Where to Find Help
UPDATED January 12, 2009
Before your Civil Protection Order can take effect, you must have your papers served to your abuser.
There are no sheriff departments in Washington, D.C., so you must have your papers served at your local Police Department. The Metropolitan Police Department does service of protection order petitions when the party resides or works in the District. In addition, the Unit has a gentleman's agreement with Montgomery/Prince Georges County Sheriff's Department to accomplish service free of charge.
Check with the court clerk at the court where you filed for your Protective Order, since the court may serve the papers for you, saving you the trip to the Police Department.
For more information on how to get Civil Protection Order in Washington, D.C., check the How to Get a Restraining Order page on our website, or contact the clerk of the court in the superior court. For a list of D.C. courts, check the Courthouse Locations page on our site.