, § 1.” Iamele v. Asselin, 444 Mass. 734, 739 (2005). In determining the issue, a judge must ascertain whether the plaintiff’s “fear of imminent serious physical harm,” G. L. c. 209A, § 1, is reasonable. “[F] actors that the judge should consider include, but are not limited to . . . the…