An Act maintaining protective orders

This bill amends Massachusetts law to ensure that protective orders issued in domestic violence cases continue to protect the plaintiff's children even after the plaintiff dies. Specifically, it requires courts to order defendants to refrain from abusing or contacting the children unless authorized by a judge. These protections remain in effect until a court officially removes them or the order's expiration date is reached. The change directly affects survivors of domestic violence and their children by extending legal safeguards beyond the life of the original victim.