Restraining Orders

When someone files for a protection order, s/he generally fills out a petition and a sworn affidavit alleging incidents of abuse, harassment, stalking, etc. The judge generally reviews this information and may question the petitioner and then the judge can issue an immediate temporary protection order that is effective when it is served. However, in order to get a longer protection order, the petitioner would be required to attend a hearing in front of a judge and prove his/her claims of abuse. The respondent also has the opportunity to attend the hearing and to present evidence to try to disprove the allegations against him/her. It is often best to have a lawyer at such a hearing who can examine the respondent on the witness stand, cross-examine the petitioner, introduce other witnesses, and present evidence. The judge would listen to both sides and decide whether or not to grant the protection order. We have links to lawyers, some of which may be free or low-cost if you qualify:LINK

We also have information on the protection order process in your state here: [INSERT LINK TO RO PAGE] and here is a link to the specific claims that a petitioner would have to prove to get a protection order in your state: LINK TO WHAT IS LEGAL DEF OF DV QUESTION. While the information is geared toward individuals seeking a protection order, the information may be able to help someone defending him/herself against a protective order as well.