Q: How can a pro se def. appealing a 209A order in MA serve the plaintiff with the Notice of Appeal w/o violating the 209A?
209A is a restraining order.
A:
You can contact the court that issued the restraining order and ask them to serve the Plaintiff. You are right to approach this with caution, it could be a violation of the 209A order. If you were to be represented by counsel, the attorney could serve the plaintiff without violating the 209A order. You mentioned that you are pro se, so that likely doesn't help you.
The Appeals Court recently held that it was not a violation of a 258E harassment order (which are often analogous to 209A orders) for the defendant to make an electronic payment to the plaintiff (without any other commentary or emojis). I would highly recommend that you do not serve the plaintiff directly in any event, and seek assistance from the clerk's office.
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