Restraining Orders

Since you said you wanted information on how to file for a protection order in State, I want to give you some general information about protection orders in your state. According to our WomensLaw website, in State, there are [FILL IN - ONE, TWO, ETC] types of orders: FILL IN NAMES OF ORDERS IF THERE ARE MORE THAN ONE.

You can read about both here [HYPERLINK TO MAIN RO PAGE WHERE SHE CAN SEE BOTH TYPES OF ORDERS] but I will point out a few specific links that are especially helpful below.

For information on the [FILL IN NAME: domestic violence protective orders], our WomensLaw website has the legal definition of domestic violence [HYPERLINK TO WHAT IS DEFINITION OF DV? ] so a victim can see what has to be proven in order to qualify for an order. [ONLY INCLUDE THIS IF SHE DOESN’T SAY THE RELATIONSHIP TO THE ABUSER: Our website also has information on who is eligible for this type of order [HYPERLINK TO WHO CAN GET AN ORDER?]

Since you asked how to get a restraining order, our website walks a victim through the steps for obtaining a protection order. [HYPERLINK TO STEPS] Generally, the first step is to file a petition in court describing the abuse and requesting protection. Generally, a person can request things like that the abuser stay away from them, stop the abuse, or that the victim be granted custody. You can also read about the types of protections a judge can order. [HYPERLINK TO HOW CAN AN ORDER HELP ME] Generally, a victim can request an emergency order that can be granted on the same day that they file a petition. Emergency orders usually only last for a short period of time and the victim will get a court date to return to court for a long-term order. Generally, an abuser must be served with notice of the case and have an opportunity to appear in court. On our website you can read about how long an order can last. [HYPERLINK TO WHAT TYPES OF ORDERS/ HOW LONG DOES ORDER LAST] In general, if the judge finds that domestic violence has been committed, the judge may issue a restraining order.

[ONLY INCLUDE THIS INFO ON OTHER KINDS OF ROs IF APPROPRIATE] If you don’t qualify for a domestic violence order, you can take a look at our [FILL IN THE NAMES OF THE SECOND TYPE OF ORDERS AND HYPERLINK TO IT] to see if you may qualify for that type of order.

We have a list of courthouse locations in your state [HYPERLINK TO COURTHOUSE LOCATIONS] where a victim of abuse can file for an order. And our website has information on how to prepare for a court hearing. Although a lawyer isn’t required to file for a protection order, it can be helpful to have a lawyer in court. Our website has information to help with Finding a Lawyer in your state. [HYPERLINK TO FINDING A LAWYER].